Is there a more ambiguous career term? Net·work·ing.

Broken down to its parts, the individual segments have nothing to do with the overall meaning of the sum total. But we are supposed to innately understand what networking means and we are also told we have to “master” this thing in order to forge successful careers.

The definition of networking? It is a verb meaning to interact with other people to exchange information and develop contacts, especially to further one’s career. Well no wonder we’re confused! As new adjusters, exactly who do we know so we can (a) interact with and (b) develop additional contacts? And what information do we already confidently know that we can offer an experienced person in order to fulfil the “exchange” requirement and further my career? I’m doomed before I start!

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We see new adjusters on social networks all the time getting their hands smacked for asking too many questions or for bothering experienced adjusters with their requests for help. So where can a “newbie” go in order to make new contacts and receive help to supplement their knowledge base? Social media. I know you’re thinking “Wait, what? You just said newbies aren’t welcomed there.” Yes, I did. But that’s not a universal experience.

Lifewire.com recently wrote a piece on How to Be Strategic With Social Media. The article gives some great important tips. Such as:

1. Listen to Your Audience – you may not think of yourself as a business owner yet but, as a licensed Independent Adjuster, you are exactly that! Just as you took the time to learn more about the industry before investing your money into the career, you need to make the time to learn more about the industry players, so you can successfully integrate and make a name for yourself.
2. Participate and Collaborate – don’t be a Consumer only. It’s the fastest way to breed contempt among your peers. You may believe you are too new to the industry to be a Contributor, but everyone has life lessons of value to share! The sooner you begin to engage with the other adjusters in positive conversations, the faster you will be recognized for your unique viewpoints and have others begging to connect with you!
3. Ask Lots of Questions – again, this isn’t contrary advice. How can anyone expect to gain value from interactions if their knowledge isn’t tested? This does not mean ask uninformed questions. Nor does it mean you should ask the same questions that have previously been answered. New adjusters (aka business owners) should do their research about the topic and the specialized culture of the chat room before jumping in. But do not remain a passive observer! Those lookie-loos are doomed to remain on the fringe for as long as they remain afraid to let their voices be heard. And, if you have researched the topic well enough to ask a question seeking clarity, there will be those in the chat who recognize your due diligence and reward you for speaking up.
4. Industry events – this time of year, the industry is ripe with adjuster training events and conferences where managers are in attendance. In the summer months, hiring firms are hosting Meet & Greets, recruiting events and orientation sessions to add new adjusters to their roster pools. Interspersed throughout the year, the largest hiring firms host certification classes at their corporate locations. And, if you obtained your claims license at a classroom location, those adjusters and business owners should remain in your contacts list as a springboard to meeting new associates.
5. Local businesses – you’re a new business owner, correct? So who better to connect with than other local business owners in your area? It doesn’t matter if those businesses are staffing firms that hire independent adjusters – although there are plenty of those around that you can also visit. I’m talking about local coffee shops, cafes, bookstores … anywhere the owner is present you can gain valuable knowledge and contacts by spending some time patronizing the business and learning more about their successes and failures!

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I recommend adjusters join their local Chamber of Commerce as soon as it is affordable to them, so business opportunities can seek you out. The cost is typically a few hundred dollars annually but it can be a tax deductible write-off as well as a new lane for receiving business contacts, mentoring and knowledge.

Allow yourself to fully indulge in the spirit of being an Independent business owner and see how many new doors will open!