8 Secrets for Power Networking on Linked In

You've no doubt heard it a million times: Career advancement is as much about who you know as what you know—and that's exactly why growing your network is extremely powerful.?

But mastering this crucial skill requires more than just schmoozing over cheese platters and exchanging business cards. There's actually an art to it.

Since there are so many different platforms for people to market themselves these days, you have to find ways to cut through the white noise and get noticed,

When done skillfully, networking can not only open the door to plum job opportunities but it can also help land new clients and tap talent for future hiring. And what better way to learn the ins and outs of such skillful networking than to go straight to power networking pros for their tips on how to land on someone’s radar—and stay there.

The world is changing in terms of networking and Linked In is a powerful piece of technology that connects everyone. The excuses of not having a network, generating new clients, and creating new opportunities for yourself is no longer an excuse.?

Networking can be as easy as getting on your mobile device and connecting with individuals that you couldn’t get in front of once before.?

Here are some secrets that really work on Linked In just as they do in face to face interactions.?

Power Tip #1: Give Before You Receive

One of the biggest networking mistakes people make is jumping the gun when asking for a favor. One cardinal key of successful networking: Give before you can get.

I can’t emphasize this enough—if you want to form a relationship with another person, you first need to show them how they’ll benefit, says professional relationship development. You usually bring a small gift to a dinner party, so why wouldn’t you offer a potential ally a token of generosity when you meet.?

The gesture can be as simple as forwarding a relevant article or providing an introduction to someone who can further the person's own interests.

So when can you comfortably turn the tables and ask for help? It’s a judgment call. But seeking favors too early can turn your contacts off—and risk damaging any positive collateral you’ve stored up.

So think of networking like a bank account—you have to make deposits and shore up social capital before making a withdrawal.?

Power Tip #2:?Don’t just Collect Contacts?

In the game of networking, you’re going for quality, not quantity—so simply focusing on beefing up your Rolodex will backfire. Most of these individuals won’t know you on?first name basis - it's up to us to maintain that rapport.

When connecting with contacts be sure to ask if they’d be open to an introductory zoom meeting or I like to call it virtual coffee.?Have some coffee with them - get to know there future goals. See if you can connect with individuals.

In doing this, you allow for yourself to stand out from the rest getting to know your connections and contacts.?Potentially building a deep bound with all the individuals allow them to get to know you.?

Power Tip #3: Ask for a Strategic Introduction?

If there’s a specific person you’re hoping to connect with. Linked In Sales Navigator is your best way to get in touch with them. ?When connecting with people on Linked In there a science to have people interested in wanting to get know more about you.?

Strategic introductions allow for some genuine connections and introductions.

Power Tip #4: Follow Up—and Then Follow Up Again

After clicking with a powerful new connection, too many people drop the ball—failing to check in post-meeting and never leveraging the new relationship. Wishing people Happy Birthday.?

The frequency and depth of your interactions depends on the strength of the relationship. For casual connections, the occasional comment or Linked In might suffice. For deeper ones, think along the lines of a thoughtful email, meetup, or simple zoom call.

Power Tip #5: Suss Out Your Contact’s Passions

Before meeting someone you’d like to develop a relationship with, do an online search to uncover what they’re truly interested in, from charities they support to any awards they’ve received. Also, investigating there Linked In Profile will give you a better understanding of your contacts passions. ?

Doing your homework shows a sincere interest in the other person as an individual, and not just as a business contact. It also helps you understand how you can be of service—if you can offer something specifically geared to what’s important to them, they’ll be more open to connecting with you.

Power Tip #6: Deepen Your Network Pool

The more similar someone is to you, the more comfortable it feels to connect, which is why networks are, by nature, homogenous. We tend to hang out with people like ourselves—the same gender, ethnicity and academic background

So seek relationships with totally different people who can introduce you to brand-new social clusters. Not only will you gain access to potentially influential individuals whom you’d otherwise might never meet, but you’ll stand out from the pack.?

Power Tip #7: Don’t Overly Pimp Your Profile

If your LinkedIn page is open like a 7-Eleven, and you’re accepting invites from everyone and their mother, you could be putting your reputation on the line.

Your LinkedIn contacts are a reflection on you, and it’s implied that you’re vouching for someone’s skills by connecting. So just like you wouldn’t give any Joe Schmo a job reference, you also shouldn’t add contact requests from complete strangers.

Power Tip #8: Seek Common Ground

There is a shortcut to fostering a new relationship with real roots: Figure out what you and the other person have in common—whether you went to the same school or both love to snowboard.

Focusing on the similarities between you is a quick way to develop a rapport. So don’t be afraid to ask personal questions that let the individual speak about him or herself: Where are you from? Do you have kids?

Then it's your turn to open up. One of Branch’s associates made several powerful connections after mentioning that she had been jumping out of airplanes since she was 14. People who have skydived (or are interested in trying) are instantly drawn to her—it’s like a built-in launching pad for cultivating a strong relationship.

Utilize these 8 power networking tips and remember your network is your net worth.