Lillian Lincoln Lambert

I had a meeting recently with a young man who wanted to share with me a new direction for his business and to learn more about what I was doing.  During the conversation I shared with him my regret of not having effectively developing my network from college and graduate school. I felt that I had missed a lot by not having access to those people when I needed someone to talk to, to share information and offer my help as well as receive help from them. That’s when I learned that he realized the importance of feeding that network and conscientiously worked on a networking strategy. During our discussion we agreed that the following things are important for successful networking.

1. Use discretion in referring others to your network

2. Send handwritten thank you notes when someone does something for you

3. Continually looks for ways to help.

4. Listen to what they have to say and show enthusiasm

5. Stay in touch even when not looking for anything from them

6. Make sure you understands their business and they understand yours

7. Make referrals

8. Remember information about them

9. Look for quality instead of quantity

10. Allows be willing to share.

I had the opportunity to accept an engagement to speak at the Price Prather Luncheon for the Women in the Profession Committee of the Mississippi Bar Association. What a wonderful experience. From the moment I landed in Sandestin, Fl until I left I was treated like royalty.

My hostess met me at the airport and the first thing I noticed was her beautiful, broad smile. She then greeted me with a big hug.  Having grown up in the south, I know that is typical of southerners. It does not matter whether they have known you for some time or just meeting you, they want you to feel welcome. My, how the world could use more of that thinking!

In a room beautifully decorated in Tiffany (one of the sponsors) colors, after a tasty lunch I addressed about 80 female judges and lawyers (there were a few men scattered in the audience). They requested that I talk on the topic “The Road to Someplace Better”, which is the title of my recently released book. They wanted to know to what I attributed my level of success. Four traits were dominant: persistence, resilience, courage and a good moral compass.

A persistent person is able to continue toward a goal even in the face of opposition.  Determination is a trademark. Resilience is the ability to spring back. Plan but remain flexible: you may have to endure detours or develop a new way of thinking in order to achieve your goals. Sometimes you must be courageous enough to push yourself out of your comfort zone: be brave enough to do something that seems daring. Take calculated risk. Your moral compass will direct your life. Whatever you do in life, you must be able to live with yourself. Never  compromise  yourself  or  your  values  but  maintain  the  highest  standards  of  excellence  and  integrity. So cultivate a moral compass that protects not only your reputation, but most importantly protects your soul.