But what if networking wasn’t about small talk, visibility or “working the room”? What if it was about purpose?
That question was at the heart of a recent Obelisk discussion on how lawyers can build networks that genuinely support their careers- particularly those working in flexible, consultant or portfolio roles.
Start with your purpose
The best place to start is with clear purpose. Before attending any event or reaching out to a new contact, it’s worth asking a simple question: “why am I doing this?”
Your time and energy are limited, and attending events or doing networking activities without a clear direction can quickly feel unproductive. Some examples of the purpose you might have are:
- Finding a mentor or a sounding board
- Exploring a new sector or practice area
- Building relationships to support long term career sustainability
- Raising your profile as a lawyer
Being clear on your objective helps you focus on the right opportunities, and it boosts your confidence — because you know what you’re there to do.
Build your strategy
Once your purpose is clear, a light-touch strategy can make all the difference to the outcome. That might include:
- Looking up attendees in advance to identify relevant connections
- Setting realistic goals, such as attending one or two events a month.
- Aiming to have meaningful conversations with a small number of new people, rather than meeting everyone.
Seen this way, networking becomes an investment in your professional future, not an optional extra.
Nail your elevator pitch
Those first moments of a conversation matter. Having a short, natural explanation of who you are, what you do and where you’re heading helps you feel prepared when someone asks “So, what do you do?”
A clear pitch might include:
- Your areas of expertise
- The type of work or clients you support
- The value you bring as a flexible legal professional
Practising this in advance means you won’t feel caught off guard- and you’ll come across as confident and credible.
What is “networking”?
Networking doesn’t look the same for everyone, and it can happen in all kinds of settings. For example:
- Formal events: conferences, panels, and industry meetups. Great for access to senior leaders, but can feel overwhelming.
- Informal chats: coffees or smaller social gatherings. More relaxed, but harder to set up without an introduction.
- Online networking: accessible and wide-reaching, but can feel impersonal.
- Professional groups: associations and working groups that offer shared purpose, though engagement can vary.
The most effective approach is usually a mix, tailored to what suits your personality and goals best.
Making the most of in-person events
It’s tempting to gravitate towards familiar faces, but that often means missing opportunities to build new connections. A few practical habits can help:
- Set yourself a goal to meet at least four new people.
- Move around the room rather than staying in one spot.
- Use open body language (turn slightly so others can join the conversation).
- Have your LinkedIn QR code ready so you can easily connect with people you meet.
- Don’t feel awkward about moving on — that’s expected at events.
Virtual networking still counts
Online events and webinars remain a valuable way to build connections. To make them work for you;
- Keep your camera on where possible.
- Use your elevator pitch during introductions.
- Follow up afterwards — ideally within 48 hours — to cement connections.
If a virtual connection later turns into a face-to-face meeting, or a follow up virtual coffee, the relationship deepens more quickly!
Stay connected: the 48-hour rule
Networking doesn’t end when the event does. A short follow-up message or LinkedIn connection within 48 hours helps build the relationship.
Staying in touch doesn’t require constant contact. A short note every few months — sharing an article, saying hello, or suggesting a coffee — is often enough to stay on someone’s radar.
Build your personal board of directors
One method that can be really powerful is to build your own “personal board of directors” — a group of trusted people from different backgrounds who can advise, challenge, and support you.
Just like a company CEO relies on their board, you can rely on yours to guide your career decisions and keep you accountable.
Networking with purpose builds confidence
The key takeaway is reassuringly simple. Effective networking isn’t about working the room or being the loudest voice. It’s about clarity, preparation, and building genuine professional relationships over time.
Networking is a learned skill. With practice, purpose, and the right mindset, it can even become something you enjoy.
At Obelisk Support, we support consultant lawyers not just in finding interesting, flexible work, but finding the confidence, networks and professional foundations they need to thrive. To find out more about working with Obelisk get in touch!