Q: What is the biggest mistake lawyers make in their approach to networking?

A: First, let me say that I’m not a big fan of the word “networking.” When I think of this word, it conjures up the image of a big convention center or other big room with lots of people meandering around staring at each other’s nametags. Nothing really happening, totally ineffective, a lot of after-meeting frustration. And the thought of it for most lawyers gives them a major headache. I’d like to call it something else like “relationship building” or “professional connecting.” Because that’s what effective networking really is.