How to get LinkedIn Premium for free?

Want to boost your career prospects, get more clients, and expand your network?

Then, LinkedIn is the place to be.

You probably already know how valuable LinkedIn is.

The free version of LinkedIn is a powerhouse in itself and has a lot to offer, but if you want to crank things up a notch then LinkedIn Premium is worth it.

However, LinkedIn Premium doesn't come cheap.

So, handing over your card details may be a little daunting.

But, did you know that you can get LinkedIn Premium for free?

Don't worry it's nothing illegal, but there is a way around it.

Here's how I did it, and you how you can too.

PLUS ONE PLEDGE PROJECT BY LINKEDIN

Building a network and strong relationships is essential for any career.

But the thing is, not everyone has the same resources to land those big high-paying gigs even if they deserve it.

That's why LinkedIn has put together the Plus One Pledge.

The Plus One Pledge is designed so that LinkedIn members can share their resources, time, and talent with that outside of their network.

There are three ways they can do this:

Talent. They can offer to mentor someone

Time. Share 30 minutes with someone and provide useful information.

Network. Introduce someone to another person in your network you may think would be well suited.

HOW I GOT MY FREE MEMBERSHIP?

I read online that you could get 6-month premium membership via the Plus One Pledge program.

As part of the Plus One Pledge program, LinkedIn distributed free coupons to all their employees. Each employee is then expected to give out these coupons to people in their networks.

Some employees wrote that they would be offering a free subscription. You can only imagine the level of views and the responses they got. So, I decided to try another route.

Instead, I decided to take matters into my own hands. I saw an opportunity and I went with it.

LinkedIn has an InMail service, even for members who use the free version.

I sent out a message to Paul Mullet via InMail providing details of why I deserved the coupon. The example is written for you to get creative.

"Hi Paul, I hope you are well and wish you all the best in 2021. My name is Biljana and I am an active jobseeker and very active contributor on LinkedIn. I see in your profile that you are committed to #plusonepledge.

 I understand that LinkedIn Premium free subscriptions are limited and people usually post when they have subscriptions to give away. As it is quite challenging receiving those through posts I decided to write dm to people who have #plusonepledge in their profiles generally. I would like to utilize my LinkedIn Premium for increasing my chances of landing a dream job in HR as I am working towards it. I would kindly like to ask you if you have any subscriptions available?

Hi Paul, I hope you are well and wish you all the best in 2021."

 And guess what? I received my coupon from my very first response!

Here's how you can get a coupon.

Search for LinkedIn Employees.

You don't have to go on a vigorous search for LinkedIn employees.

In fact, they have them all listed for you here.

·        Click on see all employees and your good to go;

·        https://www.dhirubhai.net/company/linkedin/

·        Select Profiles and Send Out Your Message.

Now, this is the important part. Don't just outright ask for the coupon!

Introduce yourself, tell them about your background (career-wise, not your life story). Explain why you think you deserve the coupon. Tell them how this coupon could be beneficial for your career and how it may open up opportunities for you, which others wouldn't get.

Be sure that you finish the message with you a thank you for the consideration.

The Waiting Game!

It's annoying, but once you send out the message, all you can do is wait. Patience is key.

Some may have already given out their coupons. Some may respond and others may not. In the meantime, you can still focus on growing your network, pitching to employees, and so on.

Don't just send out the same message or pitch. Change it up, make each one unique, and try not to sound boring. Make it as appealing as you can and highlight why you would be the best fit.

Here a little tip...

Don't ignore the ones who respond back and say they have exhausted their coupons. Still thank them, after all, they took the time out to respond back.

And hey, you never know where the next opportunity may come from.

Enjoy Your Coupon!

Once you receive your coupon it will be activated and you can enjoy the benefits of LinkedIn Premium in all its glory. All you have to do is click on it and it will activate straight away.

Don't forget to thank the employee who sent you the coupon, a public acknowledgment will be well received. Use it wisely and share updates about your experience.

THE BOTTOM LINE

The Plus One Pledge is a brilliant social initiative by LinkedIn. It has presented people with opportunities they otherwise would have struggled to get.

LinkedIn is a powerhouse if you want to take your career to the next level whether you use the free or premium version.

However, I didn't just follow what everybody else was doing.

I took matters into my own hands.

I saw an opportunity, went for it, and got the result I wanted. Now, it's time for you to do the same!