New Years Goals: No 1 - Professional

I'm not really into the whole resolution thing, but there are some things I would like to accomplish this year. And setting up a goal isn't much good without setting up a plan for implementing it. So I guess I'll make this a series instead of one long-ass post.

First up--Add three new clients this year

I need to actively work on building a bigger book of business. I have brought in about 4 clients and right now I have 2 active clients. My yearly receivables are about $30k. The only way I can grow professionally is to develop a book of business. In my firm, I am getting the most meaty litigation experience from my own cases.  Otherwise, as in every firm, the partners get to do the most interesting work. Also, if I ever want to open up my own firm, I'm going to need my own clients.  This isn't necessarily something that I want to do--I really don't like the administrative side of running a law practice--but it would be nice to know that I had that option if I needed it.

So how do I accomplish this? Networking.

Blah.  I hate networking.  I am not a people person, I am a recluse at heart.  I hate cocktail parties and I am terrible at starting up conversations.  So maybe my first goal should really be learning how to talk to strangers. But I think that is one of those sink or swim kind of things where you really just have to jump in and do it until you get used to it.

I've actually started taking the baby-steps toward this goal. I somehow managed to get myself appointed to three local bar association committees.  This will allow me to network with lawyers in other industries who might be  a good source for referrals.

And I'm writing my state law survey to be included with the national survey.  This will get my name in front of lawyers in my industry in other states--another possible source of referrals.

Other things I need to do:

1) Join the Women in the ________ Industry group.  This will allow networking  with potential clients.  And in this male-dominated industry where women are referred to as "skirts," I think women appreciate working with other women.

2 )Join an industry trade group and attend their monthly meetings.  There are tons, and most of the attorneys in my firm belong to at least one of them, so I guess I need to follow their paths.

3) Start speaking. To somebody--lawyers, trade groups.  I need to get in front of people and talk about what I know. I don't really have a fear of public speaking, but I do have a fear of people expecting me to know answers that I don't have.