How You Can Turn Your Hobbies Into Networking Gold

// In the legal profession, standing out necessitates more than just sharp legal acumen; it calls for an injection of personal creativity and distinctiveness into professional endeavors.

Hobbies and personal interests offer lawyers a unique avenue to deepen industry relationships in a way that is both genuine and enjoyable.

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This exploration into merging personal passions with professional networking not only humanizes attorneys but also paves the way for more meaningful connections, setting the stage for networking that enriches both professional and personal lives.

Hobbies — from painting to rock climbing — serve as a reprieve from the demands of the legal world while also acting as a bridge, connecting attorneys on a more personal level with their peers and clients.

Imagine the impact of discovering a shared enthusiasm for mountain biking with a potential client or finding common ground in culinary arts with a colleague.

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A Strategy for Genuine Connections

Integrating personal interests into networking doesn’t just add a layer of authenticity to professional interactions; it also opens up new avenues for connection. Here’s how to do it right:

Find Shared Interests: Reflect on your hobbies and consider how they might resonate within your professional circle. Move beyond common clichés and find interests that truly reflect both your personality and those of your contacts.

Create Unique Networking Events: Host events centered around shared hobbies to encourage interaction and camaraderie. Think book clubs, cooking classes, or photography walks — activities that foster genuine connections.

Celebrate Together: Leverage personal and cultural celebrations as networking opportunities. I’ve found hosting events, like a vibrant Diwali celebration, not only honors my heritage but also acts as a dynamic networking event, inviting a mix of friends, clients, and potential connections.

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Initiate Conversations About Hobbies: Seamlessly weave your interests into conversations. This approach can reveal shared passions, laying the groundwork for stronger professional relationships.

Focus on Hobbies in Following Up: The true magic in networking often lies in the follow-up, where personal interests can significantly warm up the conversation. Moving from a simple follow-up to an engaging discussion about a shared hobby can transform the dynamic of the interaction, making it more memorable and establishing a rapport that transcends the typical client-lawyer dynamic.

Professionalism Meets Personal Interest

Integrating hobbies into professional networking is an art that requires balancing personal sharing with professional engagement. Here’s how to strike that balance:

Selective Sharing: Gauge the conversation before delving into personal hobbies. Share just enough to pique interest without overwhelming, ensuring your hobbies complement rather than overshadow your professional narrative.

Focus on Universal Appeal: Choose aspects of your hobbies with broader interest. For instance, discussing culinary explorations can engage a wider audience than niche hobbies might.

Integrate With Professionalism: Allow your hobbies to underscore your professional qualities subtly, ensuring that personal interests enhance rather than detract from your professional persona.

Networking Redefined

Redefining networking through personal interests can lead to unforgettable experiences.

For example, inviting clients and colleagues to a Depeche Mode concert, with everyone donning ’80s and ’90s band T-shirts, would break traditional networking barriers and foster connections in an atmosphere of shared enjoyment.

Consider how your hobbies can add depth to your professional interactions. Whether through themed events or casual conversations, let your personal interests guide you to new opportunities and deeper connections.

In a profession where differentiation is paramount, let your unique hobbies act as your signature, creating lasting impressions and enriching your professional network. Your passions not only define you but also open doors to genuine, rewarding connections in the legal landscape.

Sejal Patel is the Founder of Sage Ivy, a New York-based consultancy specializing in empowering attorneys with innovative practice development strategies. With over 20 years of experience, Sejal applies her expertise in assisting clients convert their relationships into revenue by applying individualized strategies to their networks and leveraging their unique styles authentically.  

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Biglaw, Bonus News Alerts, In-House Counsel, Networking, Sejal Patel, Small Law Firms, Technology