Learn how to make the most of your network in the financial services industry. Discover tips on how to be strategic, genuine, generous, and consistent.

It is important to be genuine when networking as a financial professional because authenticity builds trust and credibility with clients and colleagues. Being genuine allows you to build strong and lasting relationships based on honesty and transparency. This can lead to better communication, collaboration, and ultimately, success in your financial career.

You’re in Financial Services. How can you make the most of your network?

Networking is not just about exchanging business cards and adding contacts on LinkedIn. It's a powerful way to advance your career, learn from others, and create opportunities in the financial services industry. But how can you make the most of your network, especially in a competitive and fast-changing environment? Here are some tips to help you.

1 Know your goals

Before you reach out to your network, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve. Are you looking for a mentor, a referral, a collaboration, or a job? Having a specific goal will help you identify who to contact, what to say, and how to follow up. It will also make you more confident and focused when you communicate with your network.

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Shreyansh S.

Associate Partner at Shree Legal Associate || Head Editor & Founder at LAWLOVELEGAL || Experienced in Commission Sales || Passionate Blogger || LLB & LLM in Constitutional & Administrative Law ||
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1. Attend industry events and conferences to expand your network. 2. Utilize social media platforms like LinkedIn to connect with professionals in your field. 3. Join industry-specific groups or associations to meet like-minded individuals. 4. Offer to provide value to your network by sharing insights, expertise, or resources. 5. Stay in touch with contacts regularly through personalized messages or occasional meet-ups.

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LARISSA TERRY

Tired Of Missing Opportunities?
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The Goal! Long Term and Short Term ——absolutely vital, indeed. Am I looking for Help or I am Looking to be Helped —- in this case I would love to know who’s that person what’s his/her goal ;) Easy!

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2 Be strategic

You don't have to network with everyone you meet. Instead, be strategic and prioritize the people who can help you with your goals, who share your values, and who have relevant expertise or connections. You can use tools like LinkedIn or Twitter to research and find potential contacts, or ask for introductions from mutual acquaintances. Once you have a list of targets, plan how to approach them, what to offer them, and how to maintain the relationship.

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Rachael Chiverton

I help busy business owners get back control of their time so they can focus on growing the most important part of their business
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Never turn down a request for a meeting, you don't know why they are asking for it, they could know someone looking for your service

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LARISSA TERRY

Tired Of Missing Opportunities?
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Strategist is perfect occupation to be in! That’s what I call myself —- Who can do without!? Sure We can use “fancy dresses form —terms” WASTE NOT! A person valuable and his/her time must be productive WITH RESULT’s Be clear and specific OR Help them to be clear and specific, ha!? Remember Socrates, right!? He sure knew how to help and so he just keep asking questions ;) —— Dot you ever give a person an answer ——learn lead a person to it!!! They all have a solution guaranteed! All you have to do is to help them to Look at iT! Is this case a parson’s self —respect would lead ‘em to Glory —-so to speak ;) Great question, by the way —Thank you.

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3 Be genuine

Networking is not just about asking for favors or selling yourself. It's about building trust and rapport with other professionals. To do that, you need to be genuine and authentic. Show genuine interest in the other person, their work, and their challenges. Listen actively and ask open-ended questions. Share your insights, opinions, and experiences. And don't forget to express your appreciation and gratitude for their time and support.

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Stephen O'Hara

SVP Corporate Banking at PNC
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It is important to be genuine when networking as a financial professional because authenticity builds trust and credibility with clients and colleagues. Being genuine allows you to build strong and lasting relationships based on honesty and transparency. This can lead to better communication, collaboration, and ultimately, success in your financial career.

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LARISSA TERRY

Tired Of Missing Opportunities?
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Is there another way!? Of course—- it’s expected! What’s else are you doing here!? I’m here to help —-period ——is very straight forward when one can learn “How I Can …..?” That’s it —- the Information would just stare at you back! Hahahahahaha yeah —-Be great Be Genuine ;)

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4 Be generous

Networking is a two-way street. You can't expect to get something from your network without giving something back. Be generous and offer your help, advice, or resources to your contacts whenever you can. You can also share relevant information, opportunities, or introductions with them. By being generous, you will demonstrate your value, credibility, and goodwill. You will also create a positive impression and a lasting bond with your network.

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LARISSA TERRY

Tired Of Missing Opportunities?
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a! Let’s call things by its name “No Fear!” It’s call EXCHANGE otherwise it’s “criminal activity” Period! Unless Someone’s goal to create The Slavery —- Sir, Can You Give One Day Honest Work!? —-oh! Yeas Sure! and for that I will Pay You One Day Honest Worth! I owe you nothing and You owe me nothing” Remember “McClintock!” Classic, right!

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5 Be consistent

Networking is not a one-time event. It's a continuous process that requires regular attention and effort. You need to stay in touch with your network and keep them updated on your progress, achievements, and goals. You can use email, phone, social media, or face-to-face meetings to communicate with your contacts. You can also invite them to events, webinars, or podcasts that might interest them. The key is to be consistent and relevant, and avoid being spammy or pushy.

Networking is a vital skill for anyone in the financial services industry. It can help you grow your career, expand your knowledge, and discover new opportunities. By following these tips, you can make the most of your network and achieve your professional goals.

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Rachael Chiverton

I help busy business owners get back control of their time so they can focus on growing the most important part of their business
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Don't use your introduction to try and tell everything you offer, select one product or service and tell people what the issue he'll solve, how you solve it and if possible include a testimonial

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LARISSA TERRY

Tired Of Missing Opportunities?
(edited)
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aha! I’m guilty ;) you know —-I have guilt complex like the humans do ;) make me smile —- Did you know that Discipline is that when one keep putting it out there ——over and over and over and over and over again… That’s right!!! You are not that great —-don’t worry about it Just do it on next morning a little bit better then yesterday—- COMMUNICATE! Be Considerate!

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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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You’re in Financial Services. How can you make the most of your network?

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1 Know your goals

2 Be strategic

3 Be genuine

4 Be generous

5 Be consistent

6 Here’s what else to consider

Financial Services

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