Feature Article
some new referral sources. As an Atlanta Bar member, you
are also a member of the Multi-Bar Leadership Council, which
allows you to attend events like the Diversity Celebration and
Cook-Off Competition.
3. Network before you network. If you are going to a
Section event, look at the Board of Directors to see if you know
anyone or if you want to meet one attorney in particular. Liu
suggests doing your homework on the other attendees: “[N]
obody’s surprised if I mention a fact from their LinkedIn or firm
bio profile. It’s a way to enhance small talk into substantive
conversation.” Mention upcoming events on social media
to encourage friends to attend and to let people know more
about your Bar activities and interests. Think about how
much time you have for each event and what you want to
accomplish. You may want to spend thirty minutes chatting
people up before getting in a workout. Or you may want to
stay for two hours. Do you want to catch up with old friends,
make new ones, or both? Make sure to replenish your stock
of cards before you go to each event.
4. Network while you network. Be present. Be interested.
Ask attendees about their practice focus and their leadership
within the Bar, but “don’t limit the conversation to lawtalk. We’re lawyers, but we’re also human, and that’s the
connection that builds the best relationships,” Liu advises.
Additionally, ask for cards and jot notes on the back to help
you remember the conversation.
The Official News Publication of the Atlanta Bar Association
5. Follow up. Send emails or handwritten notes to everyone
you meet. Ask Section leaders how to become more involved.
Ask attorneys what types of cases you can refer to them.
Extend invitations to upcoming Atlanta Bar events. Try to
create resonance.
6. Make it meaningful. As Atlanta Bar Board Member
Louis Cohan puts it, “[t]o paraphrase Bruce Lee, you must
network without networking. I personally try to avoid so-called
networking events. Instead, it’s better to do something that
you find meaningful and important, where you might also see
people with whom you share some common professional
interests. One of my favorites is the Litigation Section
Breakfast meetings. These happen monthly during 9 months
of the year at the Ansley Country Club. They are almost
always well attended and the programs are excellent.”
7. Enjoy the results. The Atlanta Bar has “unique
programming that allows us to be more than just lawyers,”
as Brandy Hughes points out. Liu sums up the opportunities
thusly: “I approach networking like I approach exercising:
to reap any benefit, I’ve got to keep it up. The Atlanta Bar
Association is the gym, complete with opportunities for
exercising and trainers to help me along the way.”
June/July 2014
THE ATLANTA LAWYER
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