The 3 Things You Are Doing Wrong on LinkedIn (and How to Correct Them)

As someone who practically lives on this platform, I'm constantly staying updated on its dynamics and helping my executive clients harness its potential for business success.

In the vast realm of more than 1 billion users, I frequently come across some common missteps that could be hindering your LinkedIn experience. Let's delve into the top three blunders:

1. The Dreaded Generic Invitation

Picture this: Sending out a generic invitation is like walking into a room with a bag over your head, approaching someone, asking for their business card, and saying, “Let’s do business together.” Sure, LinkedIn is a business network, but injecting a personal touch goes a long way. Take a moment to craft a personalized note when connecting. Mention something about the person you're connecting with or find a common ground. It's not just about numbers; it's about building meaningful connections with potential partners, colleagues, and customers.

1. Following Up on a LinkedIn Connection Request with a Business Pitch

How many times have you accepted a connection request only to receive an immediate business pitch? Building a relationship should precede any business discussions. My go-to message after connecting is simple, “Tell me about your business and how I can be of service to you.” It’s not a pitch; it’s a genuine offer to help, whether by expanding their network or providing free advice. Keep the pitch book closed for a while if you want solid relationships on LinkedIn.

1. Connecting Then Disappearing

Accepting a connection request, exchanging pleasantries, and then radio silence? If you connect with someone, it implies an interest in developing a relationship. Follow through! The most fruitful connections on LinkedIn are the ones where a dialogue is sustained. Invest time in getting to know the person, perhaps setting up a call and establishing trust before venturing into business discussions.

The Takeaways:

• LinkedIn is all about relationships and being personable.
• Invest time in genuinely getting to know your new connections.
• Prioritize giving over pitching.
• Contribute value to your network by sharing ideas, and knowledge, and promoting others' content more than your own.

I'd love to hear your thoughts! Share in the comments the LinkedIn mistakes you've observed. Your perspective is always valuable.

#LITip #SocialMediaMarketing #LinkedInMaven

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Chuck Hester is a LinkedIn trainer and speaker, helping businesses get the most out of LinkedIn while teaching them how to communicate effectively. Contact him directly at [email protected] or invite him to connect via LinkedIn, to learn more about his one-on-one and group LinkedIn Executive Training or visit https://www.chuckhester.com