The Power of Networking in Corporate Treasury: Building Connections for Career Growth and Business Success

As we move into the new year, I wanted to take a moment to talk about something that’s crucial to not only surviving in corporate treasury but thriving: Networking.

I’ve been living and breathing networking for years, and I can honestly say it’s the lifeblood behind everything I do. For me, networking isn’t just a professional strategy, it's a philosophy that fuels much of my work. Whether I’m connecting treasury professionals to opportunities, staying up to date with market trends, or collaborating with industry leaders, networking is the thread that ties it all together.

I’ve had the privilege of seeing first-hand how valuable strong, meaningful connections can be. Through my role at Michael Page and the vast network of treasury professionals I interact with, I’ve learned that networking is about more than just exchanging business cards, it's about cultivating relationships that lead to career growth, shared knowledge, and collective success. As someone who’s deeply entrenched in the corporate treasury networking world, I feel I have a fair amount to say on the topic, and I want to share how networking can truly impact your career and the broader treasury landscape.

Why Networking is Essential in Treasury

In the fast-moving world of treasury, staying ahead of the curve is a top priority. The landscape is always shifting, whether it’s new technology, regulatory changes, or innovative financial strategies. Networking gives you access to real-time information and diverse insights, helping you understand how others are tackling similar challenges. Conversations with peers and industry leaders allow you to tap into valuable knowledge that could help you solve problems or seize opportunities ahead of the curve.

But networking in treasury isn’t just about keeping up with the latest trends. It’s also about creating the right career opportunities. Many of the best roles in the field are never formally advertised. Often, they come through a referral or a casual conversation with someone you know. By keeping connected with others in the treasury space, you position yourself to hear about opportunities that others might miss. Networking isn’t just about knowing what’s out there, it’s about being in the right conversations at the right time.

Another powerful reason to network is the ability to learn from others’ experiences. Treasury is a dynamic field, and there’s always something new to learn. Talking to fellow professionals who have faced similar challenges can provide invaluable insights. Whether it's managing liquidity in a crisis, working through refinancing projects, or streamlining cash management processes, others in your network may offer advice or strategies that help you handle the challenges you're facing more effectively.

Lastly, let’s not forget the emotional side of networking. Treasury can be a high-pressure environment, and it’s easy to feel isolated when you're facing tough problems or tight deadlines. A strong network provides a support system, a group of trusted colleagues you can turn to for advice or to share your frustrations. Building these relationships helps reduce that sense of isolation and can even improve your mental well-being as you navigate the complexities of the profession.

How You Can Start Networking More Effectively

Networking in corporate treasury isn’t just about showing up at events and meeting as many people as possible. It’s about making meaningful connections and building relationships that will last. Start by being present at industry events, whether it's a treasury conference, a finance seminar, or an informal roundtable. While you don’t need to attend every event, picking the right ones can lead to valuable conversations and connections. These moments are where you meet like-minded professionals, exchange ideas, and stay current with the latest trends.

In addition to in-person events, LinkedIn is an essential tool for expanding your network. It’s not just a place to post your achievements, it’s a platform for building relationships. Start engaging with treasury content, share your insights, and comment on posts that interest you. Over time, this engagement will help you build a presence and connect with professionals in the treasury space that you may not have met otherwise. It's a simple yet effective way to network beyond the confines of your immediate environment.

Mentorship is another important avenue for networking. Whether you’re looking for guidance or you have knowledge to share, mentorship is a powerful way to connect with others in the industry. As a mentor, you not only help someone else grow but also reinforce your own expertise and credibility. Likewise, being mentored by someone more experienced can offer fresh perspectives and help you navigate the challenges that come with advancing your career.

One key to successful networking is staying engaged. Networking isn’t a one-time thing, it’s about building and maintaining relationships over time. After meeting someone, follow up with a thank-you message or share an article or insight that could be helpful to them. By staying engaged, you ensure that your relationships are meaningful and ongoing, rather than fleeting encounters.

Networking isn’t about what you can get, it’s about what you can give. Look for ways to offer value to others. This could be sharing a helpful resource, introducing someone to a new contact, or offering advice based on your experience. When you focus on helping others first, the value you get in return is often even greater. Networking is a two-way street, and the more you give, the more you’ll get back in the long run.

Why It’s Worth Your Time

Being in treasury means balancing a hundred different things at once. So why should you invest your time in networking? The answer is simple: networking helps you grow. The connections you make in this industry can open doors to new opportunities, help you solve problems faster, and support your career progression. It’s about creating a network of professionals who can support you, share knowledge with you, and help you grow along the way.

Networking is also about personal fulfilment. Connecting with others who share your passion for treasury can make your work feel more meaningful. Building relationships within the treasury community not only makes you better at your job but also brings a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose. When we come together, we make the entire treasury field stronger.

By surrounding yourself with people who have different experiences and perspectives, you open yourself up to new ways of thinking. Whether it's leveraging technology to streamline processes or handling complex financial risks, a well-rounded network offers diverse viewpoints and creative solutions. And these insights can be the key to navigating challenges and seizing opportunities that may not have been obvious at first.

The Unseen Power of Networking

You might think networking is all about the job opportunities it brings, but the true power often lies in the unseen. It’s in the friendships you build, the knowledge you acquire, and the doors that quietly open without you even realising it. The moments when a colleague reaches out to share a new resource, a competitor offers advice on a tricky problem, or a peer introduces you to someone who becomes a long-term business partner, these are the moments that make networking invaluable.

Networking in treasury is a bit like building your own professional safety net. In the future, when you face career crossroads or tough decisions, you’ll be able to call upon that network for guidance, support, and insights. It’s a long-term investment that pays off when you least expect it.

My Final Thoughts

Networking in corporate treasury isn’t just about gathering contacts, it’s about creating lasting, valuable relationships. By staying connected with others in the industry, you create opportunities to learn, grow, and help others do the same. So, as we step into a new year, take some time to reconnect with old colleagues or reach out to someone new in the field. You never know where those conversations might lead.

Whether you're looking for advice, a new job opportunity, or just a supportive group of peers, networking is your ticket to building those essential connections. Remember, networking is not about the quantity of people you know, but the quality of the relationships you build.

Here’s to a year of stronger connections and even greater success in your treasury career!

Author – Craig Ryan Perkins