Master networker and connector Keith Ferrazzi has written an idea-laden book called Never Eat Alone: And Other Secrets of Success, One Relationship at a Time. To paraphrase Ferrazzi’s definition, networking is really just connecting: sharing knowledge and resources, time and energy, friends and associates, and empathy and compassion in a continual effort to provide value to others [emphasis added], while coincidentally increasing value to self.
Ferrazzi makes all of this relationship building sound very simple–albeit a bit overwhelming unless you have boundless energy. (Even a big extravert like me was a tad daunted.) However, the book shares many good ideas about making meaningful connections with people in a short amount of time, and staying in touch thereafter.
Which gets me to the title of this post: why international lawyers should never eat alone. As Ferrazzi explains time and time again, meaningful connections can be made in short amounts of time, but these connections must be maintained, not forgotten. Further, every opportunity for in person contact is invaluable and should be used fully. Because international lawyers are often geographically distant from their clients (and potential clients), the international lawyer should make every second in the presence of a client count.
So, when abroad, never eat alone. (According to Ferrazzi, never exercise alone, either.) This may be a lawyer’s rare opportunity for powerful face to face contact with a usually distant client. It will be easier for an international attorney to stay connected to a client across the miles once close bonds have been forged in person. And, as we know, many other cultures make a close relationships a prerequisites to doing business together.
Colin Powell said, “Endeavors succeed or fail because of the people involved. Only by attracting the best people will you  accomplish great deeds.”Â
Now two young professionals and former Teach for America teachers, Shawn Raymond and Chris Myers Asch, have launched a new project: creating a national public service academy for civilians known as the US Public Service Academy. As conceived, the USPSA would give its undergraduate students four years of liberal arts college education tuition free. The students would repay this with five years of public service thereafter working for local, state or national public institutions. Because so many baby boomers are set to retire, America desperately needs more skilled and trained leaders who are dedicated to and knowledgeable about public service.Â
Just as with the military academies, two students would be selected annually from each State. These students would pursue traditional liberal arts BS or BA degrees, but also receive training in public service and leadership.
As international lawyers know, a global perspective is increasingly imperative for success in life. To bolster students’ broader understanding of our world, the school would require one semester of study abroad and  proficiency in a foreign language, and bring foreign students to the campus to study.  Walter Reed Army Medical Hospital (slated for closure) has been suggested as an ideal Washington-based campus. There is currently a bill (with bi-partisan support) pending before Congress, sponsored by Arlan Specter (R-PA) and Hillary Clinton (D-NY), among others, and the USPSA has launched a letter writing campaign to attract more congressional support. Why not join the movement?                                               Â
