As you may know, it is sometimes imperative (or at the least, valuable!) to network as a lawyer. For that reason, I recently read up on best practices when networking.

Below are the most useful tips I garnered from reading Susan Roane’s book, How to Work a Room, in both video and text forms:

Pre-Event

• Consider bringing a buddy.
• Arriving on time minimizes stress from being in a crowd.
• It’s rude not to respond to an RSVP request.
• Plan both event activity and follow up.
• Always bring cards.
• Read professional journals for conversation topics.
• Use other people’s stories, and prepare jokes. Don’t complain about things.

During the Event

• A good self-introduction lasts 7-9 seconds, begins with your name, and establishes what you have in common with other people at an event.
• Look for people standing alone.
• Try to behave as a host (meeting people, starting conversations, introducing others, and making sure people’s needs are met) rather than a guest.
• Try to have a little banter ready.
• Ask relevant questions, but not too many.
• Ask groups if they don’t mind if you join them. No one ever says no to this, but don’t do it if people’s backs are to the room.
• Excuse yourself by saying “Nice to meet you,” followed by a summary of the conversation.
• Thank the actual host before leaving.

After the Event

• Send physical thank you/condolence cards, not texts or emails.
• Consider making a rolodex of contact information.

Everyday (and additional notes)

Use Twitter. Follow people. Add thoughts and links to valuable articles, videos, and information as Tweets, and retweet others.

Susan Roane has a chapter on speaking for an audience too, and one on trade shows.