The quarterly publication of the International Legal Technology Association
Issue link: https://epubs.iltanet.org/i/448505
WWW.ILTANET.ORG 69 What are your "pet" applications or processes for growing your professional network? Tim: I find LinkedIn very useful. It's an easy way to connect with and follow those I've worked or collaborated with on professional and volunteer projects. Twitter is also a favorite of mine. It's more immediate information, and you can follow people you don't necessarily have strong connections with simply because you're interested in what they have to say. I also use Twitter for taking notes, especially at conferences. For example, at an ILTA conference I'll use a session's hashtag to share salient points from the presentation with people who are interested but can't attend. I also use ILTA's e-groups (online discussion forums) and the ILTA Connected Community as resources for getting answers to questions. Just looking at the Large Firm E-Group, there are about 2,000 members and over 13,000 discussion threads. You're sure to find an answer there! by others. If what you post adds value for others, that goes a long way in building your personal brand. A good network also helps you find talent. Sometimes people make the mistake of thinking networking is about getting your next job, but you can also source for positions that come from your connections. What are the missteps or pitfalls one might face in making professional connections? Natalie: One pitfall is connecting with individuals who could spam you. When I'm connecting with someone on LinkedIn, I look at their LinkedIn profile to see if they are someone worth connecting with, if I have met them in the past or if we have mutual connections. You have to be careful. Tim: One pitfall is not growing your network because you think you have little to add to the conversation. Put yourself out there. You might have to work hard at getting better at networking — I know I did — but it's a skill that's worth developing. Another pitfall is not building a professional network because someone doesn't think it is part of their job. If you're trying to resolve high-level problems for your organization, having a solid network is not an optional part of your career. Mary: Avoid the misstep of treating networking as a transactional event, a way to get something from someone. When you've been on the receiving end of a pitch like that, you know it — it's uncomfortable. When you find yourself in a networking situation, try to find things in common with the other party. Ask questions, listen to their responses and make it more about a conversation between new friends instead of closing a deal. What importance should one place on developing and nurturing a professional network? Mary Abraham: It's critically important. Humans are biologically wired for connection. Even the most introverted introvert needs to have a few people in their lives. The rest of us need a lot more, and most of us have never spent the time or energy to figure out how to build that collection of connections in a smart and fulfilling way. Beyond that, we are rapidly progressing toward a "freelancer's economy." It's estimated that by 2020, 40 percent of the workforce — or 60 million people — will operate like artists, dancers and musicians going from gig to gig to gig. In that context, it's vital that you have a growing and active network, as it will be the most likely source for work. Natalie Alesi: Professionals at any stage of their career should look at their overarching path and ask themselves where do they want to be in one, three, five years. Sometimes it's hard to know where you want your career to go, but building your professional network can help. The more connected you are for collaborating, sharing and information-gathering, the easier it will be to establish your reputation and your self brand throughout your career. Tim Golden: Having a solid, professional network pays dividends no matter what position you're in, how much experience you have or how long you've been with your organization. One important benefit of having a strong professional network is you're able to solve problems faster and with less effort than you would on your own. Another one, like Natalie mentioned, is branding. Social media tools provide you the opportunity to put forward your interests, showcase your accomplishments and promote work done Mary Abraham Mary Abraham is an internationally known law firm knowledge management leader and consultant on facilitating strategic conversations and interactive educational sessions. For over 11 years, she helped lead the knowledge management/knowledge-sharing efforts within an international law firm. Prior to her work in knowledge management, she was a corporate lawyer. Mary can be contacted at kmadvice@gmail.com. One pitfall is not growing your network because you think you have little to add to the conversation. Put yourself out there.