Yasmin Carter-Esdale offers some tips on how to build and elevate your profile in a hybrid-working world
Hybrid working can sometimes make it feel like you are fading into the background. Suddenly it seems harder than ever to have your work recognised when you and your management operate in two different locations, joined only by a wifi connection.
How well you keep yourself connected with not just your organisation but also the wider insurance sector has become more important than ever. Here are some tips to get you started with elevating your profile in a hybrid-working world.
First impressions
When a new colleague joins or you are about to meet someone for the first time, chances are you search for them on Linkedin, the world’s largest professional social network.
It takes less than one-tenth of a second for someone to form a first impression of you, so make sure your profile shows you in the best possible light. That means retiring the blurry profile picture that was taken from the 2015 work Christmas party and replacing it with something clean and professional instead. In a hybrid-working world, the need to amplify the work you’re doing is crucial, so don’t be shy shouting about your achievements if they improve your professional credibility.
Once you are happy that your Linkedin profile showcases the best version of yourself, the next step is how you utilise your platform.
It takes less than one-tenth of a second for someone to form a first impression of you
Consistently engaging in discussions on Linkedin, particularly in your area of expertise, will help establish you as a valued thought contributor. Follow key voices of the market, thought leaders in your specialty and professional magazines to ensure your feed remains relevant and easy to engage with. Insurance is a people business, so follow up your conversations with a message and a Linkedin connection request to continue growing your network.
Get out there
Take your conversations offline by making sure you regularly attend industry events. Start with CII events being run by your local institute, or for a broader reach try nationwide as well. For remote events in particular, ensure you take the opportunity to ask questions and make your presence be known.
The Insurance Cultural Network (iCAN), the Next Generation Insurance Network (NGIN) and lots of City-based firms also put on regular technical seminars and networking events. These are a great way for you to establish your name and meet new people across the sector.
Once you have built up and nurtured your relationships, don’t let them go to waste! Could you collaborate with someone to produce a technical article? What about asking to speak at an event in your specialty? Could someone in your network recommend you for your dream role? Make your network work for you.
Stay active
Lastly, it is a fact of life that sometimes good work goes unnoticed. Stay at the top of your line manager’s agenda by taking advantage of remote video conferencing and scheduling regular check-ins.
For informal networking opportunities, join workstreams and start building out your internal network. In addition to demonstrating social value, workstreams can also provide you with an opportunity to demonstrate skillsets outside of your nine-to-five job role.
Hybrid working doesn’t mean you have to fade into the background. Take the right steps now to elevate your profile, stay visible and make sure the great work you do gets the recognition it deserves.
Yasmin Carter-Esdale
