Confessions of a Non-Networker: Lunches
By Laura Cullison • April 05, 2010 •Writers in Residence
March Goal: Networking LunchesIn January, my goal was to have a face-to-face conversation with every attorney in my practice group. There were some awkward moments, but I met my goal and realized that face-to-face interactions are really valuable, and that they don’t happen unless you intentionally make them happen.In February, my goal was to attend a law school event and reconnect with my friends. I did that, but my post for Ms. J.D. was overtaken by events and instead I discussed personally dealing with some unexpected staff layoffs at our office, and recognizing that maintaining connections with colleagues who have…
Confessions of a Non-Networker: Layoffs
By Laura Cullison • March 01, 2010 •Writers in Residence
My post this month does not cover the topic I planned to write about. You may remember that one of my proposed networking goals last month was to return to my law school for a two-day event. I did that in mid-February, and really enjoyed catching up with my friends who practice near the law school. It was interesting to talk about our practices and realize that "big city" law firms have many of the same issues for associates as firms in smaller cities – finding mentors, how to stay active when work is slow, developing client relationships, etc. However,…