MAKE NETWORKING WORK FOR YOU

Most mediators and arbitrators (most business people for that matter) are aware that one of the keys to a successful business is networking. Making the acquaintance of someone who is a potential client or a potential source of referrals can be one of the greatest investments we make in business.

As powerful as this particular tool can be, it takes some forethought. For instance most of us belong to any number of ADR associations and organizations. These groups are usually a never-ending stream of information and camaraderie. They are however, for our own edification and not always the most effective networking locales. Choose instead to network in the associations and organizations that support your target market.

If you want to hear more construction disputes, join the associatio ns that general contractors and design professionals belong to. If you want to hear employment disputes, join the human resource groups. You get the idea. Offer to speak to their member base on the benefits of ADR to their industry, provide educational seminars, etc. Get involved with your potential clients and let them see your professionalism, your communication skills, and your innate understanding of their industry. Let them know that you understand them, can empathize with them and freely speak their language. In this way you become an authority in ADR for the their profession.

The tricky part…. not waiving your neutrality. Be careful that your new acquaintances do not get the impression that you would turn cases in their favor based on a common membership or on an inappropriate and misunderstood "obligation to acquaintances".golden

Wear your standards and ethics on your sleeve, let potential clients know about the rules of disclaimer, and that if put in an uncomfortable and unethical situation that you will stand down as the provider and make a referral to another competent ADR service provider.