Risk & Business Magazine Spectrum Insurance Group Spring 2026 | Page 9

NETWORK

BUILD A NETWORK

Without Feeling Slimy

Teach, Serve, And

Show Up Where People Are

BY: PHIL GERBYSHAK

Let’ s face it—“ networking” often comes with a cringe factor. You imagine awkward elevator pitches, business card tossing, or getting LinkedIn messages that start with“ Hey [ first name ], I see we have synergy.” Gross.

But here’ s the truth: You don’ t need to be slick to build a powerful, connected network. You don’ t need to be salesy. Or famous. Or follow a“ 7-step funnel.”
You just need to teach and serve generously— and the rest takes care of itself.
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