Growing Your Network On LinkedIn

LinkedIn has evolved over the years. A common misconception people have about LinkedIn is that it’s just a platform for people that are looking for jobs.

Initially LinkedIn was a place for professionals to showcase their qualifications and find jobs. However 17 years later the platform has since evolved and become a great networking platform for #businesses, #entrepreneurs, #consultants, thought leaders and job seekers. LinkedIn has over the years become a genuine B2B and B2C marketing and networking platform. It’s also a brilliant platform to build a personal brand.

Interestingly enough, ever since I started actively using the platform, I have actually seen a lot more content being posted by non job seekers. Highlighting how the platform has really transformed. LinkedIn is fantastic. The content shared by LinkedIn users is often insightful, inspiring, intellectual and stimulating. It has truly become a great platform for job seekers, thought leaders, professionals, company owners, CEO’s and entrepreneurs to co-exist under one roof.

On #LinkedIn you are always one post, viewer or connection away, from your next big opportunity, professionally and business wise. Start connecting and grow your career and business through LinkedIn.

I recently had a post that got 39,187 views. It got viewed by #Directors, #Managers, #Consultants, #Founders and many other professionals and business owners from multiple sectors, countries and companies. The quality of your audience is everything, and therein lies the charm of LinkedIn. It has the ability to put your content, your expertise and your business in front of the right audience.

5 insightful points I have noted as an active user of LinkedIn:

1) Unlike #Facebook which restricts you on the number of connections you can add. LinkedIn has a connection limit of approximately 30 000 connections. This gives you access to thousands of quality contacts to add to your network.

2) Don't be afraid to grow your LinkedIn #network by sending out connection requests. We all have to start somewhere. One doesn't just wake up with 12,000 #connections on LinkedIn. You gradually grow your network over a period of time by connecting with different people. Don't wait for people to connect with you. Send out those connection requests.

3) Don't make the mistake of only connecting with people you know on LinkedIn, or only sending connection requests to people in the same industry as you. With the diverse number of professionals that are registered on LinkedIn you could be one #connection away from your next big opportunity. Be bold, send a connection request to someone you don't know or someone that works in a different industry. That's how you network and meet new people.

4) #Grow, leverage and engage with your connections on LinkedIn. Be active on LinkedIn by commenting on posts and consistently post relevant, insightful content that people can connect with. Position yourself as a thought leader in your area of expertise and share your knowledge through posts.

5) With over 260 million active #professionals using #LinkedIn, it is a great way to gain access to potential #employers, #clients, business partners and #employees.

If you haven't started making the most out of this platform, it's never too late to get started now. LinkedIn is the place to be and can open up some fantastic opportunities if used smartly.