Hi, my loves. It's been a good few months since I've written a blog post and I'm back to writing tips and tricks.
If you've been following me on Instagram, you know that I've finally graduated from law school. Whew! Can't believe it's been 2 years already since I started this blog page.
For most of us, COVID was a time of isolation and taking care of ourselves. It was a time to think back and rejuvenate our habits and lifestyle, and rightfully so, while the stream of productiveness rushed through a lot of us to build networks, it may not have worked for every one of us.
So I'm here to tell you how to network effectively, even as an introvert who despises talking to people.
SO WHAT DO YOU DO?
As an introvert, the very first thought that comes into your mind is "How do I even start?". I have the perfect solution for that. A lot of us introverts do not prefer talking to people "in person", so the best thing to do would be to reach out to someone online.
But what if you're scared to reach out to someone online?
That's okay and that's normal.
Here's what you can do:
A. CREATE A TEMPLATE PITCH
Create a template message that you would like to send someone in your field. That message could be altered based on the person you're sending it to.
For example, if you're interested to know more about a person who may be a master in criminal law and has written books on that topic, you could write something like:
"Hi ______, I've recently come across your profile and noticed that you write a lot on ______ topic pertaining to criminal law. It's a topic that has piqued my interest and I'd love to know more about it. I've also read your paper and I agree with your points_______. In addition to that, I'd also like to add _____. Do let me know if you'd like to enlighten me more about the ____ topic. I look forward to hearing from you. Regards, ___"
B. GET YOUR PITCH VERIFIED BY A FRIEND
Know someone you trust who would gladly run over what you've written? Get your pitch verified by them. The more brutal and honest they are, the better are your prospects of getting a response back.
C. SEND THAT PITCH AND ASK FOR A VIRTUAL COFFEE
Once you hit "send", you can always ask them if they're free for a virtual coffee. If they respond in the affirmative, you can always set up a Zoom call with them or even a regular call with them and ask more about something that you wanted to ask about.
D. JOIN NETWORKING GROUPS
Totally opposite of what you'd do as an introvert, but in my opinion, WhatsApp or Telegram group for law students really help you build a network. Have a query? Ask in the group. Noticed that someone else has a query? Try assisting them. This way you not only interact with other law students and professionals, but you also tend to build an image for yourself.
NOW COMES THE PART WHERE YOU GO OFFLINE.
Once you've mastered the online technique, it's time to go to the next step which is going offline.
Here are a few things that you can do :
A. IN AN INTERNSHIP, TALK TO YOUR CO-INTERNS
This is the easiest way to build a network. You start interacting with a lot of people through them if they're an extrovert. They introduce you to a lot of people that they know and subsequently, you may reach out to other people.
B. PARTICIPATE IN NETWORKING EVENTS
If your University hosts events where you need to network with people, do not miss those events. Even if you stand there in a group and merely LISTEN, you would be making a great impact.
As an introvert, one of the best qualities you have is to listen to what people have to say. Once they're done talking, and you like a point that you'd like to discuss further, interact with them personally and make sure to point out the exact point you liked. Your listening skills add as a bonus over here.
C. THE C- IN COURTROOM STANDS FOR CONNECT
No, I don't mean that you need to constantly talk to someone inside the courtroom, however, when you're sitting in the waiting areas, or the canteens, or the food courts, it's definitely a place where you can muster up the courage to reach out to different advocates, interns, and many other people. Interact with them and understand their perspectives.
You may even get to meet them beyond courtroom hours.
Hope this was helpful! Let me know in the comments below what posts would you like to see in future!
HAPPY READING!
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