CHEERS FROM THE BAR: Step into the batter's box and introduce yourself

I did not intend to write this as another "coach approach" column until I attended two different lawyer events Tuesday. Approximately 15 lawyers were at the lunch event, 12 or so were at the late afternoon meeting. The second meeting included a designated time for everyone to introduce themselves to the group. The first event did not. Not surprisingly, people stayed after the second event to talk with and get to know the other participants better. This did not happen at the first event. The lunch attendees may have been trying to get back to their office, but many probably had no interaction at all with anyone during the event. Forget about the "Mendoza line." If you never step into the batter's box, you will never get a hit. If part of the reason you go to events is to meet potential clients, referral sources, mentors, employers, friends, etc., but you don't introduce yourself and meet other people, you will never get into the big league. But enough with the baseball motif. It reminds me of my grief over the Tigers' last game. Perhaps one of the DMBA's upcoming events will pique your interest and you will come learn a few things, have some fun and meet some people. Perhaps some of your friends or colleagues need a reason to get out of the office. Today, Oct. 20, the DMBA Barristers (the young lawyers section) are having a "Pins & Pinstripes" event at the Garden Bowl on Woodward from 6 - 9 pm, $40 @ the door. The Barristers welcome all young lawyers for bowling, pizza, beer, wine and networking. On Nov. 2, the DMBA is targeting the marketing needs of solos and small firms with real advice from practitioners in an interactive setting. "Marketing is a Contact Sport: 20 Tips & a Mixer" starts at 5 p.m. on the 2nd at Sinbad's, $20. We are including light appetizers, a drink ticket, and plenty of time for discussion and networking. We welcome all types, from introverts to extroverts, new admittees to seasoned counselors, solos to larger settings. You will learn, you will have fun and you will meet people. Thursday, Nov. 10, the Labor & Employment Section is holding an after work networking event at the historic jazz club, Cliff Bell's. As the New York Times said, "It's the place to be in Detroit." If you have not yet been to Cliff Bell's, it is time. 2030 Park Avenue. 5 p.m. Save Thursday, Dec. 1 for the DMBA Holiday Happy Hour. We are starting the season early and you can go to all your other holiday parties later in December! Last, and certainly the most glamorous, is the DMBA Foundation's annual Dennis Archer Public Service Award gala reception on Thursday, Jan. 26 honoring Maura Corrigan. Traditionally held at a new and unique, or restored historic Detroit jewel, such as the Guardian Building, the new YMCA, the Charles H. Wright Museum, this year's gala is set for the new Detroit Wayne County Port Authority building on the Detroit riverfront. Stay tuned for details. I hope to see you at one or more of these events. We can help you meet some people, learn a little and have some fun. ---------- Elizabeth Jolliffe is president of the Detroit Metropolitan Bar Association. A graduate of the University of Michigan Law School, Jolliffe is the founder of Your Benchmark Coach and can be reached at elizabeth@yourbenchmarkcoach.com. Published: Thu, Oct 20, 2011