Tips for Effective Networking: Kissing Frogs on the Way to Finding Royal Referral Partners
| Publication year | 2020 |
| Author | By Somita Basu |
By Somita Basu
Somita Basu, Esq., is a founding principal and managing partner of the Santa Clara, Beverly Hills, and Las Vegas offices of Norton Basu LLP. Ms. Basu serves as an editorial advisor for The Practitioner. She is also the Vice Chair for the Solo and Small Firm Section and represents the section on the California Lawyers' Association Project 2021 Committee, to help determine options for the future of the CLA organization. Ms. Basu is based out of the Santa Clara office and lives in the South Bay with her family.
Solo and small firm practitioners are always reliant on referrals, be they from fellow attorneys, referral partners, or clients. Referrals are by far the most effective way to get high-quality clients through the door. So how does a solo/small firm practitioner become a networking expert given that they also have to be their practice's Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and Chief Technology Officer? Below are some tips for efficient and cost-effective networking.
Networking in person with potential referral partners is the fastest way to build rapport, vet potential partners, and increase high quality referrals. Clients who are referred from known, vetted partners have a higher conversion rate. Also, your reputation as a trusted resource for your clients is enhanced by your ability to have a wide array of service providers to meet your clients' needs. Below are some of the most convenient ways to get started with your networking.
While you may be a member of the American Bar Association and the California Lawyers Association, local bar associations can provide a plethora of networking options. Local bar associations often have their own solo and small firm sections as well as sections specific to your area of law. These local bar associations provide an opportunity to get to know attorneys local to your area. Attorneys are wonderful sources of referrals. Also, by meeting experienced attorneys in your area of law, you can develop mentors as well as create resources for when you encounter that unique case that you do not know how to resolve.
Research your local bar association to see how active they are and how many members they have. Each bar association will have a president who will be more than happy to sit down with you and provide you with information and tell you what...
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