Important: This blog series was previously posted regarding our 2024 Conferences, but the information is still valuable! To learn more about our 2025 Conferences, held October 21-22 in Las Vegas, click here. There is still time to register – in-person and virtual options available!

 

This is the 3rd post in a four-part series on networking.

You’ve done your pre-conference preparation (or at the very least are glancing over the attendee list while sipping coffee waiting for the first session to begin), and now you’re ready for a day (or days) of learning and mingling. A good first step is reminding yourself that networking is valuable as succinctly outlined in this LinkedIn post and the comments thereto.

Depending on where you are in your career, you likely have very different goals for networking. I’ll touch on a few briefly.

Foundation building. Early in my career, I realized the power of networks. After all, it’s how I got the opportunity to interview for my first legal job at a firm that doesn’t typically recruit from my alma mater. Early career networking is for building a foundation of peers, folks a few years ahead of you, and mentors (or at least exemplars of what you want out of your practice). The building of this foundation takes many years and earnest interest in others. It’s ok to slightly panic when attending a conference solo for the first time. I’m an extrovert who loves networking and even I feel that pain at new conferences sometimes.

Deepen and expand connections. When I was more mid-career and not looking for a new opportunity, I used networking to deepen my connection to others. I focused on what they were looking for and how I might be able to help in some small (or big) way. I practiced active listening and remembered key facts about my acquaintances to follow-up on when next I saw them. I also focused on meeting new people within my practice area to get exposure to how they were approaching their careers and opportunities, what were they seeing in the market, how big their teams were, what tools they were using, etc.

Active job search. This can feel like high stakes networking. It’s vulnerable and meeting new connections feels like having multiple screening interviews in a compressed timeframe. It’s especially nerve-wracking if you are jobless and your family’s livelihood depends on it. This deserves (and will get) its own blog post, but I’ll mention a few things now in case this is applicable to you. If you find yourself in this situation, my best advice is to see yesterday’s post on prep, and I would add the following to-dos: 1) Know what kind of role you want at what type of company or firm, 2) Practice your elevator pitch, 3) Prioritize warm intros, and 4) Talk to as many people as possible. And (spoiler alert to the final installment of this series) plan to follow up on any viable connections made after the conference.

BetterUp has some good tips for introverts (and the entire blogpost is worth reading if you need to psych yourself up for networking):

• Start small: Sometimes, just showing up to a networking event can be an accomplishment. Challenge yourself to attend the event and grab a drink, even if you don’t talk to anyone at first. Chances are, someone will approach you, and you’ll find yourself networking in no time!
• Bring a friend: A friend who understands your shyness can be the bridge you need to make your first new professional connection. Your friend can help start the conversation and give you the confidence to venture out on your own next time.
• Focus on shared interests: Try finding a smaller networking event that allows you to focus on a specific interest you love talking about. You will likely find it easier to talk to new friends about something you’re truly passionate about.

 

Finally, if you’re unaffiliated and are nervous about the business card swaps or if you just want to appear super hip and tech savvy, consider using LinkedIn’s QR code feature. This was used almost exclusively at a conference I attended earlier this spring, and I found it really liberating. Best of luck and come back next Tuesday for tips on what to do after your successful conference conversations.

– Meaghan Nelson