Networking: Continued…
Submitted by Amy Gewirtz, Esq.
Director, Pace Law School New Directions Program
Member, NYSBA Committee for Lawyers in Transition
I wrote an entry for this blog a few months ago regarding the importance of networking [“Networking”; 3/2/09 –Ed.]. As this still continues to be my favorite topic and job-searching strategy, I wanted to add two additional thoughts.
This morning, I attended a breakfast for small business owners in Westchester. One of the panelists has been, and continues to be, a presenter with Pace’s New Directions program. He is a partner in a Westchester law firm that, among other practice areas, advises small businesses. We have had frequent discussions about both his professional and personal philosophies and I have tremendous respect for him in both areas. As we “networked” this morning, he told me that the best networking advice he had ever heard was that networking is about helping others. I couldn’t agree more. As I said in my earlier piece: “networking should be thought of as relationship-building. You never know when you might be in a position to offer assistance to the individual from whom you are currently seeking assistance.” This is so true, and is a very helpful way of viewing this process. Networking can be very intimidating as there is a common perception that networking means asking for a favor of some sort. If you can turn this uncomfortable thought on its ear, and think about how you might assist someone else, that’s networking at its best.
The second piece of helpful networking advice was delivered, unbeknownst to the individuals, in the parking lot as I left the breakfast. I overheard two women discussing the concept of networking. One said to the other: “networking takes time”; the other woman nodded in agreement, saying: “you can’t fast-track relationships.” I reflected on this exchange as I drove to work and it really struck me how important it is to understand this simple statement. I often hear “I’ve networked and networked till I’m blue in the face and nothing’s come of it.” It is very important to let relationships unfold gradually. Don’t be too direct about your job search the first time you meet someone—you run the risk of putting him/her off. “Never let them see you sweat” was a tag line from an old television commercial (for a deodorant, I think?). Always keep this in mind.
It can feel extremely frustrating to put yourself out there by attending events, going on informational interviews, etc., and perhaps not getting any direct and immediate leads. However, you NEVER know when or where an opportunity will arise—that’s the beauty, (yes, beauty!) of networking. Please don’t give up—at worst, you will have met someone new and, perhaps, been able to be of assistance.