Networking can be personally and professionally rewarding. However, networking can also be intimidating for attorneys of all experience levels. It is also hard to define. You may have been told to “network more” during your year-end review or want to develop more business contacts. Knowing what is expected in terms of networking and how to be comfortable networking is not easy. The term networking originally referred to structures in animals and plants when it was first used in the 17th century and came into more popular use in the 19th century when it was used to refer to canal systems and the railways. Like animal and plant structures, canals, and railways, business networking is about making and maintaining connections.

When I graduated law school, most of my close friends returned to other cities and it felt as if I did not know any local practicing attorneys of any experience level. I did not have the chance to meet other young attorneys at work either. Going to a cocktail event by myself was not the most appealing prospect, so it was difficult to know how to begin to network. I joined the local bar association at a friend’s suggestion and slowly started to meet other attorneys through a program designed to introduce young attorneys to the association’s divisions, committees and sections. Each event I attended was an opportunity to meet other attorneys and with practice and over time, connecting with people has become easier.