Networking is worthwhile for those of you who are both pursuing a finance careers and hoping to land a Chief Financial Officer job.

Effective networking can open doors to new opportunities, provide insights into industry trends, and help build a support system of like-minded professionals. 

Tips for Effective Networking

1. Be Genuine and Approachable

   • Authenticity is key. People can sense when you’re genuine, which fosters trust and rapport.

2. Prepare Your Elevator Pitch

   • Have a concise, compelling summary of who you are, what you do, and your career goals. This helps make a strong first impression.

3. Attend Industry Events

   • Participate in conferences, seminars, and workshops related to finance. These gatherings are excellent for meeting industry leaders and peers.

4. Leverage Social Media

   • Platforms like LinkedIn are pretty good for maintaining connections and showcasing your professional journey. You can share insightful content and engage with others’ posts to stay visible.

5. Follow Up

   • After meeting someone, send a follow-up message to express your appreciation and interest in staying connected. This keeps the relationship warm and demonstrates your commitment.

Developing Leadership Skills through Networking

Networking isn’t just about exchanging business cards (doesn't anyone have a business card these days?!); it’s about building relationships that can enhance your leadership skills. By engaging with experienced professionals, you can learn new perspectives and approaches to leadership challenges.

1. Seek Mentorship

   • Find mentors who can provide guidance and share their experiences. This can accelerate your growth and help you avoid common issues or problems.

2. Join Professional Associations

   • Being part of professional bodies can provide access to exclusive events, resources, and a community of peers.  Think your accounting body as a starting point, but then look to industry specific or business size groups.

3. Engage in Cross-Functional Networking

   • Don’t limit yourself to finance professionals. Interacting with leaders from other departments can provide a broader perspective and help you understand different aspects of the business.

4. Volunteer for Leadership Roles

   • Take on leadership roles within professional groups or community organisations. This experience can hone your leadership skills and expand your network.

5. Be a Resource

   • Offer your expertise and help to others. This not only builds goodwill but also positions you as a knowledgeable and helpful professional.

Avoiding Common Networking Pitfalls

1. Avoid Being Self-Centred

   • Networking is a two-way street. Show genuine interest in others and listen more than you speak.

2. Don’t Rush the Relationship

   • Building meaningful relationships takes time. Don’t expect immediate results; nurture your connections patiently.

3. Steer Clear of Over-Networking

   • Quality over quantity. Focus on building a few strong relationships rather than collecting a vast number of superficial contacts.
   • You also don't want to over-burden yourself with too many networking events.  A couple a month should suffice.

Effective business networking is a tool for successful finance careers. For those aiming to secure a Chief Financial Officer job, developing robust networking habits can provide a competitive edge. By being genuine, leveraging social media, following up, and seeking mentorship, you can build a strong professional network that supports your career growth. Enhance your leadership skills through cross-functional interactions and volunteer roles, and always approach networking as a mutually beneficial activity.

Want to improve and speed up your finance career? See the steps in our Framework below:

1. Sign up to our next workshop.
2. Work with me in the Financial Leadership Foundations course  that includes monthly Q&A sessions where we can discuss all of your questions and how to apply your learnings to your current role. 
3. Download the Upgrade your Management accounts course to showcase your skills as a finance leader to the Founder, leadership team and the Board.