In this instalment of her regular series for paraplanners considering taking the leap to become advisers, Hayley Rabbets, Head of Evergreen at Calton gives an insight into the power of community.
As I write this, I’m sitting wearing a cardigan amazed at how quickly summer disappeared. I hope you all had a fantastic one and, as we move into autumn, are starting to feel the sense of renewal that usually comes with a change of season.
These articles are all about change, and what taking the leap to becoming an adviser really looks like. As with any aspect of change, the most important thing you should have to navigate it is support.
So today, I’m going to share some ideas on how to build your network and explain why the support of a strong community is so important, at every stage of your career.
I’m going to start by being completely honest with you, dear reader… I’m no expert in building community, despite practically everyone I know telling me I am. I’ll let you into a little secret (don’t tell anyone) I never set out with any particular strategy.
I just started talking nonsense on LinkedIn and over time, attracted people who seemed to like hearing my nonsense. Then, I listened to what they needed and put them in touch with other people who seemed to like hearing my nonsense.
And here I am now, with a fantastic, nonsensical network of people who I can always rely on for help, support, encouragement and, vitally, opportunities.
I’ve learnt a fair bit along the way, so to save you having to accidentally build a network like me, I’ll share some top tips:
- Don’t overthink it – just start. Start posting to LinkedIn, start going to conferences (if you can), start speaking to people.
- LinkedIn has its challenges, but it’s also a powerful tool for connecting with people. I wouldn’t have the network I have today without it so try to tune out the negative, shake off the ‘ick’ you may feel with posting and start using it!
- Read articles and comment with your thoughts. Particularly useful if using LinkedIn (just to clarify, I’m not getting paid every time I type ‘LinkedIn’!) as you can share with your thoughts, tag in other people to ask for theirs and connect with the author. This is particularly useful for building connections who will bring with them content that interests you.
- Be consistent and persistent. The old algo loves a bit of consistency so make sure you post regularly. And keep at it. These things take time to build, so go in with some patience.
- Start building up a network online first, as it’s much easier than IRL. That can come later!
- If / when you do start venturing out to conferences or networking events, put something out online first. Ask if anyone you know is going and perhaps try to meet them for a tipple of choice beforehand, giving you someone to buddy up with for the day.
- If you’re going to an event in person and you don’t know anyone else going, wear something recognisable and post about it. I remember going to an awards do on my own once, didn’t know anyone going, and posted on LinkedIn “Me and my rainbow dress are off to the awards this evening. If anyone sees me stood in the corner awkwardly smiling at people, please come rescue me!” As soon as I walked into the venue, someone came up and said they’d seen my post on LinkedIn and wanted to make me feel at ease. And, not to be dramatic, quite possibly saved my life.
- Be yourself! If you’re writing a post, tell us about yourself, your career aspirations, what you’re interested in, your views on the profession. If you’re meeting people in person, don’t feel like you have to be overly polished. Don’t use AI to write your posts. People connect with people, not robots.
I’ve been so grateful to accidentally build a network because it has genuinely brought me friendships that I’ll have until I’m old(er) and grey(er). But that is a happy by-product of what a strong network brings professionally.
It’s brought me opportunities I never would have dreamed of – writing for Professional Paraplanner being one of them!
I’ve been invited to speak on panels, getting the opportunity to debate matters that are important to me, deliver keynotes at conferences where I usually sit in the audience and go on podcasts with some of my professional heroes.
It’s opened up new roles and taken my career in a direction I never even considered.
It’s also helped me learn so much more than I would have otherwise. It’s built my confidence, provided me with insights and advice, and ultimately, helped my personal development even to this day.
But best of all, it’s allowed me to help others. I’ve been able to introduce people who have gone on to work together, mentor those making the same leap you’re considering, and open doors I didn’t even know existed when I first started posting nonsense on LinkedIn.
Now, go find your tribe. Their support will help you whatever path you choose. And if you see me out and about in the wild (possibly in a rainbow dress) come say hi!
Hayley Rabbets is Head of Evergreen, a new proposition and pathway for self-employed financial planners within Calton. Discover more at Evergreen by Calton’s LinkedIn page.
Main image: hands, together, team, hannah-busing-Zyx1bK9mqmA-unsplash
