Check Out Our Top 10 Blog Articles!
Law Firm Suites provides weekly blog content to help aspiring and established solo attorneys and small law firms alike. On this blog, we have gathered the top 10 must-read articles to help you make the most out of your networking events.
I’ve Always Struggled with Networking for My Firm Until I Found a New Online Community | #FollowAttorneyAmanda
In-person networking can be quite daunting but trying to establish yourself within an online community can be just as nerve-racking, the key is stepping out of your comfort zone. If you want your firm to grow and obtain referrals from your peers, you have to network. Even if gaining referrals isn’t your goal, having an outlet of like-minded peers to glean off of will catapult your firm to another level of success. In this week’s #FollowAttorneyAmanda, Amanda talks about how she struggles in the past with networking but really came into her own during the pandemic.
How to Make Connections at Networking Events That Actually Lead To Referrals
For most solo lawyers, networking is the largest and quickest source of new business. The problem is that these interactions often require starting in large social engagements, which can be a challenge for introverts or people who don’t thrive in crowded environments. Social anxiety is a very real thing, and sometimes it would shock you to hear when someone isn’t comfortable in networking scenarios because they do such a great job covering it up. As a solo lawyer, conferences and networking must be a part of your marketing strategy, and it would be unfortunate to miss those opportunities because you feel awkward making small talk with strangers.
The 5 Networking Tips That Will Create New Referral Relationships For Your Firm
This is a question solos are constantly asking themselves. It is the driving force behind many of the decisions they make for their law practice. A steady flow of referrals means accelerating the growth of your firm and easing your worries regarding getting new clients. One easy way to start getting more referrals is to attend networking events with other lawyers and professionals that can refer you new business. However, getting referrals isn’t as easy as showing up, shaking hands and chit chatting. Some effort is required in order to see a return on your investment.
You Never Know When or Where you Might Make a Great Networking Connection
You never know where you might find a great networking connection. I’m going to start this story by saying I’m not someone who ever felt the need to go to a salon. I was perfectly content to let my mom help me even out my hair after I cut it. Myself. Some might cringe at that thought, but it’s worked for me for 33 years. That being said, I decided one day that, the first and last time I did go to a salon, I got caramel highlights. At the time I thought it was neat, but didn’t think much of it. It didn’t take long for people I knew to comment on how good it looked, and we struck up a whole conversation.
4 Reasons Why “For Profit” Networking Groups Don’t Work For Solo Attorneys
When an attorney decides to go solo there will always be one question that is top of mind for them: “where am I going to find my next client?” In terms of business development, what didn’t work for me (and many other solo attorneys) are “for profit” networking groups. Two big groups that come to mind are BNI (Business Network International) and the Bucks Business Network. Basically, the way these groups work is you pay a yearly fee to attend a weekly meeting. Each local group is filled with members from all types of professions, from insurance brokers and bankers, to florists and fashion designers.
Networking For the Socially Awkward
Ask any solo how they get clients and they will inevitably say through referrals. Personally, I have found this to be true. And the best way to get these referrals is through networking and networking events. Now, I can easily chat with someone after being introduced one on one. But throw me in a room with a bunch of strangers and things quickly get awkward. Surprisingly, I am not a super social person. I can speak in court no problem, but talking to strangers outside of the courtroom is a little scary for me. Once I had my own business to run, I had to get over that fear really fast.
Master Your Law Practice: A New Kind of Networking Group for Lawyers
Every single lawyer will tell you that they should be networking more. For many lawyers, it’s their main and most effective form of marketing. But, your time is precious and for some, networking events in the past haven’t been overly beneficial. Lawyers that network often never meet anyone new and always wind up talking to the same people. We know networking events are time-consuming, so we wanted to share some info about an event that’s actually worth going to.
How to get Experience and Build a Network When You First Start Practicing Law
When you’re running your own law practice, the first year is often the most difficult. This is especially true when you’re a brand new attorney. Not only do you lack a network to help you get your law practice off the ground, but you also don’t have the credibility you need to attract new clients. Luckily, there are many things you can do to gain experience as a new attorney that can also provide you with opportunities to establish a reliable referral network. You just have the play for cards right.
I Felt Like a Wallflower at Networking Events Until I Started Doing This
I like networking as long as it’s the one-on-one variety where you get to sit down and really learn something about the other person. I find that fun. But networking events…if you put me in a room with lots of other professionals and leave me to “mingle”, I feel like a gangly, awkward mess dressed in a nice suit. I envy people who can work a room with ease. Those people who have quick lines or funny anecdotes at the tip of their tongue. It’s not a skill I’ve mastered. I don’t enjoy doing it. And as a result, networking events have never been a big part of my law firm’s marketing mix.
3 Strategies Solos Can Use to Build a Stronger Referral Network
There are many factors impacting the legal industry that are beyond a law firm’s control, one of which includes the intense competition that currently exists. According to the American Bar Association, there were 1.3 million licensed attorneys in the U.S. in 2015, up 1.5% from just the year before. Finding new sources of revenue is one thing that could be controlled with the right strategy. However, it is not enough to attend networking events with an elevator pitch and business cards. Small firm lawyers need to put a little more effort and creativity behind their networking strategy.
