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The Value of Networking |
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Round trip ticket to and from Tulsa, Oklahoma - $204. Early Bird Registration for Professional Development Conference - $189. Two night stay at hotel - $182. Networking with NALS colleagues from around the country – PRICELESS! And so it is priceless. Let’s talk about one of the values of NALS membership -networking. Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary defines “network” as a system of lines or channels; an interconnected or interrelated chain, group, or system. Anytime that one of us makes a connection with another individual -- be it at work, home, school, place of worship, restaurant, seminar, . . . “wherever,” that connection is a kind of “networking.” Networking with other NALS members is perhaps one of the most underrated benefits of membership. Networking can be very helpful whether one is (i) searching for a job, (ii) changing geographic locations, (iii) exploring a new career, (iv) desperately seeking filing procedures in another state, or (v) searching for the most efficient procedure to accomplish specific goals. Internet research is wonderful. We can view the best sights of geographic areas, book airline tickets and hotel rooms. We can even purchase a home after taking a “virtual tour.” But Internet research is no substitute for interaction, one-on-one, with another individual who possesses a solid, hands-on understanding of what you need to know and has your best interests at heart. Moving to a new area and need a job as soon as you move? NALS members in that location can provide help. They know (or can easily find out) which law firms are searching for qualified candidates; they can provide intimate knowledge of the tone of the various law offices, their practice areas, size, even whether or not the office dress is “business casual” -- all of which can ease the process of finding that great job in your new location. NALS members can forward your resume for you and provide you with the kind of personalized “introduction” that an employment agency just can’t provide. NALS members have helped fellow members who are moving to a new area to set up interview dates, search for a new residence, identify good moving companies, etc. Networking can assist you in exploring the various career paths in the legal community. Imagine that you are considering moving from a private practice law firm into working for the judiciary (or vice versa). NALS members can provide you with an accurate description of the job, including identifying specific skills you will need, as well as a description of the duties and responsibilities of the new position. Let’s not forget how reassuring it is to be mentored by previous leaders for help in your newly elected office. Where would NALS be if not for its leaders, their experience, help, and support? It is enlightening and inspiring to talk over ideas and situations with someone who has previously held office. Networking with previous leaders can provide insight on what was done before and why, providing you with a springboard to meet the challenges of the future as the new leader (and saving you from “reinventing the wheel”). Many of us have been in this position: It’s Friday and you must have documents filed on Monday in a county which is across your state. Time is of the essence. You call a NALS member in that county, find out the exact procedure, including the proper filing fees and the name, address and phone number of the clerk who should receive the documents to ensure they are filed correctly. Now, think of this situation on a grander scale – it must be done across state lines. Think how impressed your boss will be at your efficiency. Now, picture that you are new to the profession and have been hired in a small, one-attorney office on the strength of your ALS certification. Your very first day in the office, your boss leaves you a complaint and tells you to get it filed. The previous lawyer’s assistant left no manual and your boss is on trial. What should you do? Contact the nearest NALS member and ask for help. Chances are your answers are only a phone call away. Not only will the NALS member provide you the answers you need, you will also get tips on dealing with the clerk’s office so that you can accomplish the task your boss asked of you. Here’s another situation: Your office manager, knowing of your PLS credentials, asks you to investigate various document management software packages and make a recommendation to be submitted at an office staff meeting in seven days. Other than going to vendors, each of whom will tell you that their software program will meet your office needs (whether or not this is the fact), where can you learn what you need to know to complete this assignment? Of course, you know that you would send an e-mail message out to NALS members asking them what programs they use, what they like and dislike about them, how difficult the program was to learn and maintain, and the size of the office the program supports. From their answers, you can summarize which software programs may produce the best results and contact the vendor for prices. Yes, you can make that seven-day deadline – no sweat. NALS members to the rescue! Networking has so many benefits, it’s impossible to list them all. Networking can reaffirm one’s worth and “place” in connection with work, society and at home. NALS members know how wonderful it is to commiserate with another member who has had a similar experience and can provide learned lessons, insights, and advice. Networking broadens your horizons and your view of the world. Only when you reap the benefits of networking do you truly understand that your NALS membership is exactly that – PRICELESS! Patricia E. Infanti,
PLS |