tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7531961815684918690.post5528559525910574368..comments2021-10-02T06:56:27.421-05:00Comments on Paralegalese: Networking for NewbiesParaMelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08519414199965242231noreply@blogger.comBlogger8125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7531961815684918690.post-42909459675293983292009-08-16T22:36:56.559-05:002009-08-16T22:36:56.559-05:00I, also, have to force myself to speak to people I...I, also, have to force myself to speak to people I don't know at large gatherings. Fortunately, usually my attorney and our office's other paralegal do things together. The attorney and I went to a dinner/fundraiser just the other night, and it was quite awkward when she was pulled aside to talk to people- which was often- and I was left alone to make small talk. But we get through it!!! It's a challenge!Virginia Harmonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17948556133888243636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7531961815684918690.post-51691708672195295162009-08-14T07:24:28.027-05:002009-08-14T07:24:28.027-05:00It is not surprising that you feel the way you do....It is not surprising that you feel the way you do. I think almost everyone does when they start networking, even those who seem and claim to be otherwise. You've undertaken quite a challenge in attending four meetings in two weeks, especially when one or more are with organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce. <br /><br />I suggest that new networkers take on networking like one would take on eating an elephant - one bite at a time - or like the character in "What About Bob?" - baby steps. Meet another paralegal from another firm for lunch. Then the two of you go to a meeting or seminar for paralegals together. There at least you have the common bond of being paralegals. After you begin to get your networking legs under you branch out to larger groups and groups where you are less likely to have the common bond. <br /><br />I agree that you need to learn to self-introduce, but again it may not be best to start there. Your boss should have been aware enough to have volunteered to introduce you, but since he was not it would be best to communicate this need to him directly. Don't make him guess what is going on inside your head. In a way making the request to your boss can be introducing a part of yourself to him and the first baby step towards eating the introduction elephant. (I love mixing metaphors!)<br /><br />In the meantime, I admire you commitment to move forward. I hope you keep us all posted on your progress.R. E. Monguehttp://theempoweredparalegal.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7531961815684918690.post-23519990816007336162009-08-12T19:54:00.371-05:002009-08-12T19:54:00.371-05:00It's heartwarming to know so many of us are in...It's heartwarming to know so many of us are in the same boat. Thank you for the comments and helpful tips, dear readers. Keep 'em coming!ParaMelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08519414199965242231noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7531961815684918690.post-45988254401313625402009-08-12T18:57:08.039-05:002009-08-12T18:57:08.039-05:00Networking is a near heart stopper! I attended a l...Networking is a near heart stopper! I attended a local paralegal association's seminar in May-my first-and I knew absolutely no one! I kinda sorta made small talk with the person I was seated next to. I went alone for lunch but while standing in line at a fast food restaurant, I recognized someone from the seminar. After asking her if she was attending the seminar (I knew she was), we chatted while standing in line, had lunch together and chatted some more. She is a student at a community college. Now when we see each other at meetings, we chit chat. I've met at least one person I can chit chat with whenever we see each other...woo-hoo!<br />I've also volunteered as a member of a couple committees. Hopefully that will provide an opportunity to meet a few other members of the paralegal association. We have yet to have a committee meeting :) <br />My next effort at networking may be at a state paralegal association's mid-year seminar in September. My heart is nearly jumping out my chest at the thought of attending another seminar and knowing absolutely no one!!! <br />Melissa, I can definately relate!Deborahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13195253709388297389noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7531961815684918690.post-54436358544446055892009-08-12T12:49:47.406-05:002009-08-12T12:49:47.406-05:00Why is it that the people who appear to be the mos...Why is it that the people who appear to be the most outgoing are really the most shy and inhibited? I'm talking about myself. I can totally relate to this column.<br /><br />I find that I can speak in front of 500 people without hesitation but get me at a party or gathering and I'm the event's wallflower.<br /><br />What I find helpful is an opening line that would get people talking about themselves. That way, I am less bumbling. After the exchange of names and yes, I'm a paralegal, etc., I might ask what someone does in their spare time or for fun. This usually gets them talking about their passion in life and everyone likes to talk about that. That way, I'm not fumbling for something to say.Chere Estrin, Editor-in-Chief, KNOW, The Magazine for Paralegalshttp://www.knowparalegal.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7531961815684918690.post-53826713075993554642009-08-12T06:31:38.314-05:002009-08-12T06:31:38.314-05:00I can relate. My first instinct is to avoid gather...I can relate. My first instinct is to avoid gatherings as much as possible if I don't know anyone. But I'm trying to force myself to get out of that habit. Not successful at the moment. But I'll probably try harder when school is over (paralegal studies) and I'll have more of a reason to for a job.Ravenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04856522700343015113noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7531961815684918690.post-31734747093612407412009-08-11T22:08:13.732-05:002009-08-11T22:08:13.732-05:00Oh, girl, here's a big old virtual hug and som...Oh, girl, here's a big old virtual hug and some real-time sympathy from another would-be social butterfly stuck in a coccoon. I do not do well in crowds, but have a tried and true ice breaker - whipping out my cell phone to show people pictures of my dawg. (Or human kids if that seems more appropriate.) Having 20 years on you, I can only say, it gets easier. Just start shaking hands, and saying, "Hi, I'm Melissa" and "Where are you from?"...and then keeping an eye out for the dessert table will work every time! :DThe Goodwill Fangirlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05845712888337339929noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7531961815684918690.post-42067979783891213772009-08-11T21:41:07.391-05:002009-08-11T21:41:07.391-05:00I very much agree with your conclusion. I went to ...I very much agree with your conclusion. I went to a CLE for Paralegals by the VTLA (Virginia Trial Lawyers Ass'n) 100 miles south of my place and didn't know anyone there. I started talking to some of the folks on my table, and it turned out to be mostly enjoyable. But I've also been to law school events after hours where I also didn't know anyone, and had no common ground with anyone, and i left shortly after I got there. It's hit-and-miss.<br /><br />The problem with the paralegal associations in my area seems to be that its membership is predominantly female and predominantly of age 45+. Not that this is bad in any way, but unless I want to only talk shop after hours (Do I really? - No.) there's not that much to talk about that interests both them and me.<br /><br />What can be done about that? I don't know yet. For myself, I place much hope in the young lawyers section of the local Bar Ass'n. We shall see how that works out (and if I get there).<br /><br />You can find me on Twitter as @shoeges.Sebastian A. Hoegeshttp://www.facebook.com/hoegesnoreply@blogger.com