The Do’s and Don’ts of Networking-Marketing Yourself for
Prospective Employment and Connections
Recently, the First Generation
Law Students Organization at Capital Law hosted our first event, the Do’s and
Don’ts of Networking. Among our
presenters were Hannah Botkin-Doty (L’13) and Jill McQuain, Executive Director
of the Columbus Bar Association (CBA).
Jill and Hannah have used networking to their advantage to build unique
connections, grow their network, and ultimately enhance their professional
lives by doing so. During this event,
the duo highlighted many do’s and don’ts that have helped each of them in their
growth.
DO:
·
Network, Network,
Network, and do it NOW
As
Jill McQuain said, 75% of a lawyer’s success has nothing to do with classroom
skills; it has to do with professionalism, holding yourself accountable, and
talking to people. In a recent study
conducted by a group of Law Schools, 80% of Lawyers hired were hired based on
recommendations. While the practice of
law is a very social industry, heavily dependent on people skills, an
astonishing 70% of Lawyers are introverts.
It takes a lot of work to get your name out there, so it’s important to
pace yourself and look for quality connections over quantity. With first meetings, and even interviews, it
may help to do some background research, Hannah Botkin-Doty says, it helps
build a connection with the individual you’re meeting, and shows you have
genuine interest in the individual, and are not just looking for a job or
clients.
·
When people ask what
you do, tell them who you are and what lights you up
When Hannah Botkin-Doty started her own firm with fellow
classmate, Abbie Obenour, they began at ground zero. They had an office space, and knew they
needed to get clients to get their business going. While Abbie worked on the internal aspects of
the firm, Hannah was tasked with going out there to get the firms name out
there, and hopefully gain some clients.
Networking events can be terrifying, especially if you’re an introvert
like Hannah, but she found that people are friendly if you make an effort. She also says that you need to know your
limits when networking. When talking to
people, tell them who you are and what motivates you, finishing your story with
how you connect to them, whether it’s legal or even personal. Finally, follow up with dates to keep
connecting, maybe over lunch, show the initiative. One of the most important things is to build
trust and like with someone, no one wants to do business with someone they do
not like.
DON’T
·
Drink too much-it’s easy
to get nervous at networking events, but do not get drunk, people will remember
it
·
Be Rude
·
Just hand out business
cards-make people want to get your contact information
·
Blow off events or fail
to attend-if you cannot make it, tell someone, if you can make it, go!
Resources
for easing into networking:
Columbus Bar Association
The
local bar association for the Greater Columbus Area. The CBA hosts a variety of committee
meetings, including a Young Lawyers Committee.
Best of all, the membership is FREE for Law Students!
Columbus
Young Professionals Club
This
is a non-legal resource for those interested in networking with the Greater
Columbus Area! The CYP hosts’ events
from speed networking, to euchre nights, to wine and beer tastings, where you
can meet other young professionals in the area.
Membership costs are low, with a $50/year fee for premium members!
Remember, these resources are
available, but it’s up to YOU to go after them!
“Ambition is the path to success, persistence
is the vehicle you arrive in.”
-William
Eardley IV
For more information, please visit:
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