Even in your busiest weeks, small, thoughtful interactions — what we call micro moves for networking — can create trust, visibility, and new business opportunities over time.
Table of contents
- Reframe How You Approach Networking and Business Development
- Find Your Authentic Approach to Networking and Relationship-Building
- Intentional Outreach: Implementing Micro Moves
- Make It Practical: A 30-Day Networking and Business Development Plan
- Consistency Matters More Than Volume
- Start Small and Stay Intentional
For some lawyers, networking and business development can feel like a chore filled with awkward events and forced small talk. But real business development is not about selling or performing. It is about cultivating genuine relationships.
Reframe How You Approach Networking and Business Development
The first step is a mindset shift. Stop thinking about business development as chasing clients or hitting quotas. Focus instead on relationship nurturing. The strongest connections are built on trust, consistency and curiosity. Meaningful engagement matters far more than volume. By prioritizing authentic interactions, you create a network that is active, supportive and mutually beneficial.
You do not need hours to make an impact. Brief, intentional interactions done consistently can yield lasting results.
Find Your Authentic Approach to Networking and Relationship-Building
Not everyone engages in the same way. Some people excel at hosting dinners, others thrive on LinkedIn outreach, and some shine through thoughtful one-on-one gestures. The key is finding what feels authentic to you and fits your current season of life. A simple note or acknowledgment can have far more impact than an elaborate plan.
Intentional Outreach: Implementing Micro Moves
Intentional outreach is the heart of relationship-building. Avoid generic messages or random contact requests. Each interaction should have a purpose, whether to strengthen a connection, spark a conversation, or provide value.
Even a few minutes each day can produce meaningful micro moves, such as:
- Sending a quick check-in to a client or colleague.
- Sharing an article, podcast, or resource and including a short note on why it is relevant.
- Introducing two people who could benefit from knowing each other.
- Asking thoughtful questions about their work, challenges, or industry trends.
- Congratulating someone on a promotion, award, or company milestone.
These small gestures, when done consistently, compound over time. In professional services, relationships are currency, and micro moves are how you invest.
Make It Practical: A 30-Day Networking and Business Development Plan
To make relationship-building actionable, try mapping out a 30-day plan with small, purposeful actions. Examples include:
- Day 1: Reach out to someone you have not spoken to in a while.
- Day 5: Share a relevant resource with a short note.
- Day 10: Congratulate someone on a recent achievement.
- Day 20: Follow up on a prior conversation.
- Day 30: Share an insight or tip that could benefit someone in your network.
The goal is to build a habit of thoughtful engagement that fits your schedule.
Consistency Matters More Than Volume
Many professionals think relationship-building is about the number of contacts or events. A few meaningful touches each week outweigh dozens of superficial interactions. Over time, micro moves create momentum. People remember you, trust you, and naturally involve you when opportunities arise.
Start Small and Stay Intentional
You do not need a massive contact list or a packed calendar. Identify key relationships, choose a few micro moves that feel natural, and commit to them consistently. Even five minutes a day can make a difference.
Your time may be limited, but your relationships and the possibilities they bring do not have to be.
By centering on authenticity and intention, you can cultivate meaningful professional relationships even during the busiest seasons. Micro moves let you deepen trust, strengthen networks and create opportunities without overextending yourself.
Jennifer Ramsey and Megan Senese are the co-founders of stage, a legal marketing and business development boutique and co-hosts of So Much to Say: A Legal Podcast for People.
Image © iStockPhoto.com.
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