Ad-Spot-#1---AAW---March
Ready Set Scale 770
lawyer networking
share TWEET PIN IT share share 0
play to win

Lawyer Networking: Are You a Spoke or a Hub?

By Sally J. Schmidt

With my travel picking up, recent experiences have made me think about lawyer networking. I remember the days when the airports in Cincinnati and Memphis were major hubs for Delta Air Lines. Now, they are primarily final destinations. On the other hand, airports like New York’s LaGuardia and Salt Lake City have picked up more and more Delta connections.

I often think of networking like a bicycle wheel.

If you’re like a spoke, the connection is between two points: you and your contact. If you’re a hub, the spokes all connect to you; you can link your contacts to others. The best rainmakers understand that their networks are valuable not just to themselves, but to all their other relationships. If you connect a client to a good banker, for example, the banker will be grateful and so will the client.

Lawyer Networking and the Hub Mentality

Here are some examples where the hub mentality would come in handy:

  • A client company is searching for a new controller.
  • A referral source is seeking speakers for a seminar.
  • A client executive is relocating and looking for a real estate agent.
  • A client bank is evaluating new software systems.
  • A neighbor is looking for an estate planning lawyer.
  • An accountant referral source wants to join a club.
  • An organization in which you’re involved is doing member recruiting.
  • A client’s daughter is looking for an internship.

As you can see, none of these needs involve the law per se but the opportunity to assist arises through your practice.

What Does It Take to Be a Hub?

To be an effective hub, you don’t just have a lot of connections; you have contacts who are vetted and whom you are confident recommending. You don’t just meet people who can be of value to you; you reach out to people who can be of value to others in your network.

Here are some ways you can become a hub:

  • Go to conferences and trade shows and visit the exhibitors. Learn who the best vendors and consultants are for clients like yours.
  • Network with other people who do what you do. There will be times you have conflicts or the client doesn’t fit the profile you serve.
  • Network with other professionals in your or your clients’ space. Meet with accountants, brokers, consultants and other service providers who work with clients like yours.
  • Network with people who do things peripheral to what you do; companies that make products, from tchotchkes to apps, may be good contacts for you or your clients.
  • Stay up on people’s and company’s activities through LinkedIn or other social media. You’ll read about postings for jobs, new product launches and geographic expansion, for example.
  • Share information that you think people will find valuable. Send articles, make introductions or forward product and service information that is curated for the individual.

An Effective Networker Is Able to Fill Myriad Needs, Not Just Provide Legal Services

Networking is not just about getting business. It’s about building a universe of people who can help you, your clients and your contacts.

Your goal is to have people ask, “Do you know someone who …” and to confidently respond, “Yes.”

More on Attorney at Work …

“Following Up Naturally: Tips for Nurturing Business Relationships” by Sally Schmidt

“Six Business Development Strategies for Lawyers” by Sally Schmidt

“5 Business Development Mistakes Lawyers Make (and What to Do Instead)” by Jay Harrington

“Five Tips for Networking From 6 Feet” by Camille Stell

Illustration ©iStockPhoto.com

More on Attorney at Work …

“Following Up Naturally: Tips for Nurturing Business Relationships” by Sally Schmidt

“Six Business Development Strategies for Lawyers” by Sally Schmidt

“5 Business Development Mistakes Lawyers Make (and What to Do Instead)” by Jay Harrington

“Five Tips for Networking From 6 Feet” by Camille Stell

Subscribe to Attorney at Work

Get really good ideas every day for your law practice: Subscribe to the Daily Dispatch (it’s free). Follow us on Twitter @attnyatwork.

share TWEET PIN IT share share
Sally J. Schmidt Sally J. Schmidt

Sally Schmidt, President of Schmidt Marketing, Inc., helps lawyers and law firms grow their practices. She was a founder and the first President of the Legal Marketing Association, is a Fellow of the College of Law Practice Management and was one of the first inductees to LMA’s Hall of Fame. Known for her practical advice, she is the author of two books, “Marketing the Law Firm: Business Development Techniques” and “Business Development for Lawyers: Strategies for Getting and Keeping Clients.” Follow her @SallySchmidt.

More Posts By This Author
MUST READ Articles for Law Firms Click to expand
envelope

Welcome to Attorney at Work!

Sign up for our free newsletter.

x

All fields are required. By signing up, you are opting in to Attorney at Work's free practice tips newsletter and occasional emails with news and offers. By using this service, you indicate that you agree to our Terms and Conditions and have read and understand our Privacy Policy.