Networking

What if You Hate Networking? 

  • On October 11, 2015
Networking is essential for your career, but what if you hate networking? Here’s a great article listing ways to be authentic yet effective: Prepare. Find out who is attending an event so you are not surprised. At a minimum, when you check in, look at the table containing name tags of attendees. Prepare some ice breaking topics or […]
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Networking

How to Network and Ask for Professional Advice (Including Mine) 

  • On October 4, 2015
Are you networking in a helpful or annoying way when you seek professional advice? I love this recent NYT article “How Not to Be a Networking Leech,” written by a management consultant and career advisor. Like me, she receives numerous requests from strangers asking for free advice and introductions. Her top tips on how NOT […]
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Networking

Top 5 Networking Tips from the Masters!

  • On September 27, 2015
I just spoke on a panel with Allen Lo (DGC at Google), Ines Gonzalez (Director at LinkedIn), and Suchitra Narayen (AGC/VP at Oracle) on effective networking to advance your career. The top 5 tips: Network with people live, not just online. Personal relationships are built over time. When you network with people, be authentic, find […]
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Inhouse, Networking

The Most Important Soft Skills for Career Building

  • On July 19, 2015
GCs do more than opine on legal issues. They are being evaluated on strategy, influence, and executive presence. To climb the in-house ladder, lawyers need to understand what are the corporate dynamics in play and how to get things done. The key soft skills top lawyers must have, according to the GCs of Varian, NVIDIA, AOptix and […]
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LinkedIn, Networking

How to Reach Out via LinkedIn

  • On April 26, 2015
LinkedIn is such a valuable tool for job seekers, who can see how they are connected to a potential employer. Since applying online alone is unlikely to get you anywhere, reaching out informally is a great idea.  I like the steps outlined by Undercover Recruiter (summarized below) to show you how easy it is:  Just do it. While it feels weird to request […]
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Networking, Presentation

How to Get a Response to Your Email When Asking for a Favor

  • On January 25, 2015
Below are some great tips from Professor Adam Grant on making a successful email request: Start with the right subject line. You’ll get a better response if it’s interesting and/or useful. Some samples: “Advice for a fellow X”, “Applying your techniques to Y”, “Can you help me give away $Z?”. Connect the request to the recipient. Show you know […]
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Networking

‘Tis the Season for Holiday Parties: What to Do at Them!

  • On December 14, 2014
I like this article on leveraging your network. Amuse yourself at holiday parties and practice these pointers: Make it a game to figure out what makes someone tick, what they are passionate about, and what makes them interesting. Follow up! If you have a great conversation, don’t let the momentum die. Send a thank you […]
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Networking

Networking and Follow-Up!

  • On October 8, 2014
Networking is essential. Just as important is the follow-up. This Forbes article lists what to do after you meet someone great: send an email (ideally mentioning something you talked about); connect on LinkedIn; remember what you actually talked about; and give first/expect nothing in return.
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Networking, Presentation

Handling Mixers with Confidence!

  • On September 21, 2014
You’re ready to chat folks up. Where to begin? Prepare. Think about whom you want to meet and what industries you are interested in. Read the paper or trade journals, and know what’s going on for people you will likely talk to. Be ready to show insight and interest. Stay away from controversial topics like politics […]
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Networking

The Importance of Small Talk.

  • On September 14, 2014
You may think small talk is pointless, but making conversation is actually important. Why? It’s the gateway to a stronger connection. You need to start somewhere from being a stranger to a trusted advisor. It helps people feel comfortable around you. Being likeable gets you hired, builds rapport, and creates trust, all crucial for a lawyer trying to […]
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