Career Hacking LIVE! - Turning Acquaintences into Advocates into Allies

(The Art of Meaningful Connection)

Welcome back, esteemed readers! Today, let’s explore the art of converting casual LinkedIn connections into powerful professional allies.?

The quote "Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer" is popularly attributed to Sun Tzu, the ancient Chinese military strategist and author of "The Art of War", but most of us know it better from its use in the movie "The Godfather" where Michael Corleone, played by Al Pacino, advises this as a strategic measure in dealing with rivals and threats. The quote captures the essence of being vigilant and strategically aware of one's adversaries to gain advantage.??

Don’t worry, we’re not sending out broken pencils here on Career Hacking LIVE!? You won’t wake up next to a severed horse head.? But we do want you to avoid ending up in some recruiter’s “Fredo file” by learning to use LinkedIn for its quintessential function - connecting people and deepening relationships across space and time.

But first, let’s clarify what we mean by acquaintances, advocates, and allies, as each plays a unique role in the architecture of our networks.

“Acquaintances” are those connections you might have met at a conference, through LinkedIn, or have been introduced to by a mutual contact. They are the seeds of your network, potential-filled but not yet deeply rooted.? A friendly nod of acknowledgement is the best you can hope for here. ? “Advocates” are the next level; individuals who not only know you but also support and endorse your skills and contributions. They are willing to vouch for you when opportunities arise. “Allies” are the pinnacle of your professional relationships. These are trusted confidants, collaborators in your career journey, deeply invested in your mutual success.? They are the ones writing recommendations that make even the coolest critics tear up a bit.? They will drop your resume on the Big Desk, and quietly insist action on your behalf.

Aristotle once quipped, “Wishing to be friends is quick work, but friendship is a slow ripening fruit.” This insight mirrors our professional journeys on LinkedIn, where turning a quick connection into a deep and enduring relationship requires patience and genuine effort.

Step 1: Leverage AI to Better Understand Your Connections

Utilize LinkedIn's AI-driven tools to gather insights into your connections. By examining shared interests, educational backgrounds, mutual groups, and common causes, you can find meaningful connection points. AI can help highlight these shared aspects, allowing you to approach your connections with relevancy and a personalized touch. Remember, the goal is not just to connect, but to resonate.

Step 2: Engage Socially to Spark Interest

Before asking for anything, start by engaging with their content. Like their posts, comment thoughtfully, and share their articles with your network. Comments on comments can also lead to deeper interactions. These actions help tickle LinkedIn’s algorithm, increasing the visibility of both your profiles. It shows you're interested in their work and not just after a quick favor.

Step 3: Provide Value First

Before you reach out for advice or introductions, offer these yourself. Can you introduce them to someone beneficial in your network? Do you have insights or advice that could help them overcome a challenge or reach a goal? By providing value first, you’re setting the stage for a reciprocal relationship. This establishes you as a giver, not just a taker, fostering goodwill and trust.

Step 4: Use Connect Over InMail

The "Connect" feature is a softer approach compared to InMail. When sending a connection request, personalize your message to reflect your shared interests or groups. Explain why you're reaching out and how you hope to provide value to them. This personalized approach can make a significant difference in how your request is received.

Step 5: Stop Selling, Start Listening

The most effective networkers on LinkedIn are those who listen more than they speak. Pay attention to the updates your connections share about their career moves, achievements, and even challenges. This allows you to offer relevant support or congratulations, further solidifying the relationship.

Step 6: Create and Share Relevant Content

Strengthen your presence by creating articles that add value to your field. When you publish insightful content, you not only establish your expertise but also give your connections something worth sharing and engaging with. This not only enhances your visibility but also encourages others to reciprocate by supporting your content.

Step 7: Move Beyond Transactions

Networking on LinkedIn should transcend mere transactional interactions. It’s about building relationships that might one day translate into advocacy or deep alliance. This involves patience, consistency, and genuine interest in the success of others.

Transforming acquaintances into allies on LinkedIn is akin to nurturing a garden. It requires regular attention, nourishment, and a genuine appreciation for the growth process. By providing value, engaging authentically, and using the tools at your disposal wisely, you can cultivate a network of robust professional relationships that are both fulfilling and fruitful.

Once you have nurtured these relationships, you are much more likely to get the two things you’re hoping for.? Advice and Referrals.? The chances of your connection being the budget holding hiring manager of a job you’re perfect for are slim to none.? If they did, they would have reached out by now.? But a well placed resume or referral in the system can help leapfrog the competition and avoid the Recruiter Black Hole.

Remember, in the grand tapestry of your career, each connection can be a colorful thread contributing to the strength and beauty of the overall picture. Happy networking!