What's Your Favorite Way to Break the Ice When Networking?
We heard about some tips this week from a careers coach who advises lawyers on ways to get the conversation rolling when they’re out to network and build relationships.
We were intrigued by the tips, which include going to a networking event with a few ice-breaker questions in mind.
This made us wonder about your experiences with networking.
Tell us …
What’s worked for you to get a conversation started at an after-hours networking event? And what have been your experiences with networking functions? Have these relationships led to new business or career advancement? Or have you found the whole thing to be a big waste of time and effort?
Answer in the comments below.
Read answers to last week’s question: Do You Do Work on Your Laptop in Cafés?
Featured Answer:
Posted by BrianL: “I learned a valuable lesson early in my career NOT to conduct business OR to talk abut it in public. I was at lunch one day and overheard a conversation and realized it was about a deal related to one of my engagements. It turned out the person was a paralegal for the lawyer on the other side.
“By the end of the conversation I knew what they were willing to settle the issue for and it was much higher than what my client was willing to settle for. As a result my client ended up with a much better settlement than he expected and I was authorized to say yes to.
“I did notify the lawyer of the issue after the settlement was paid.
“There is an old adage that nothing about business goes beyond firm’s doors and it is as relevant today as then.”
