What do you do if your insurance executive network needs a boost?

Networking is a vital skill for any insurance executive who wants to advance their career, find new opportunities, and learn from the best in the industry. But how do you grow and maintain a strong network in a competitive and dynamic field? Here are some tips to help you boost your insurance executive network and reap the benefits.

1 Identify your goals

Before you start reaching out to potential contacts, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve from your networking efforts. Do you want to find a mentor, a partner, a client, or a referral source? Do you want to learn new skills, trends, or insights? Do you want to explore new markets, niches, or segments? Having specific and realistic goals will help you focus your efforts and tailor your messages to the right people.

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Davnit Singh

Linkedin Top Insurtech Voice | Delivery & Thoughtleader for Financial Enterprises
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In my experience, boosting an insurance executive network involves strategic event participation, including speaking at industry conferences and organizing exclusive events. Hosting industry roundtables or networking events specifically for insurance executives can be particularly effective.

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2 Research your prospects

Once you have your goals in mind, you need to find out who are the key players in your field, industry, or region. You can use online platforms, such as LinkedIn, industry associations, trade publications, or events, to research and identify potential contacts who match your criteria. Look for common interests, mutual connections, or shared challenges that can help you establish rapport and relevance. You can also use social media, blogs, podcasts, or newsletters to follow and engage with your prospects and learn more about their work, opinions, and needs.

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3 Reach out and follow up

After you have done your homework, you can start reaching out to your prospects and initiate a conversation. You can use email, phone, or social media to introduce yourself, explain your purpose, and request a meeting or a call. Be polite, concise, and respectful, and avoid generic or spammy messages. You can also leverage your existing network to ask for introductions or referrals to your prospects. Once you have made contact, make sure to follow up promptly and keep the communication going until you achieve your desired outcome.

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4 Provide value and reciprocity

Networking is not a one-way street. You need to offer something of value to your contacts, such as information, advice, feedback, support, or referrals. You also need to show appreciation and gratitude for their time, attention, and assistance. You can do this by sending a thank-you note, providing a testimonial, sharing their content, or endorsing their skills. By providing value and reciprocity, you can build trust, credibility, and goodwill with your contacts and strengthen your relationships.

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5 Nurture and expand your network

Networking is not a one-time event. You need to maintain regular contact with your network and keep them updated on your progress, achievements, and challenges. You can use email, phone, social media, or newsletters to stay in touch and share relevant news, insights, or opportunities. You can also use online or offline events, such as webinars, conferences, workshops, or meetups, to reconnect and meet new contacts. By nurturing and expanding your network, you can increase your visibility, influence, and reputation in the insurance field.

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Puneet Seth, MBA, CLU®,CLF®,ChFC®,CLTC

Managing Partner at New York Life | Chartered Leadership Fellow®
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Engage in Non Work related activities. I am not the one for Official Networking events, where everyone is a Radio, no one is listening 😜. Join a Wine Club, if you like Wine. Golf for the fun of it. Gardening, if that’s what you like. Your passion for things will attract similar people.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Anne Mehta, CPA, CA

SVP Operations & Data at Aviva Canada | Insurance | Multinational Transformation | Operational Efficiency | Empowering People Leader | Risk, Compliance & Governance | Always looking for that next problem to solve
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Within the tight-knit insurance industry, executives are typically just one or two connections away from you already. While reaching out to these senior individuals is generally well-received, it's most effective when facilitated through a referral. The personal touch and trust inherent in a mutual connection carry significant weight and can greatly improve your networking efforts. Additionally, it's crucial to have a clear agenda in mind for the meeting. These executives lead busy lives, so providing them with a preview of what you want to discuss beforehand demonstrates respect for their time, your level of enthusiasm and ensures a more productive conversation.

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What do you do if your insurance executive network needs a boost?

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1 Identify your goals

2 Research your prospects

3 Reach out and follow up

4 Provide value and reciprocity

5 Nurture and expand your network

6 Here’s what else to consider

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