Connecting With Purpose

5 Top Tips for Better LinkedIn Networking

I speak to a lot of C-suite, Directors and Leaders across Operations, Customer Experience and Transformation and I am asked for a fair amount of advice on a great deal of things, but one which would rank highest, especially if that individual also has an eye on the market is:

What else should I be doing to raise my profile?

or,

Should I be posting on LinkedIn?

LinkedIn is just one tool, it is not the be all and end all and I know some don't like the platform at all but regardless of what you think, it is one platform that does get a fair amount of attention from both employers, employees and headhunters, recruiters.

It has helped make professional networking much easier, especially in this digital world. Whether you're seeking new opportunities, looking to connect with industry leaders, or simply expanding your network, LinkedIn offers numerous ways to enhance your professional presence.

So here are my five top tips to try and help you make the most out of this one platform.

Your Profile

Your LinkedIn profile is your professional storefront.

Think of how you want to be seen and what you should be showcasing.

Whilst a number of individuals I speak with update their CV regularly, many do not consider LinkedIn. Plan for the types of people you would like to attract and then think about when they land on your profile, what do you want them to see.

LinkedIn is a busy platform and there are lots of posts and people vying for attention, you want them to stop scrolling and take some time to see if they might like to get to know you better. Take a look here for more detail on building a better LinkedIn Profile.

Start Connecting

This is probably the hardest step for many, is sending the connection.

Why? Because we are overthinking it and getting in our own way. Too worried or focused on being rejected.

You must try and get past this. A lot of the time you are going to be ignored but here are some things you can do to help.

Have a reason you might like to connect, do a little bit of research, you might see you both have a university in common, maybe you grew up in the same area, you saw a post they wrote, or saw them speak at an event. Use this in your opening message.

Get to the point, the ask, keep it short(ish) and concise.

Engage and Be Engaging

Active participation in conversations can significantly boost your visibility and credibility, LinkedIn is an algorithm and is programmed to keep you on the platform as much as possible, so it shows what you more of what you like, this is the same for others.

Engage in subjects or topics that interest you, or you are passionate about.

Like, comment and share posts that resonate with you and your future goals.

Write your own pieces of content, they don't have to be long, but what do you think about the latest news in your sector, or a new report. Did you have a personal experience that you felt there was a lesson others could benefit from in?

Follow Up and Maintain Connections

Building a network is just the beginning; maintaining it is crucial.

Set aside some time, an hour a day, or even an hour a week but consistency will trump big chunks of sporadic activity.

Going back over those who have, or have not connected with you, sending a thank you, or a follow up, offering help etc, all go along way to help you build your professional network.

Regularly post, or contribute to LinkedIn, do not worry about Likes or Shares you may or may not be getting, keep posting and building your personal brand.

The End

Well not the end of the post, not just yet, but the most important thing you need to do is start with the end in mind. Why do you want to connect and network with others, what do you hope to achieve?

Is it to grow your professional network for learnings, opportunities, to provide or become a mentor, mentee, better access to roles etc.

Whatever it might be I tend to think that if you want something out yourself, then you must be willing to put something in.

Once you have the end in mind, think about what is in it for the other person, what can you offer them, why would they connect with, or give you time.

Good luck and don't worry if you are ignored, it isn't personal, you are just one person away from that thing you want, so keep going.