#25. The Simplest Networking Tip Most Solos Ignore

Here’s a networking tip that almost every attorney can implement immediately.

And ironically, it’s so simple that most people dismiss it.

Get out in the community.

Not in a forced, awkward, “hand out business cards” way.

In a consistent, human, everyday way.

I Learned This Watching My Dad

I didn’t learn this from a marketing book. I learned it by watching my dad.

For over 25 years, he’s eaten lunch at a locally owned restaurant five days a week (switching restaurants daily)

Always during the workday. Always in a suit.

Yes, he eats there for the food.

But that was never the real reason.

Early in his career, he wanted two things to be obvious:

1. He was an attorney
2. He was approachable and down-to-earth

So he showed up. Every day.

He talked with the staff. Learned their names - usually calling them by their first name on his second visit.

Asked how their kids were doing. Treated everyone like a human being, not a transaction.

Fast forward 25+ years.

That routine alone has generated countless referrals from people who were never “prospects” in the traditional sense.

Just regular people who knew, liked, and trusted him.

Why This Works (And Why It’s Overlooked)

Most solos think networking has to be complicated.

Events. Mixers. Cold introductions. Forced conversations.

But the truth is this:

Brand is built through repetition and presence.

Not through one-off efforts.

My dad didn’t “network.”

He lived his routine, consistently, in public.

This Isn’t About Copying His Exact Playbook

I’m not telling you to eat lunch out every day in a suit for 25 years.

I am telling you to find your version of that habit.

Ask yourself:

• What’s something I can do consistently?
• Something I’d do anyway?
• Something that naturally puts me around people?

Maybe it’s:

• Buying coffee at the same local shop every morning and sitting there for 30 minutes instead of using the drive-thru
• Working from a local café once or twice a week
• Volunteering weekly for a cause you actually care about

The key isn’t what you choose.

The key is that you show up repeatedly.

The Real Takeaway

Most networking advice focuses on tactics.

This is about identity.

When people see you regularly, in real life, being consistent and genuine, you don’t have to “sell” yourself.

You become the attorney they think of naturally.

And over time, that compounds in ways no cold email ever will.

A Simple Community Habits Checklist for Solos

To help get you started, here is a list of ideas for you.

You don’t need to do all of these. You just need one that you can do consistently.

Pick the one that fits your life and personality:

• Buy coffee at the same local café 3–5 days a week (sit inside for 20–30 minutes)
• Eat lunch at locally owned restaurants during the workday
• Work from a coffee shop or library one morning per week
• Volunteer weekly or biweekly for a cause you genuinely care about
• Attend one recurring community event (church group, civic meeting, club, gym class)
• Sponsor or support a local youth team or community program
• Regularly shop local and build relationships with the staff
• Show up to the same place at the same time each week

The rule: consistency beats creativity. Familiarity builds trust.

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How This Ties Into the Bigger Picture

Community habits work best when they fit into a larger, intentional strategy.

If you’re unsure:

• Which networking efforts are actually helping
• What community involvement makes sense for your practice
• Or where you should focus your limited time

I’m offering one free 24-Hour Firm Audit per day.

It’s a quick clarity consult followed by a personalized breakdown delivered within 24 hours.

Showing what’s working, what to cut, and where to double down next.

If you want clarity before adding another habit to your plate, you can book your free 24-Hour Firm Audit here:

Get a snapshot of where your law firm is by clicking here.

No pressure. No pitch. Just clarity.