There is some truth to the cliché, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.”  And if you’re an attorney in this still difficult job market, who you know could mean the difference between remaining unemployed for another six months and finding the job you deserve fairly fast. But what if you’re in the unfortunate position of not knowing anyone, not knowing enough people, or even worse, knowing all the “wrong” people?  That’s not to say that your network should only be filled with people who can launch you to the next career level; but it should certainly contain at least some connections who have the ability to connect you to decision makers. Below are a few tips on how to improve your professional network so that you know more people who may be able to help you find a job:

1. Make an assessment of your professional network. Are majority of the people unemployed? Not well connected or struggling in their careers? If so, you may need to put in some serious effort to expand and improve your professional network. Remember, your professional network doesn’t necessarily include personal friends and acquaintances; but rather people with whom you conduct business such as former employers, co-workers, old professors etc.
2. When you join any professional trade organization or attend a networking event, take the time to connect to members/attendees who are:
   1. Doing what you want to do.
   2. Well connected to those in your particular field. 
   3. In positions which would either give them the power to hire or that would connect them to those people who are in positions to hire.
3. Become the type of person that others want to know.  If you simply approach potential connections with your resume in hand, you might get the cold shoulder.  But if you are involved in projects and activities which may interest the potential connection or even inspire them, you’re more likely to receive a warm welcome. Consider volunteering your attorney skills to a good cause, serving in some type of helpful capacity for legal industry related organizations or even become a panel speaker at a legal industry related event.