Growing Your LinkedIn Network in 2024

LinkedIn has over 1 Billion members, making it the most powerful professional social media tool in history. Not just for job seekers, it is a proven platform for professional networking, business development opportunities, and continuous learning features which contribute to its popularity among professionals.

To maximize your presence and effectiveness on LinkedIn, consider the following tips:

1. Complete Your Profile: Ensure that your profile is fully filled out with a professional photo, intriguing background photo, detailed work experience, education, and skills. Write a compelling headline that showcases your expertise. If you are a job seeker, let people know the expertise you have, the location you desire, and your availability date. For example: "U.S. Army Veteran specializing in Project Management and Intelligence, seeking a role in Tampa in May of 2024." This info tells a recruiter what they need to know to initiate a conversation.
2. Profile Picture Background: The background photo is highly valuable real estate and is one of the first things people notice about your profile. The top influencers and thought leaders on LinkedIn have creative messaging in their background photos. You can use Canva or Microsoft Powerpoint to create backgrounds with messaging to promote your brand!
3. Optimize Your Summary: Craft a well-written summary that highlights your skills, achievements, and career goals. Use keywords relevant to your industry to improve searchability.
4. Build a Network: Connect with colleagues, classmates, and professionals in your industry. Personalize connection requests to make them more meaningful. Grow a sizable network and take advantage of the incredible content that people are creating and sharing.
5. Engage with Content: Share relevant articles, insights, and updates in your field. Like, comment, and share others' posts to increase visibility. Avoid engaging in negative/controversial posts - scroll right past those.
6. Join and Participate in Groups: Join LinkedIn groups related to your industry or interests. Engage in discussions, share your expertise, and connect with group members. Post within those groups often and get noticed as a "thought leader."
7. Showcase Your Achievements: Use the "Featured" section to highlight projects, articles, or media that showcase your work. Request and give recommendations to build credibility. Acknowledging your achievements with humility earns you the credibility to lead and empower others.
8. Be Consistent: Regularly update your profile to reflect your current skills and experiences. Share content consistently to stay visible in your network's feed. Comment, Like, Share, and Create Content daily!
9. Utilize LinkedIn Learning: Take advantage of LinkedIn Learning courses to enhance your skills. Display completed courses on your profile.
10. Follow Companies and Influencers: Follow companies you're interested in and influencers in your industry. Engage with their content to expand your network. Pay close attention to leading content creators - success leaves clues!
11. Personal Branding: Develop a strong personal brand that sets you apart. Share your unique perspective and experiences. You have great experience and lessons learned - don't be shy in sharing those with your colleagues and network on LinkedIn! As the water level rises, all aboard the ship do too!
12. Use Keywords Strategically: Incorporate industry-relevant keywords in your profile to improve search rankings.
13. Customize Your URL: Create a custom LinkedIn URL that includes your name for a professional touch.

In the words of Colin Powell, LinkedIn is a "Success Multiplier." Remember that LinkedIn is a professional network, so focus on building genuine connections and adding value to your network. Regularly assess and update your profile to reflect your professional growth.

About the Author: Dave McAleer is a U.S. Army Veteran who specializes in Veteran Career Coaching, Military Programs, Talent Acquisition and Full Life Cycle Recruiting. Having led and been a member of award-winning recruiting teams, Dave's deep understanding of the talent management landscape and how employers hire have contributed greatly to his success in career coaching Veterans. His commitment to innovation and solution seeking are rooted in his experience leading in challenging environments, and he is proud to have served alongside the finest servicemen and women in the nation.