You're struggling to build your professional network. What are the best ways to use social media?

Personally, I think using social media for professional networking involves improving your LinkedIn profile, joining industry-related discussions on Twitter, sharing your expertise on Instagram Stories, creating useful content, and connecting with professionals through messaging. TikTok can be utilised as a creative tool to connect with a wider audience. By leveraging these platforms effectively, you can broaden your network and open up new career opportunities.

Build a profile you would want to follow, and give a gist of your accomplishments, work, and academic background. It adds credibility and helps people recognize you, not only that it also builds a recall value. Additionally, here is a pro top- Keep the same profile picture all around, it builds a cross-platform connectivity

Consider thinking holistically. LinkedIn is just one part of your strategy. Consider attending webinars, joining professional groups, and participating in networking events. Once you make connections there, it's worthwhile to connect on LinkedIn and continue engaging by liking and commenting on posts.

When it comes to engaging with your current audience, my favorite thing to do on IG is the polls or questions in the story section. Instead of JUST doing your own market research.. ask them PERSONAL questions. This can be as simple as what their coffee order is or what time they like to workout during the day. People LOVE to share about themselves, and when you give them a space to feel to safe to do so, they'll be more likely to pay attention/ want to join your offers.

Building a meaningful presence on social media isn’t just about accumulating followers; it’s about developing genuine connections that add value to both parties. By maintaining a friendly and professional tone and clearly articulating your intentions, you create the foundation for meaningful connections that benefit both parties. Remember, patience and persistence are key – nurturing relationships takes time, so don't be discouraged by silence. By prioritizing authenticity and thoughtfulness in our interactions, we not only expand our networks but also enrich our professional journeys with meaningful relationships and opportunities!

Spend at least 20 mins a day reaching out to connections and people you want to add to your network. Send it to two types of people - To people whom you know and are connected with personally or professionally - To people you don't know but would love to have them in your network, send them a request personalising the invite, it may be a shot in the dark, but there is no harm trying.

The best way to utilize LinkedIn is engaging with your network. Commenting, sharing and finding new connections will keep your network fresh. That way when you need a connection at a company, they're used to seeing your name and interacting with you.

Look for top social media accounts in your field that share good social media content, and look up the creators of them. It’s also a good idea to attend social media conferences and build up a contact list. Whether it’s the speaker themselves or other people in the sessions, you can meet a lot of different people in a short amount of time that way.

Set yourself up as a thought leader by posting daily on your favorite platform and share your thoughts, opinions, and reflections with your audience on popular topics.