Boost your networking game with five expert tips for new financial professionals. Learn how to stand out, make connections, and grow your career with confidence!

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Networking and making connections are the name of the game in any industry for finding opportunities to move up and grow. If you’re a rookie in the finance world, honing your people skills is key to developing long-lasting professional relationships. Take note of these five networking tips that are sure to bring you one step closer to success.

1. Listen more, talk less

You want to make a mark at networking events, letting people know who you are and what you do. However, it’s even more important to listen attentively to the professionals you talk to throughout the event. Listen to how they describe their job, what they enjoy doing outside of work, and any other talking points that could be built upon. Ask questions, and be prepared for theirs. Listening can make all the difference at these types of events.

2. Join groups

Whether this be online through LinkedIn, in person with a professional organization, or in a group that shares an interest or hobby, find people that you connect with, and start strengthening those relationships. Ask others in your industry for advice, and put yourself out there. You never know what could come from a new introduction.

3. Aim to be memorable

Get there early and start shaking hands with other professionals and exchanging business cards or email addresses. Arriving before the rush can put you one step ahead of others. Networking events can get crowded, and many people are trying to achieve the same thing, so any little thing to stand out can help you be remembered later on.

4. Broaden your horizons

While you want to make leaps within the financial industry, it’s important to also strengthen relationships in other spheres as well. Think about how a relationship with insurance agencies, brokerages, lawyers, and other service professionals could be mutually beneficial to your respective businesses.

5. Know that there’s always more to learn

You have a degree and probably at least one internship under your belt, but you’ve likely realized that you have a lot more to learn and experience before you become a genuine pro. Go into these events with an open mind and know that you’re not the smartest person in the room. (If you are, leave. You’re in the wrong room.) Listen well, take notes, and jot down others’ information so you can follow up later.

Heed these tips to go confidently into your next networking event.