Networking 101 for Women - Tips for Women Networkers

Last night I attended an event entitled, "Networking 101 for Women," hosted by the Long Island Women's Agenda. I was lucky enough not only to have participated in the event, but also to have been both part of the committee that put the event together and one of the event's sponsors. I agreed to do both because I think it's time that professional women learned how to network more effectively - while still being themselves.

In addition to networking time, a hip venue (with great food, too) at Four Food Studio and other fun surprises, last night's program included two wonderful speakers in Mindy Ferrentino-Wolfe of Neptune Marketing, LLC and Ellen Cooperperson of Corporate Performance Consultants.

Mindy's lively, interactive presentation was entitled, "Tips and Tricks to Developing Your Network." Mindy shared some great tips with the audience, including some that my clients are very familiar with, including:

• Networking is all about relationship building
• Follow up, follow up, follow up
• Effective networking requires investment time; and
• Never underestimate the value of a thank you

Ellen's presentation focused on understanding the different personal styles of those with whom you network. Using the well-known DISC profiling system, Ellen discussed how knowing your personal style and the personal style of those with whom you're speaking can greatly enhance your networking and relationship-building ability. She gave an overview of each of the four DISC profiles: the Supporter, the Influencer, the Calculator and the Driver, helped the attendees determine their own style, and then gave specific information about how different styles can interact with one another effectively.

While last night's program was specifically put together for women by women (and the attendees were overwhelmingly female), a few smart men attended as well. After all, it's just as important for men to know how to network with women as it is for women to know how to network with men.

Next week, I'll be one of the presenters at a program at the Suffolk County Bar Association entitled, "Winning Strategies for Women Lawyers: The Keys to Success for Effective Networking, Self-Promotion and the Art of Negotiation." I'll be talking about networking and rainmaking, and how women can use their unique strengths to their advantage in building their business. I'll also be talking about how men and women communicate differently, and how you can be more effective in communicating with others. My fellow presenters will be focusing on self promotion and negotiating skills. Again, regardless of whether you happen to be a man or a woman, the better we can communicate, the better the chance that our message will be understood.

Thanks to all of those who helped to put together last night's program (or presented, or attended) - it was a sell-out event, thanks in great part to Cheryl Fratello of Fratello & Fox, the mastermind behind the event. For those that missed it, holpefully I'll see you next Tuesday evening, September 23 from 6-9 p.m. at the Suffolk County Bar Association. (To register to attend the event, click on SAL Calendar)

Do you want to learn how to develop business without breaking the bank? My audio series, "How to Grow Your Law Practice on a Shoestring Budget" can help. Click here to learn more, or get marketing and practice management hints via email through the Lawyer Meltdown newsletter - Free here.