If you want to connect with other professionals in your field, networking on LinkedIn can be an effective way to achieve your goal. However, it is more than just sending out messages.
According to experts, the following are useful methods that can help you network on LinkedIn:
“Online networking feels awkward, and it doesn’t work for me.” You might have felt like that sometimes – and there is nothing wrong with that because a lot of us did.
But there are ways to change it and make networking on LinkedIn more pleasant and effective.
The more you keep your profile open, the better
To network on LinkedIn, you need to accept there is a big potential on the platform. It’s worth leaving the comfort zone, trying to enjoy the process, and making the right move to achieve the results you want.
Please keep in mind the following important things you need to know about LinkedIn before you start networking:
- The more you keep your profile open, the better. Check your settings to ensure that your photo, full name, email address, and other details are visible to everyone.
- Choose which information you share. If you are hesitant about sharing or not sharing something on LinkedIn: ask yourself how sharing it helps you achieve your goals.
- Few connections = Limited visibility. How many connections do you have on LinkedIn? Does number really matter? In this case, yes.
Discuss the topics you want to be recognized for
The next step is to start discussing the topics you want to be recognized for.
Remember not to engage with other kinds of content. By limiting your engagement and content to one specific topic (your specialty, the services you provide, your area of work), people will associate your name with those topics.
If you are an expert, people will start contacting you directly.
Post relevant content about the topic you want to be recognized for. The best way to do that is to create content in different formats (posts with or without photos, articles, videos, pool, stories, lives) and test what works better for you and for your audience.
Good content will naturally attract people to your profile, and it will be easier to start a conversation in a more natural way.
Connect with people proactively
You should also proactively connect with people, and to do so, start by targeting the key ones you want to reach.
Follow leaders in your industry or with a similar career path and comment on their content to join the conversations. Do it regularly. People will notice. The algorithm will work in your favor.
Want to know the best way to approach people on LinkedIn?
- Research about this person.
- Put yourself in their shoes.
- What would make them feel good?
- What would get them excited to reply to you?
- Make the focus of your connection request about them! (not about you)
Engage with who you want to have a conversation with again and again
Who do you want to have a conversation with again and again? I find myself engaging in my professional and personal worlds with those I share common ground with, those who are interesting, and those I continuously learn from.
As a career coach, I treat LinkedIn with the same style/approach.
Engage with those you share common grounds with
LinkedIn offers a variety of ways to find common ground. An easy start is searching for your undergraduate or graduate school in the ‘Search’ bar. Once on the respective LinkedIn profile page, select the ‘Alumni’ button.
From there, you can drill down into:
- Where they live,
- Where they work,
- What they do,
- What they studied,
- What they are skilled at, and
- How you are connected.
You can use a similar approach if you choose to start with an ideal target company. Type that company in the ‘Search’ bar, select the ‘People’ button and drill down by the same above criteria.
Want to dig deeper? Add to these criteria from the target company’s LinkedIn profile page by following ‘Community hashtags’ and/or under the ‘Life’ Button seeing, following, commenting, and adding to the conversation of the ‘Trending employee content.’
Engage with those who are interesting
Once you have searched and followed or connected with those you share a common ground with, introduce yourself and the shared ground.
From there, your LinkedIn profile page should be a land of the interesting. Creating content regularly on conversation points that would be interesting to your target audience with your own unique viewpoint will undoubtedly gain networking traction.
When I say traction, I do not mean algorithm traction for the most likes or comments – I mean the authentic networking traction, where your target audience is taking notice quietly or otherwise and will reach out to you in due time.
My first corporate business client was secured in exactly this manner, and the partnership in our professional relationship is my own view of the gold standard.
My company posts were unique, continuous, and delivered value to my audience. I was not receiving hundreds of likes and comments, but my message resonated silently with my target audience.
Guess what? That first corporate client secured based on my LinkedIn content, never liked or commented on any of my posts—it just was not in his nature.
Engage with those who you continuously learn from
As a newcomer to the career coaching field years ago, my first point of reference were the experts.
I researched and discovered the career coaching experts:
- followed their social media content,
- listened to the podcasts they recommended,
- participated in their LinkedIn Live discussions, and so forth.
I gained a wealth of knowledge, networking traction, and real professional relationships with these experts and their community. If you want people to seek you out, be the expert.
Be an expert in what you want to be an expert in and articulate that in your LinkedIn content and your interactions with your LinkedIn community (comments, shares, acknowledgments).
Oluwaseyi Ojo, FCCA, CPA
With degrees in Veterinary Medicine and Applied Accounting | Entrepreneur, Frenz Lifestyle Hub
Networking is important for many reasons. It can help you find a job, make new friends, and grow your business.
LinkedIn is an excellent platform for networking. Almost 80 percent of professionals say that networking is important for their career success, according to a 2017 LinkedIn global survey result.
But how do you network on LinkedIn?
Here are some tips below from experts:
Use LinkedIn’s InMail function to reach out to people you want to connect with
LinkedIn’s InMail function can be a great way to reach out to potential connections. It is a message system that allows LinkedIn members to contact other members even if they are not connected.
To contact someone on LinkedIn, go to their profile and click the “Send InMail” button. LinkedIn will ask if you want to send a free or paid InMail.
Paid LinkedIn InMails allow you to contact any LinkedIn member, regardless of whether you are connected with them or not.
Free LinkedIn InMails can only be sent to LinkedIn members who are part of your network; stay professional and courteous when writing a LinkedIn InMail. Explain why you are reaching out and what you hope to gain from the connection.
Join relevant LinkedIn groups
LinkedIn groups are a great way to connect with other professionals in your field.
They allow you to connect with other LinkedIn users who have similar interests, goals, and experiences; This can help you learn new things and make connections that can help you in your career.
LinkedIn groups also offer the opportunity to share information, articles, and resources with other group members.
To join a LinkedIn group:
- Go to the LinkedIn homepage and click on the “Groups” tab.
- You can search for groups related to your work or industry.
- Click on the “Join” button; once you find a few relevant groups, click on the “Join” button.
LinkedIn will then send a request to the group administrator for approval.
Once you are approved as a member of the group, you will be able to participate in discussions and post content.
Other expert tips to network on LinkedIn include:
- Use LinkedIn’s search function to find people you know or want to meet.
- Connect with people you know on LinkedIn.
- Seek out opportunities to meet people offline.
- Keep your profile up-to-date and add new skills and accomplishments.
- Be active on LinkedIn by sharing interesting articles, commenting on posts, and participating in discussions. This will help you to build up your profile and make it more visible to potential contacts.
- Help other people out by offering advice and introductions.
- Network offline as well as online. Attend industry events, meetups, and conferences.
- Be genuine and authentic in your interactions.
Networking don’ts:
LinkedIn is a networking site. However, LinkedIn networking also has some important “don’ts.”
For example, avoid spamming people with requests to connect or sell products/services in LinkedIn groups. These activities will quickly turn people off and damage your reputation.
If you want to be successful at LinkedIn networking, follow the tips above and avoid the don’ts.
You’ll make the most of LinkedIn for networking by following these tips. So go out there and start connecting!
Browse your feed and comment on relevant posts that stand out to you
The first thing you must dedicate to networking on LinkedIn is time.
It will take time and effort to make an impact on LinkedIn, especially if you want to use it as a networking platform.
You’ll have to do the following things:
- Browse your feed and comment/like on relevant posts that stand out to you.
- Post regularly and make an effort to have others like, comment, and even share your posts.
- Find new connections and make the request. Don’t be shy!
- If you have a new connection come through (that you requested or was sent to you), don’t be afraid to say hello with a message.
- Make your messages personal and ask real questions:
- “How’s it going in Detroit?”
- “What’s it like working for that company?”
- “Have you tried any new platforms since going remote?”
These are just a few ideas for networking, but it mostly comes down to putting in the time and making the effort. You can’t successfully network on LinkedIn without putting in that time.
Videos are an excellent method to get to know you on a more intimate level
Videos are an excellent method for your LinkedIn network to get to know you on a more intimate level.
A short, smart video attracts people’s attention more quickly than written postings, and it allows you to demonstrate your public speaking abilities and ability to hold the interest of an audience.
Related: Why Is Public Speaking Important for Leaders and in Business?
A video that demonstrates your sincerity and personality also contributes to the trust of your fans.
There’s more work to be done once you’ve been officially linked to someone.
- Engage with your LinkedIn network on a regular basis to maintain and create ties.
- Comment on posts, “like” stuff shared by connections, share their content, and send a periodic message to drop in and say hi.
- You may even post your own unique stuff.
Similar to a blog, LinkedIn features an amazing publishing platform and tool that allows users to effortlessly post thought leadership pieces directly on LinkedIn.
People must feel that they “know, like, and trust” you to build the best relationships
To build the best relationships, people must feel that they “know, like, and trust” you. It is the first principle of building a LinkedIn network, as it is in life.
With millions of users, networking with people in your field and area of interest has become simple and essential.
Here are some network-building tips.
Create a targeted LinkedIn network
Control your connection requests.
LinkedIn provides you with three options:
- Everyone on LinkedIn
- Only people who have your email address
- Only contacts from the “imported contacts” list.
When you restrict the number of users you add to your network, you will see posts from people who share your interests in your news feed.
Have a comprehensive LinkedIn profile
Consider your profile a personal brand. Your profile is the first thing anyone sees, so you must curate it carefully.
- Add a high-quality, professional photograph to your profile
Your profile photo is your first impression on LinkedIn, so having a clean one will help you expand your network.
- Refresh your headline
Your headline may include no more than 120 characters. Mention your industry in the headline and briefly explain your industry-related strengths and accomplishments.
- Update your summary
Your summary must not exceed 2,000 characters. You can also link to or upload up to six work samples. This section must be concise and unambiguous about who you are, what you do, and what you offer.
Related: How to Write a Good LinkedIn Summary
- Be detailed regarding your work experience, educational background, and skills
Give and receive endorsements and recommendations
Recommendations are testimonials from individuals who have worked with you in the past.
- Recommendations on your listed skills and profile give you credibility and encourage other networkers to connect with you.
- Endorsements are special abilities your connection endorses you for.
For example, your former supervisor may have added “blogging,” “writing,” or “leadership skills” to your resume.
Engage with your network
You can increase your visibility by creating content, such as blog articles and making comments on other people’s posts.
Participate in group discussions
Identify groups relevant to your field and country of interest. Actively post original content, debate topics, and respond to other users’ posts. It makes you look like an expert and gives recruiters who look at your profile social proof of that.
Maximize the connections you already have but have faded over time
Building a professional network on LinkedIn need not be overcomplicated. Start connecting with people within your immediate social circles, such as close friends, family members, and coworkers.
Those individuals have the most intimate knowledge of your:
- character,
- work ethic, and
- personal characteristics
They are the ideal messengers of your professionalism and skills on LinkedIn.
Utilize LinkedIn’s “Individuals You May Know” tool for identifying people who attended the same school as you, work in the same position or industry, and have comparable geographic locations to your own. This will give you a pipeline of potential productive connections.
However, casting your net too wide could be less effective than targeting your network-building efforts because quality beats quantity in this scenario.
Instead of focusing too much on gaining plenty of unproductive new connections, maximize first the connections you already have but have faded over time.
Reconnect with someone you haven’t heard from in a while since it’s easier to restore that connection’s quality than building a new connection from the ground up.
To reach out, express your support by engaging with their LinkedIn postings or activities. You may also send them direct messages asking about how they are and that you wish them well.
In the end, consistent and real communication is the key to growing our professional network or sustaining our existing one, be it through digital means or in person.
Don’t be afraid to publish a few unique posts each week
There are a few key elements to networking on LinkedIn and making the most out of this wonderful platform.
Below, I outline what I believe is crucial for the proper, professional use of LinkedIn:
Post actively on LinkedIn
In order to reach new people and get on the radar of other like-minded people, you must be active. Don’t be afraid to publish a few unique posts each week, as well as share other posts that you agree with or are connected with (you work with the company, know the person, and/or think it is helpful to share for others).
Just be active and do what you can to be seen.
Keeping it professional
LinkedIn is a professional platform and should be kept professional. If you want to share funny posts or things that aren’t related to your work, then use Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or whatever platform you prefer other than LinkedIn.
Commenting and engaging with others
You want to show your personal side, and you can do that by commenting and engaging with others. Comment positively on posts, share your thoughts in these comment sections, and engage with others’ thoughts and opinions.
Keep it professional, but try to stand out.
Optimizing your profile
You must prepare your profile to make the most out of it.
- Update your profile photo with a high-res image
- Upload a cover photo
- Write a smart about section
- Make sure your job and education sections are as up-to-date as possible
If someone goes to your profile, it should include as much relevant info as possible.
By navigating these four things, you can:
- network via LinkedIn,
- meet new people, and
- propel your career forward in many different ways.
I’ve seen how powerful this platform is, and it can make a big difference in your professional life if used correctly.
Verify your information prior to making changes and recheck it frequently
Expanding your LinkedIn presence could take time and effort; however, it’s not difficult.
With more than 600 million users and half of them actively using the site and active, you stand a good chance of gaining the attention of your target potential customers on LinkedIn when you expand your network in the right way.
Set the right goals and objectives
In the beginning, you must be aware of what your goals and objectives are when using LinkedIn.
Are you:
- looking to connect with clients,
- hire employees, or
- some other thing?
Once you’ve decided the goal you’d like to achieve, it’s your responsibility to devise the strategies to accomplish the objectives you’ve set in accordance with the platform’s guidelines and the most effective methods.
Personalize everything you do; utilize every single section to add something new
LinkedIn provides a wealth of options to personalize and customize your profile—from your customized URL to an overview and headline to many more. Utilize every single section to add something new if it’s related to your goals.
Related: LinkedIn Headline Advice & Examples for Job Seekers
Keep your profile updated
A profile that’s outdated or which isn’t complete can make people turn away. If you’re looking to expand your business or your network, you’ll have to keep your profile current.
The more frequently you make changes, the more people are aware of you, so think about updating it every day until you’re done. The update will be distributed to your network every time you upgrade (if your settings allow it).
Post frequently with a focus on engagement
Another thing to remember is to make sure you post regular updates, at least two or every three days if you can.
If you’re on LinkedIn currently, you do not need to post more than once a day since most people post once a week.
Engage and follow up; when you receive messages from individuals, reply immediately
When someone posts on your behalf, they don’t want you to be waiting forever to reply. Join their thread and interact with them when it’s relevant to your needs. If you get a response, tell them to thank them in private, public, or both.
Similar can be said regarding InMail. When you receive messages from individuals, reply immediately, even if they aren’t interested.
Make yourself comfortable with video
Presently, video content is more popular on the internet than any other kind of content. Therefore, you need to weigh your content towards video.
Don’t be afraid, as you can make videos using PowerPoint and voice-overs swiftly and easily, without appearing as a participant. You can also hire a professional to create videos for you.
Cross-promote your profile and actively invite the right people
When inviting others, beware of using the automated features on LinkedIn profiles used to bulk-invite email addresses. This isn’t a good method.
It is best to invite people who are suitable to join you. They should also connect on LinkedIn and then cross-promote your profile on other social media platforms.
Use keywords in your profile
Keywords are still crucial for your profile. Take into consideration keywords to use in your headline or summary and for other spots within the section of your profile.
When you mention something, think about the keywords your target audience will search using to find the information you offer. Keywords are crucial to ensure that your website is optimized for search engines.
Check your data; you’ll need to verify your information prior to making changes
If you’ve set objectives for your LinkedIn profile, you’ll need to verify your information prior to making changes and recheck it frequently to make sure you’re taking the steps you need to take to accomplish your goals.
The key thing is the fact that both your LinkedIn profile and platform are specifically designed to facilitate business connecting with business professionals.
The people who use LinkedIn want to connect with people they can collaborate with, not with people who they are able to take a date with. Be sure to keep your profile up to current and up to date, and you’ll be growing faster than you thought.
Be selective in your network selection
It is crucial that you have the backing of your professional connections to keep your career progressing in the right direction.
You may accomplish this goal by making use of a tool that is readily available to you and that displays your previous work but also assists you in developing a networking plan.
With that said, here are some tips on how to network on LinkedIn:
- Be selective in your network selection
Managing your LinkedIn activity requires a specified set of connections and a specific goal. When choosing contacts, you should make sure that the people you choose can assist you in achieving your professional objectives.
Therefore, before you send out any invites, you should do a review to:
- Ascertain the types of people you would want to engage with, and
- The circles you would like to reach to increase your exposure.
- Join several groups on LinkedIn
LinkedIn groups are specialized forums where individuals who work in the same field or wave similar interests can share their expertise, make suggestions, and discuss subjects they wish to learn more about.
Members of these groups may also participate in polls and surveys. Participating in these organizations enables you to showcase your knowledge and skills, make new contacts and strengthen existing collaborations.
Regularly post about your professional activities such as training, research, and seminars
Nowadays, Linkedin has been beneficial for hiring someone and getting a job in various professions. To do so, Linkedin networking is an essential skill.
Related: How to Use LinkedIn to Get a Job
Make an attractive profile that shows your evident professional personality
The first thing you have to do is make an attractive profile that shows your evident professional personality. Then, add your Academic, Certifications, and experiences with a short description ( Ideally 150 words).
Also, regularly post about your professional activities such as training, research, and seminars.
Try to make more personal connections with other people related to your field
Try to make more personal connections with other people related to your field and regularly engage with them. You don’t have to talk every time. Give a thumbs up whenever they post something on the wall.
Always keep an eye on the “People May you Know” section whenever you open the platform
Always keep an eye on the “People May you Know” section whenever you open the platform, and grow your connection by sending connection requests with a short and sweet message.
Join the LinkedIn groups (Ideally with members around 1000)
Join the LinkedIn groups(Ideally with members around 1000). Focus on quality discussion, and try to answer the queries within your expertise.
You have to participate in LinkedIn events
You have to Participate in LinkedIn events, so regularly check the My Network section.
Project an open and thankful attitude
Personalize your invitation to connect
Receiving a generic request to connect is depressing, yet it’s one of the most common mistakes we make on LinkedIn. Use the optional message field to explain why you want a certain person to join your network.
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Consider this communication the start of your business connection if you don’t know this person personally.
If your invitation request is approved, try to strike up a conversation with your new acquaintance about a work-related issue that you both enjoy.
Choose your connections wisely
When it comes to controlling your LinkedIn activity, it’s critical to have a set of contact criteria and a goal in mind. When making contacts, be sure they can assist you in achieving your professional objectives.
So, before you send out any invitations, think about the types of professionals you’d like to interact with and the circles you’d like to reach to raise your profile. This will determine the quality of your network’s contacts.
It should be comprised of specialists:
- who can assist you in achieving your objectives,
- with whom you share common interests, and
- with whom you can establish a positive connection.
Request and write recommendations
Each LinkedIn profile has a person who is attempting to boost their reputation.
Users are given a part where their contacts can endorse their work in order to accomplish this. Former bosses or coworkers, as well as professors or university pals can vouch for your abilities.
On LinkedIn, project an open and thankful attitude. Remember that it works both ways if you want your connections to help you when you need it.
As a result, make sure you take the time to recommend someone with whom you’ve previously worked. Don’t ask people in your network for skill recommendations with whom you have no business or personal relationship.
It’s the same with suggesting others.
If you don’t know someone, don’t encourage their abilities, especially if you’re doing it only to receive anything in return.
Allow them to see what sort of things you have done in your career so far
LinkedIn is the perfect place to get your name out there, especially if you’re looking for a job. However, it can be difficult to know where to start.
Here are three ways you can use the platform to network:
Connect with people in your industry or profession
When you first join LinkedIn, it’s important that you connect with people who have similar educational backgrounds and work experience as you do.
This will allow them to see what sort of things you have done in your career so far, and it will make them more likely to connect with you later on down the road when they are looking for someone with your skillset.
Join groups related to your field
The best way to get involved in LinkedIn is by joining groups related to your field of expertise.
This will allow users like yourself who are interested in learning more about certain topics within their industry or profession to access information that might not otherwise be available online via Google searches or other search engines like Bing or Yahoo.
If there aren’t any groups already made yet, then create one yourself! You can always change its name later on if needed, too – no big deal at all!
Focus on quality over quantity
When you’re just starting out on LinkedIn, it’s easy to think that you need to connect with as many people as possible—and that’s true! But if you don’t know anything about your connections, they won’t be able to help you in any meaningful way.
Instead, focus on making a few strong connections with people who have similar interests and goals so that they can introduce you to others they know who might be able to help further your career.
Be a leader; share your own original content
LinkedIn is a great place for networking. And, it’s probably easier than you think. Generally, people want to get to know others, and they want to help others. So it’s the best of both worlds.
LinkedIn provides the perfect platform to ask for help, to give it, and share ideas.
Start small; react to posts with a simple like
Begin following people of interest. Some may be in the same industry. Others may be thought leaders or influencers.
Don’t forget about friends and former and current colleagues. You should also connect with them. These are all people you can learn from.
If you aren’t comfortable jumping right in and sharing your own posts, start reacting to posts with a simple like. Read through comments and see what others are saying.
If something moves you, that’s your chance to dip your toes in and make your first comment! You might want to start with comments that agree with others or add more to the conversation rather than starting a heated debate right off the bat!
Take the plunge; connect with those that you interact with through comments
Connect with those that you interact with through comments.
It can be as simple as saying something like:
“Thanks for bringing your perspective to XYZ’s post. I really appreciate your insight and agree with you 100%. I love networking on LinkedIn. Would you be open to connecting and having a virtual coffee?”
It really can be as simple as that.
The magic happens when you can bring those online connections and conversations offline to build rapport—focus on learning from one another and how you can help one another.
Ask them how you can help.
- Can you make introductions for them?
- Can you keep an eye out for businesses that might be in their target market?
- Can you do anything else for them?
Make your own posts and include a recent article you think others might appreciate
If you haven’t by this point, begin crafting your own posts. Again, take baby steps.
- You can start by sharing other people’s posts.
- Next, you make your own posts and include a recent article you think others might appreciate.
- And when you are ready, share your own original content.
It could be an experience with a client, a lesson learned, a new tip or trick with a particular tool you use on a regular basis. It can be just about anything.
Just make sure it isn’t all self-promotional because that gets boring and isn’t fun to read. It’s also not how you build a network.
LinkedIn has been around for many years as a major player in the jobseeker industry.
Having a LinkedIn profile is a must if you want to stay relevant and grow in your profession of choice. In the post-pandemic world, the importance of networking through LinkedIn can not be stressed enough.
The caveat, however, is that using LinkedIn to properly network and develop meaningful connections is an art, if you will. Using LinkedIn networking the right way will add value to your profile if you know how to leverage its power.
JobScan asked nine LinkedIn experts to weigh in on how to use LinkedIn for networking the right way.
These experts covered all aspects of the topic, and their insights provide valuable information on networking on LinkedIn purposefully that adds value to your network and those you network with.
Some key insights shared by our experts are:
Use underutilized features to make an impact
Brett Ellis, a tech career coach and instructor, shares that writing articles on LinkedIn is a very powerful way to build your network. Not only are well-written and well-thought-out articles helpful for those who read them, but it’s also a clever way to build your network as well.
You can build new connections through your article by talking about relevant, helpful tips you have mentioned in them when it comes up in a conversation with a connection.
You can also use these articles as ice-breakers in networking mixers and events, which is a huge plus to let the other person know about your interests and expertise.
Use LinkedIn to make soft introductions first
In today’s corporate world, where remote and hybrid work is the new norm, introducing yourself effectively to new people has become even more challenging.
LinkedIn provides a way by allowing you to first approach people via LinkedIn and introduce yourself before meeting them in person.
You can engage with their activity and leave a thoughtful comment on their posts, which can be a great conversation starter, and you can also take it to direct messages later. Doing this can help you build valuable connections.
Grow your network beyond the people you know
People naturally tend to connect with only those people that they know in one way or the other on LinkedIn. Ashley Watkins, a career coach and former recruiter, advises growing your network by connecting with industry professionals you have never met.
They may have the same job title or role as you in another company, or they can be people with roles that you want to target in the future in your profession.
This can give you a great opportunity to have Q&A sessions with them via your inbox. It also increases your chances of employee referral and allows you to perform a better job hunt.
Display a sincere and appreciative attitude on LinkedIn
I believe that behind every LinkedIn page is an individual attempting to enhance his or her reputation.
Users are provided with a place where their contacts can endorse their work. Former supervisors or coworkers, as well as instructors or college pals, can also attest to your qualifications.
Display a sincere and appreciative attitude on LinkedIn. Remember that it is a two-way street if you want your relationships to help you when you need them.
Ensure that you take the time to recommend the work of a collaborator you have previously worked with. Do not solicit skill recommendations from network members with whom you have no business or personal relationship. The same holds true for recommendations.
Do not endorse someone’s skills if you are unfamiliar with them, especially if you are doing so to receive the same in return.
LinkedIn provides a plethora of opportunities for establishing a network of professional contacts that would otherwise be impossible to attain.
However, remember that success needs consistency and persistence. As with any worthwhile relationship, a network of connections that you can rely on takes time and effort to develop. Now it’s your turn.
You are now equipped with everything necessary to construct your professional profile on LinkedIn using three fundamental pillars:
- engagement,
- conversation, and
- visibility.
Get client referrals by providing great service and building strong relationships with your clients
If you are looking to grow your business, an apparent way to do that is from current client referrals.
In order to get client referrals, you need to provide great service and build strong relationships with your clients. This naturally builds trust and appreciation that can translate into conversations with their friends, family, and co-workers.
If you are doing all of that right, another great way to get in front of your client’s network is to add all of your clients on LinkedIn and post regularly.
They will likely ‘like’ one of your posts, which will then show up on their feeds, which gets more eyes on you, your brand, and your company.
Make it personal
If you are looking to network with someone on LinkedIn that you do not know, be sure to write a personal message when you connect with them. This will increase the chances that they will accept your invitation.
The key is in the questions
When posting on your feed, include questions to engage your network. This will foster conversations with people you might not connect with on a regular basis.
LinkedIn isn’t Facebook, but we are all still humans
LinkedIn is not the place to post what you ate for dinner, where you went on vacation or late-night selfies. That being said, there is something powerful about sharing something personal on LinkedIn (ex., baby being born, wedding, exciting conference, etc.).
Sharing life milestones or pictures of events you are really passionate about will give your network something to connect with, as well as a glimpse into who you are.
Networking with those in a similar industry offers an opportunity to message someone specific
Linkedin is an ideal place for recruitment, networking, portfolios, and marketing. With so many people benefitting from this platform, obtaining a solid network seems to be the backbone of many success stories.
Related: How to Reach Out to a Recruiter on LinkedIn
Whether it’s to land a new job opportunity or get your brand seen, Linkedin has the power to reach those from across the globe and also those with significant power.
But how exactly do you network on LinkedIn, and how do you use these networks to your advantage?
Network with everyone you can
One of the great things about Linkedin is how easy it is to connect. Not only does this platform find people in a similar job role, industry, and location, but it also offers easy direct messaging, comment sections, groups, and interactive features.
One of the number one tips given when it comes to networking on Linkedin is to connect with everyone you can.
By simply going through the ‘People You Might Know’ section, you can connect with hundreds of people at a time, one of which might go on your profile and offer a unique opportunity.
Network for employment
When it comes to Linkedin and employment, this is one of the top reasons a user might find themselves on the platform. Linkedin is not only a job board, but it also allows you to research those you want to get in direct contact with.
We all know job hunting is hard, and with hundreds of applicants a day, simply filling out a form sometimes isn’t enough.
Networking with those in a similar industry offers an opportunity to message someone specific.
This could be:
- the CEO of a business you want to work for, or
- the head of HR to hear back about an application.
Related: How Long Does It Take to Hear Back From a Job Application
Do a person search by going to your connections, taking off the first connection filter
These are my top 2 ways to network on LinkedIn:
- When doing a valuable and relevant poll:
- Respond to those that vote in a PM, thanking them for their vote.
- Strike up a conversation related to their answer, ask questions about them to get to know them, not to seek out how they can help you.
- Do a person search by going to your connections, taking off the 1st connection filter, then filtering for certain criteria.
An example would be where you live and people who went to your college or university (especially if you don’t live in the area where you went to school). Then connect with those individuals using the common connection.
LinkedIn is all about connecting with other professionals in your industry or field
It’s a great place to connect with potential clients or employers, so make sure your profile is up-to-date and reflects your professional brand.
LinkedIn isn’t just about connecting with people you know – it’s also about connecting with people you don’t know.
Use the search function to find relevant groups and forums to join, and participate in discussions. This is a great way to build visibility and credibility within your industry.
You can network on LinkedIn by:
- connecting with people in your field,
- joining groups related to your industry, and
- participating in discussions.
When you connect with someone on LinkedIn, you can send them a personal message or invite them to connect with you on another platform.
If you belong to groups related to your industry, you can join discussions and offer your expert insights.
You can also post articles and blog posts on LinkedIn, which will help you build up your credibility as an expert in your field. Plus, if you have a website or blog, you can link to it from your LinkedIn profile, which will drive traffic to your site.
When it comes to networking on LinkedIn, the most important thing is to be active and engaged.
Make sure that your profile looks professional and legit
- First, make sure that your profile looks professional and legit
Upload a business-looking profile photo and fill out the profile with detailed information, but keep it brief and functional.
- Write a bio that is catchy but not too boastful
When reaching out to people, write unique messages and meaningful discussion comments.
- Start each connection with a personal acknowledgment
Most connections can see through artificial networking attempts and will instantly recognize a blind attempt at their business. Instead, start each connection with a personal acknowledgment.
Say why that person is important to you.
Something along the lines of:
“Hey Jeff, that’s some star-killer copy you have going. I’d like to have you around.”
Then, you need to maintain those connections. Don’t be a stranger and congratulate on people’s job promotions, work anniversaries, birthdays, etc.
All along, you want to give all connections a consistent experience. You are the mouth of your brand, and that mouth must speak the same language in discussions with different people.
- Keep your LinkedIn profile alive by connecting it with other social media accounts
Keep it alive by connecting your LinkedIn profile with other social media accounts while keeping the message consistent. This will help you funnel more potential connections to your LinkedIn profile.
Leaving emojis or stickers on your comment section is enough to set yourself apart from other users
- Respond to comments
The simplest and easiest way to actually start networking on LinkedIn is to utilize the connections you already have.
Engage with their posts; even just a like will suffice. If they ever leave you replies, be prompt in responding, and don’t forget to be enthusiastic.
Not only is this a good networking habit to practice, but it can also turn into a habit that will be advantageous in the future when you already have a reputation on the website.
- Don’t forget to inject some personality
A lot of business professionals miss out on having some personality on their LinkedIn profiles because they think networking means being formal.
However, being unique and having your own voice and personal branding is just as important in leaving an impression to your connections that you are genuine.
Be friendly in reaching out. Sometimes, even just leaving emojis or stickers on your comment section is enough to set yourself apart from other users.
- Quality over quantity when it comes to testimonials and endorsements
Although it’s true that there is strength in numbers when it comes to endorsements and testimonials, people who actually comment on your expertise must have a clear insight into your work ethic, the results you produce, and the rapport you have with your colleagues.
Find managers or colleagues that can attest to the skills you show on your profile.
- Research before reaching out
You would want connections that will be relevant to the industry you’re going for. Make sure you pick connections you feel will see and notice you in the long run once you get things going for your career.
Don’t wait for an interaction to happen. Seek them out and message them days or weeks after adding them. The secret to networking is to be consistent in reaching out.
As much as possible, find out as much as you can about your connection before messaging them. Then, you can incorporate some common grounds or similarities (if there are) in your direct message.
Try to ask for information or expertise from them so they feel that you are just as engaged and motivated to thrive in your role.
In the end, a good connection may end up as your bridge to getting better job prospects in the future.
- Start nearby; introduce yourself to an acquaintance
Networking is all about engaging within reach. Casting your net too wide may not get you anywhere, but targeting to introduce yourself to an acquaintance or a connection of a mutual connection is one way of stealthily growing your network.
Warm leads are always a good sign of effective communication. You can also make this a way for you to hone your communication and networking skills.
Related: Effective Communication: How to Improve Your Communication Skills
- Try LinkedIn’s advanced search
If you are specifically targeting a certain group or individual with different types of expertise or niche, then “Advanced Search” is the perfect tool for people who want to network.
Anyone can use it to search by location, company, industry, etc. This narrows down your search to a number of people, but the quality of the connection you may form with them is better than adding a bunch without meaningful similarities.
You must enhance your LinkedIn profile to stand out among the multitudes of other applicants
- You must enhance your LinkedIn profile to stand out
As a basic rule, choose a high-quality photograph in which you appear neat and clean, smiling, and close to the camera.
Consider having a professional headshot done if at all possible.
- Include a compelling headline
Include a compelling headline, which will appear in recruiters’ LinkedIn searches and instantly show them what you’re up to.
- Include your most relevant abilities
Include your years of experience, most relevant abilities (particularly technical skills), present work title, passions, and the job position you seek in a detailed and appealing overview.
- Make your experience better
Fill up your work information just like you would on a résumé. You can list professional responsibilities, assignments, successes, and tangible results for each role held.
- The more references you receive, the more trustworthy your online presence appears
LinkedIn endorsements allow your colleagues and connections to vouch for your particular field or talent knowledge. As a result, the more references you receive, the more trustworthy your online presence appears.
- The most reliable method is to connect with people you already know
While there are numerous ways to expand your LinkedIn network, the first and most reliable method is to connect with people you already know. Make significant connections with people who can assist you in your career development.
This would mean sending invitations to a manager, recruiter, or company representative who works in your sector and can assist you in landing your dream job.