Authentic Networking

By Tammy Kapeller

The Stepping Stone, July 2022

Networking can be a scary word or concept, especially if you consider yourself to be an introvert. Many actuaries are more comfortable utilizing technical skills while interacting with small teams and computers than presenting ideas and getting to know people outside their department. Even if you find yourself on the more extraverted side, you may still need to work harder than your peers to break the stereotypes many people hold regarding actuaries. Building strong relationships within and outside your organization is a key factor in career growth, so learning good networking skills is essential.

In addition to meeting new people in and outside of work professionally, networking can be as simple as talking to family, friends, and neighbors. Simply be yourself and enjoy the experience of learning about others while sharing your own views and aspirations. Some simple ideas for networking are below.

1. Build Relationships at Work

• Connect with coworkers via lunch, happy hour, intramural sports, and volunteering.

  Connect with coworkers via lunch, happy hour, intramural sports, and volunteering. Find people you like and with whom you have things in common. Make your group as fluid and inclusive as possible to meet more people and learn more about what is happening throughout your organization. Undoubtedly, some of your friendly coworkers will become leaders in the organization. If you have strong relationships, they will share information about you to other leaders, providing opportunities for recognition and career growth. Simple conversations sharing results and solutions can allow others to see the value you bring to your organization.

  Although these activities may seem trivial, unnecessary, or awkward, these are the ways to really get to know others and for them to get to know you. Intimacy builds trust and strong bonds that go beyond a casual relationship. These people will support you in your endeavors and be a benefit to you personally and professionally.

  Groups ebb and flow—don’t be afraid to change things up occasionally. It is important to socialize and meet with different groups or individuals and not just your teammates or fellow actuaries. Think of people outside your department who are in meetings with you, provide input to your work and vice versa. You can go to lunch with different groups on different days and arrange happy hours with a variety of people. When people observe you with other business leaders, you will be seen as someone who connects in a positive way with others. Avoid the trap of eating at your desk because you are busy, or hiding behind a book or earbuds at a restaurant because you want to dodge attention. The relationships you build are just as important as your current project, and possibly more so long term.

  An added bonus—some of the people you meet at work will likely become lifelong friends.

2. Develop Professional Connections

• Attend professional conferences.

  Partner up with a sociable associate or acquaintance during networking opportunities. It can be daunting to see hundreds of people you do not know when you’re all alone. Your partner can help introduce you to people they know and vice versa.

  Make sure to walk the room several times. You will be surprised at how many people you already know or recognize. Being careful not to interrupt personal conversations; introduce yourself and join a discussion that sounds interesting or approach someone standing alone. When joining a group, offer your insight on the current topic or ask a relevant question. If a topic has run its course or you approach an individual, share something you found interesting at the conference or ask them what they think has been useful. Everyone at a conference is looking for the same thing—an opportunity to meet others and build relationships.

  Look for people who seem to always be in the same sessions as you or for people you recognize. Ask them to meet for lunch or a cocktail to discuss the conference.

• Join and be an active participant in professional associations.

  One of the best ways to connect with others in your profession is to volunteer for committees, task forces, projects and newsletters. This can be a great way to meet people outside your workplace and create opportunities for external advancement. Getting involved in research or other professional projects will provide expertise that you can market inside and outside your organization.

3. Establish Personal Contacts

• Take the opportunity to volunteer.

  Find a cause that speaks to you and learn how you can get involved. In addition to helping people in your community, you will meet influential people and make some good friends. If the cause is meaningful to them, they will be very willing to help you in any way they can, just because of your involvement. Invite others to join you. Having connections outside your own organization will broaden your perspective and allow you to explore new possibilities for your personal and career goals.

• Seek out local or virtual groups.

  There are numerous opportunities to join groups right where you are. In addition to local chapters for your profession, there are neighborhood associations, social groups, recreational clubs, religious organizations, and educational groups. You can also find career networking groups and networking events through local chambers of commerce. Meetup.com can be a great resource to find special interest groups that may be local or virtual. Joining groups will help you meet a variety of people from numerous professions and build mutually beneficial friendships and connections.

Remember to be yourself. Networking and building relationships should be done in an authentic manner and not done solely to move ahead or better yourself at the expense of others. If you truly care about these commitments, you will be successful in building trust, respect, and ultimately, career advancement.

Most importantly, make sure extra projects, networking and professional relationships allow appropriate time for your family, friends, and spiritual needs. Always remain true to who you are.

Statements of fact and opinions expressed herein are those of the individual authors and are not necessarily those of the Society of Actuaries, the editors, or the respective authors’ employers.

Tammy Kapeller, ACC, FSA, MBA, is an executive leadership coach at Candid Consulting, LLC in Overland Park, Kansas. She can be reached at Tammy@CandidConsultingLLC.com.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tammy-kapeller-candidconsultingllc/.