Marketing Quick Tips for Attorneys - Networking

Quick Tips offers attorneys marketing ideas that can be completed in less than 30 minutes.
Networking Reminders

Networking events can be like learning to ride a bike. Scary at first, but with some practice, fun and exhilarating.

Last night I attended the Legal Mocktail, a networking training session that takes place in a real cocktail party setting. The event was sponsored by the Legal Marketing Association New England Chapter and the Women's Bar Association. Not only did I have a chance to meet new people and connect with friends and colleagues, I had a chance to practice my networking skills.

I remember when I learned to ride a bike my brother ran behind me shouting, "Peddle, Peddle, Peddle." I knew I needed to peddle but the extra reminder helped me keep going.

Here a a couple of extra reminders that helped me last night during the Legal Mocktail and may help you to at your next networking reception.

• Set a goal for attending the event. 
• Ask for the attendee list before the event.
• Prepare your "elevator speech" before you go. Be ready to answer the question, "What do you do?"
• Also be ready to answer the question, What's new?" 
• Have some ice breaker questions ready. "What brings you here tonight?" 
• Bring your business cards. Yes, basic but often forgotten.
• Have a system for receiving and distributing business cards. For example, keep your cards in your right pocket and put cards you receive in your left pocket.
• And most important, Smile!

Networking can be intimidating but with a little practice it can be come second nature, just like riding a bike.