View Full Version : how do you network
like, i understand the principle, but as far as the actual act of networking goes, i don't know how you're supposed to do that.
like let's say you're in a room full of important people (for me, politicians and judges and firm partners and such), say it's a social event like a cocktail party or something. what are you supposed to do? be like "hello mr. important senior partner, my name is bob" "oh hello bob...can i help you?" "well you see, i'm networking, you're in my network now...i'm applying for jobs now, so expect a call soon, i gotta go network some more, it was nice to meet you"
i don't get how it works
TurdBerglar
05-14-2008, 07:37 PM
you need a router
You just have to have a conversation. It would be tough if someone has more experience and is considered important or powerful. I would be gun shy about approaching someone and then feeling awkward. Usually my peers have seen my work and we can discuss ideas. I would think it would be the same with attorneys. They would be interested in your experience, goals, education and on and on. I can understand your trepidation.
My father used to say--son, be good to people because strangers are just friends who haven't yet met. Corny but true.
Networking today is done all kinds of ways thru the internet (Myspace,Friendster,etc). Usually if you talk to friends about contacts you can find a friend of a friend who knows someone that can help. I guess it is the 6 degrees of Kevin Bacon in business.
Tell them you post at the BBMB, or y'know, direct them to your posts.
You just have to have a conversation. It would be tough if someone has more experience and is considered important or powerful. I would be gun shy about approaching someone and then feeling awkward. Usually my peers have seen my work and we can discuss ideas. I would think it would be the same with attorneys. They would be interested in your experience, goals, education and on and on. I can understand your trepidation.
still though, i'm not clear on how you get from "having a conversation with someone" to "having connections that matter". i mean can i say "hello mr. hale and dorr, you met me at that party a year ago and i told you i wanted to save the world and...no no, the blue tie...well i was there, i promise...anyway i'm trying to get this job, can you sweet talk the hiring partner thanks bye"
I guess favors are asked most of the time. Asking for help is never fun so I know where you are coming from.
Most of my connections have been through co-workers. I was an intern for 3 years at a tv station and my co-workers helped with suggestions and references. I got my 1st job in a smaller market but used those connections and my old connections to make more connections and it is all good. I moved up to a larger tv market in a year and I had fun in the bush leagues.
You can probably scare up a university colleague or a co-worker at your internship or job and nudge them for a favor. I'm sure they will need a favor from you one day.
I guess favors are asked most of the time. Asking for help is never fun so I know where you are coming from.
Most of my connections have been through co-workers. I was an intern for 3 years at a tv station and my co-workers helped with suggestions and references. I got my 1st job in a smaller market but used those connections and my old connections to make more connections and it is all good. I moved up to a larger tv market in a year and I had fun in the bush leagues.
You can probably scare up a university colleague or a co-worker at your internship or job and nudge them for a favor. I'm sure they will need a favor from you one day.
networking through co-workers makes more sense (especially employers). with them it's like, you spend a decent amount of time with them, you work with them, they're familiar with your personality and capabilities, they can vouch for you because they know you.
i'm just a little more confused with the whole "working the room" thing, where you're just meeting influential people in a more brief and casual social setting. i don't know how you're supposed to do that in a meaningful way. what are they going to say about you? "I met him at a party, he seemed nice?"
Be the hard drinking attorney like Paul Newman in The Verdict. Shun yourself from society and win in the end.
Be the hard drinking attorney like Paul Newman in The Verdict. Shun yourself from society and win in the end.
i'm drinking right now so i think i'll be ok. all i need is a lucky jury
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