Here are my 6 essentials that you’ll need to network effectively as a lawyer, accountant or consultant

Remember that effective business networking is all about finding, building and maintaining mutually beneficial relationships. Especially at first, it’s not necessarily about winning business via your network. If you have the right relationships in place and you nurture then, then business will eventually flow from and via your network.

Essential number 1: Know who you want to meet

The biggest mistake I see people make with their networking is not having the right people in your network. If you want to network effectively, before you start spending any time on building or nurturing your network, clearly identify who you need in your network, and why, to help you achieve your business and career goals.

Essential number 2: Have a networking strategy

Far too often people turn up to the equivalent of the ‘opening of an envelope’ because it will be good for their profile or reputation. I have once driven over 100 miles (and I do not like driving long distances) after a long day with a client, just to meet one particular person. However, I knew exactly why I needed to do this and why it was important. I also achieved my objective for being at this particular event. Your networking strategy will set out:

  • what you want to achieve as a result of your network and networking activities
  • how you will achieve your goals as a result of your network and networking activities
  • how you will meet and nurture the right relationships in your network
  • in short, how you will network effectively

My  Progress to Partner Academy has a great Game Plan called “…I’m a good technician but don’t have a client portfolio” to help you get started on your networking and business development journey.

Essential number 3: Make sure your online profile and footprint is current and up-to-date

Most people are far more likely to meet online before meeting in person. They will be influenced by the quality and credibility of your online profile BEFORE they decide to meet you! Check out Progress to Partner Academy’s great Game Plan “Getting Confident on LinkedIN for more help with online networking,

Essential number 4: Follow up, follow up, follow up

If you want to network effectively, you need to know that it is all about what happens outside of the room where you met! Make sure that for all your key contacts you have a relationship plan and diarised dates for next steps for all your relationship plans.

Take a step forward to be in control of your own career progression in your firm, including your networking and business development activities. Sign up to my weekly tips here and you’ll find out what you need to be working on in your career development (and how to make the time for your career development) to progress your career in your firm.

Essential number 5: Focus

Far too often people do too much networking activity, for little notional return. To keep your networking fit for purpose, the aim is to do less rather than more. You don’t have to attend a networking event if you know the people there are not the right fit for you.

Essential number 6: Get comfortable working the room

You are always going to need to be able to meet people and ‘work a room’. Whilst I’d like to think differently, this is the reality you will be faced with at conferences, internal firm events etc.

Take a look at how Progress to Partner Academy can help to network and win work… even if you’re even the most reluctant networker!  Progress to Partner & Business Development