Don’t miss out! Download our 2025 Salary Survey now!
Networking strategies for insurance professionals are key to career success. A staggering 70% of candidates who have either been made redundant or are involved in a career coaching programme secure their next role through effective communication with their network.
However, like any effective strategy, it takes thorough preparation to ensure your networking efforts lead to positive results.
In this article, we focus on what a results-driven networking strategy looks like, helping you to create a plan that is built for success.
Before we delve into the how of networking, let’s first examine the why.
Many professionals, who have left a role either through redundancy or in search of new opportunities, often begin a frantic networking drive as the prospect of unemployment looms. While this may prove successful for some, growing a network gradually throughout every stage of your career is a far more constructive approach.
This doesn’t mean attending every industry event on the calendar or meeting fellow professionals for coffee every other day; it can be as simple as building a rapport with contacts you meet on a day-to-day basis. This rapport, if nurtured carefully, can inspire trust and a genuine connection in time.
Networks built on such a connection will be powerful, with contacts having a real desire to help you in your career progression in any way they can.
When you need to begin networking with an immediate purpose in mind, it’s time to boost your regular efforts in a big way. Here is a list of the top networking strategies to implement when seeking new opportunities within the insurance sector.
A good plan is built on preparation, and this is entirely true in the context of your networking strategy.
The best way to prepare initially is to put adequate time into defining what you aim to achieve through networking. Are you exploring new job opportunities? Are you looking for professional mentorship? Whatever your reasoning, it’s vital to establish the exact reason for upping your networking efforts to outline clear objectives and promote more purposeful interactions.
Another key element of planning and preparation is working on your professional narrative. This involves establishing who you are professionally and personally, why you’re doing what you’re doing, and what you’re hoping to achieve through networking.
While you may be tempted to toot your own horn or become overly zealous with your self-descriptions, it’s vital to remain sincere and authentic with the message you put across to be relatable to others. What’s even more important is combining this level of authenticity with a strategic mindset, so you’re consistently reaching for your objectives while remaining true to yourself and your ideals.
When authenticity and strategy are in perfect synchrony, amazing things can happen.
Professional networking is, in a sense, a selfish exercise, as it is usually spearheaded by an individual seeking something of value to them. However, it’s crucial not to focus solely on what you can achieve for personal gain, as this will quickly become apparent to your connections.
This is where the “give and take” mantra comes into play.
If you enter into the networking sphere with a willingness to help others by offering advice or referrals you feel may be beneficial to them, you will quickly build a reputation as a team player and as someone deserving of a helping hand in return.
When you physically put yourself out into the universe to network in person, you never know whose path you might cross.
For this reason, it’s vital to regularly participate in relevant industry-specific events, such as workshops and seminars. From industry leaders and peers with valuable connections to potential career mentors, these professional gatherings offer multiple opportunities.
A great way to keep abreast of events that are relative to your sector is by joining professional associations related to insurance, which often offer exclusive outlets and resources for members.
Online platforms, such as LinkedIn, are an invaluable networking resource in this digital age.
To leverage the benefits of such social networking opportunities and broaden your reach and visibility, it’s essential to maintain an updated presence. This involves ensuring your career credentials are completely up to date, sharing industry-relevant content, participating in professional discussions, and connecting with professionals both within and outside of your field.
With respect to the latter, building relationships beyond the immediate insurance sector can lead to mutual referrals and a broader client base.
Including a personalised note when sending a connection request is also important, as this can help you establish a relationship with your new connection.
Successful networking involves more than simply building a large community on LinkedIn or having a few interesting conversations at industry events; it’s about making connections and maintaining them over time.
Following up is crucial to solidifying these relationships. Whether it’s expressing appreciation for their time or advice, suggesting a future meeting down the line, or checking in to enquire about the progress of a matter they may have shared with you, regularly touching base with your network will keep the lines of communication flowing.
Effective networking in the insurance industry requires a blend of strategic planning, genuine engagement and continuous effort. If this undertaking seems daunting and you’re unsure how to put your best foot forward, it may be time to reach out to the experts.
Partnering with specialised recruitment agencies, such as 360 Search, can enhance your networking efforts. Our agency has extensive networks and deep industry knowledge, providing access to opportunities and connections that might not be readily available elsewhere.
What’s more, by engaging with our team and our services, candidates will receive personalised guidance tailored to their career aspirations. Our goal is simple – to connect you with the right people, in the right companies, for the right opportunities.
To find out more about how we can help you network your way to success – and land your dream role – contact our team today.
The process of recruiting for financial services roles has never been more streamlined, thanks to the involvement of technology in hiring practices. Leveraging the amazing technological advancements that are now at our fingertips has become an essential part of both...
You’re job hunting. You’re eager. You just want to get hired. So, you send your CV everywhere - multiple recruiters, direct applications - hoping to improve your chances. Then a recruiter introduces you to a company, only to get this response: ❌ "Sorry, we've already...
With numerous challenges facing the financial sector, from high employee turnover and evolving regulatory requirements to a deficiency in necessary technological skills, financial services recruitment is posing a challenge to employers across the industry....