Like most attorney business development coaches, I’m a big fan of one-on-one networking. It’s in this setting that you’ll have the best opportunity to develop a genuine relationship—one that will hopefully lead to new business.
But one of the biggest challenges for lawyers is how to meet new people to add to your potential referral network. The best way to do it? Be a joiner.
Did you ever notice that when you look at the bios of successful lawyers, they all seem to belong to a variety of community and/or Bar organizations? I can assure you these lawyers’ success has been far more dependent on the people they have met over the years through these organizations than on their superior legal skills.
I usually recommend that lawyers join two groups; one within the community and another within the Bar. Why only two? First, you don’t want to spread yourself too thin. Second, you want to be able to take advantage of all the group’s opportunities to meet its other members.
The best place to start when deciding the precise groups to join is to ask your colleagues. Most will have an opinion on their experience in particular groups.
After that, I suggest you spend some time on the internet. As noted above, successful lawyers are joiners. Think of the successful lawyers in your community or practice area and see where they belong. Then consider joining those same groups.
After you have a solid list of groups to join, consider the following for each:
Once you have answers in hand, you’ll quickly be able to find a couple of groups you can feel comfortable joining.
If you aren’t considering being active in these groups, save your time and money and don’t join. The point is to meet people, not to add another group to your web bio. And, most importantly, remember to invite your new acquaintances to coffee or lunch.
Roy S. Ginsburg, J.D. “My goal is to help lawyers become more successful and satisfied in their careers.” I have spent more than 35 years practicing law in both private practice and as in-house counsel, and currently run a successful part-time solo practice. I… © 2020 Roy Ginsburg
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