Day 5: Career Brand Networking on LinkedIn [a prequel to our 40-day Career Branding Community]

Congratulations—you’ve made it to Day 5 (a day late...oops) of Career Branding: A 5-Day Course!

Here's a quick recap of what you've accomplished so far:

You've reframed your experience with a future-orientation, highlighted your transferable skills, crafted your Unique Value Proposition, and positioned yourself as an authority on LinkedIn.

Now, it’s time to unlock the final piece of the puzzle: Networking on LinkedIn.

Networking is what LinkedIn was created for.

To me, networking on LinkedIn is your greatest career advantage.

Never in history has it been easier to network your way to a better career — and a better life.

Building connections in your target field is one of the most effective ways to open doors. But, it can be difficult get specific people to respond.

Without a response, it's hard to develop those connections that could potentially lead to insight and referrals.

So, let's learn how to cast the right 'net' and get to net-working!

Step 1: Find and connect with people at your target companies (but ask about the Industry)

Most people start with a narrow approach, but I want you to start broad.

Instead of looking someone who has the specific job title you are interested, I want you to connect with everyone you can at that company. You are looking for people who are willing to connect and chat about the industry. That could be anyone. You never know.

So, start by casting this broad net:

• Send out "ex. 20 - 30" connection requests per company. (Can be more. Up to you!)
• Look for these signs of ACTIVE membership: premium badges, a visible follower account, and mutual connections.
• The goal is to land as many connections at this company as possible so that when you start connecting/DMing with your target person, they see you have a mutual network.
• You may end up chatting with someone not in your target job, but chances are they know and are connected with someone in your desired role.

You are intentionally going broad so that you can strategically go narrow.

Send Casual DM:

When reaching out, include a casual, friendly note to start the conversation.

Hi [Name],

I hope you are doing well! My name is [Your Name]. I'm interested in working in [Industry] as a [Job Title] one day. I'm seeking to expand my network so that I can learn more about [Industry].

If you’re open to connecting, I’d really appreciate it!

Best, [Your Name]

That's it. Keep it simple. You are looking for warm and willing connections.

Pro tip: Spend one week building connections at your chosen companies this way. Why? Because it's the next week when the magic happens.

Step 2: Start Building Relationships Intentionally

After one week of sending connection requests to people at your chosen companies, you'll spend the next week following up with everyone who accepted your connect request.

It'll go like this:

• Thank them for connecting.
• Ask them if they enjoy working in X industry. (not their company, yet)
• Ask if they’d be open to a quick coffee chat (virtual) to share insights about their role or industry.

Template Coffee Chat Request: “Would you be open to chatting for a few minutes about your experience in [industry]? If not, no worries at all. If you know someone who would be good to speak with, I’d greatly appreciate the nudge in the right direction.”

Asking about their industry is less personal than asking about their company. You should get a higher response rate this way.

This not only expands your network but shows initiative and a willingness to learn.

The possible outcomes:

• You get a meeting with them ??
• They connect you to someone else (one step closer!)
• Or you don’t hear back (and that’s okay—that's why you're casting a broad net).

Why this works: By starting broad (company level), you can gradually refine your search to pinpoint the right connections (target job at desired company) who can help you move forward.

Cheers to landing your first golden coffee chat! ?

Today’s Action Plan:

1. Send connection request to 20 - 30 people at your companies of interest. The goal is to land coffee chats (or at least DM conversations) with people at your target companies, and, ultimately with people in your target role!

Pro tip: Job referrals would be great, of course, but what you should really focus on in these coffee chats is gleaning insight about the job/company so that it can inform how you update your resume, LinkedIn profile, and navigate future conversations.

Congratulations on completing the Career Branding: A 5-Day Plan! You’ve laid the groundwork for a powerful transition into your new career or career venture.

You can do this! Stay visible. Stay active.

P.S. Need help with what to say during a coffee chat? Send me a DM—I’d be happy to guide you!

P.P.S. Interested in possibly joining our 40-Day Career Brand Community? It kicks off on January 22nd! You can join the waitlist here and I'll be in touch about curriculum and pricing details: Elevate your Career Brand!

Ways to contact me:

DM Michael Stinnett - The Unstuck Coach

Email [email protected]

Scott Hinson, NCDF for DMs

[email protected] for emails

***Grab our FREE LinkedIn Profile Optimization course for job seekers looking to build their Career Brands on LinkedIn.