At some point in your career, you may have heard the old adage, “It is not what you know, but who you know.” Unfortunately, this may bring up a slew of mixed emotions and thoughts about favoritism, nepotism or even thankfulness if you have benefitted from knowing someone. The thrust of this statement is pointing at who is in your network. While we may bristle at the adage above, I believe that a robust personal network is a valuable tool for your career. I would never argue that someone should get a job simply on the basis of a relationship. So, let’s reframe this sentiment and say, “It’s not only who you know but also what you know!” Given this reframed idea, we are left with two components to develop — a network and your actuarial knowledge/business skills. This article will focus on strategies for building your network.

In its most simple terms, a network is the people who you know. But what if the people you know are merely acquaintances and know nothing meaningful about you? That would not be very valuable. Cultivating meaningful connections can be a key to unlocking opportunities and advancing your career trajectory. Let’s explore how we can make these connections.

Be authentic — This is a key to building genuine connection. Presenting your true self establishes trust and fosters deeper relationships. Authenticity allows for rapport to develop. In networking, being authentic means being transparent about one’s values, goals and experiences. This can lead to mutually beneficial opportunities and long-lasting relationships.

Read and ask questions — If you will be engaging with someone on a specific topic, I highly encourage you to read and establish a minimal knowledge base. Also, prepare some questions to ask ahead of time. Reading exposes you to new ideas, trends and industry insights. Asking thoughtful questions demonstrates interest in others, creates meaningful dialogue and builds rapport. Finally, reading and asking questions facilitates the exchange of valuable information and fosters authentic relationships, tying into the first suggestion above.

Stay up to date on current events — This idea is along the same lines as “read and ask questions.” Staying up to date on current events expands beyond information specific to your job/career — topics such as pop culture or sports just to name two. Being informed about a variety of subjects will enable you to make small talk with others when networking virtually or in person. It serves as a powerful icebreaker and facilitates the initial rapport-building process. Small talk about current events also provides a neutral ground for conversation before delving into more specific professional topics. Being adept at conversation surrounding current events also sets the stage for deeper and more meaningful networking interactions.

Reach out and take risks — Don’t be afraid to reach out to others. This could include article authors, conference speakers and those at higher levels of your own organization. You could also consider attending CAS meetings or volunteering on a working group. I recognize this is probably intimidating, but there is little risk in dropping someone an email and expressing your thanks or making an inquiry. Taking risks in networking involves stepping out of your comfort zone, but that is where growth happens! Being proactive demonstrates initiative, grows your confidence and shows a willingness to seize opportunities.

Take notes — Unless you have an incredible memory, it is wise to take notes during or after networking interactions. This helps you retain key facts, demonstrates attentiveness and allows for meaningful follow-up conversations. This could mean jotting down key points from a discussion, noting specific interests or needs expressed by a contact. It may also involve identifying action items for future follow-up. Spending a few minutes after chatting with someone recording what you remember can serve as valuable reference points for the future. Making records of your interactions can contribute to more fruitful and enduring connections.

In conclusion, networking is not about getting something from someone. It is about building beneficial relationships. As you do so, you will establish a robust personal network that will benefit your career journey. Building a network requires time, effort and continued commitment. It is not only a one-time conversation. By being authentic, engaging in continuous learning, staying informed about current events, reaching out to others, taking risks and diligently taking notes, individuals can strengthen their network and unlock a wealth of opportunities. Remember, networking isn’t just about who you know — it’s about fostering genuine relationships that enrich both personal and professional lives. Use these strategies to embark on this journey of building relationships and navigating the dynamic landscape of networking with confidence and purpose.