Work in the insurance industry? We all know that it's competitive. Getting ahead isn't easy. Here are 10 ways to max out your insurance career.

1. Network! Networking is the most important way you can boost your career. Attend events of all kinds. Mingle with fellow professionals. Make yourself known. Success begins with networking.

2. Build a base of contacts! Use conferences, meetings, emails, business cards, and every other form of communication that you can think of to establish yourself within the industry. Sometimes, a personal contact can work miracles. It's hard to know when you might need someone to put in a good word for you.

3. Establish and enhance your professional profile. Use every means available to you. Maximize your presence on social media like Twitter and LinkedIn. Connect to the industry at large.

4. Work Hard. Long hours and tireless work are never a bad start. Success isn't found by taking easy shortcuts, but actively seek out tips that make the most of your efforts.

5. Be sensitive to the right time to change jobs. One of the fastest ways to advance up the corporate ladder is by switching companies, but the timing of the move is everything. Try to achieve something where you are, but be ready when the right opportunity comes along.

6. Keep an eye on the best companies. Maintain a firm grasp on what companies are excelling in the market. Locate the best market performance and listen to what insiders say about working there.

7. Plan for where you want to end up. Create a plan for your insurance career with a focus on where you want to end up. The path to your goal may not be direct-and must be flexible, but your view toward the end goal will help you succeed.

8. Master the insurance industry. It's important to learn about your sector in every industry, but when it comes to insurance, it's absolutely essential! You must read the latest news about insurance, reinsurance and underwriting. You have to know what's happening.

9. Stay ahead of industry trends. Identify trends in the industry. Stay ahead of the curve. Intelligence about the business of insurance is the key to getting-and staying-ahead of the pack. You cannot outperform your competitors unless you read trade publications.

10. Become a fountain of knowledge for your sector. Build your business insurance intelligence by reading industry reports. Read broadly about all industry-related topics.

Follow these steps and you won't fail. You will succeed.