The Colorado Women’s Bar Association recently asked me to share some of my thoughts on how to stay focused on networking while being a working mom. As hard as it sometimes seems to balance my businesses and my children, I believe that networking is critical to long-term success in both the personal and professional realms. Like the old saying goes: It takes a village to raise a child. And it takes a good, strong support group to keep your business thriving as well.
Here are some of the main ideas that I shared in my article, “Attorney Networking, Mommy-Style: Getting Ahead without Missing Out”:
Connect with other working parents
It’s always easier to chat about what you’re passionate about, and (a lot of the time) that includes your kids and work. Other working parents feel the same. Take time during your day to build on the common denominators that you share with other professionals.
Use social media smarter
If you’re not careful, social media can be a huge time sink. Look into technologies or scheduling strategies that limit the amount of time you use this networking tool. Social media should work for you, not the other way around.
Make every moment count
Lunchtimes, snack breaks, driving to pick your kids up from school…take advantage of opportunities to make your time do double-duty. Invite a client to get coffee, or send a thoughtful networking text at your next stop light. That’s all the time it takes to build your support system.
Intrigued? Read the rest of these great, actionable ideas here.
