How the LinkedIn Local Content Theme Works

It may sound cliche but this seemingly little story I am about to share with you is one of the reasons why you must have an eye for opportunity.

In 2019, when I was head of brand and comms for a consultant firm; I had the task of reaching out to companies and people for partnerships and event sales but there was this particular person I admired on LinkedIn.

She was a top sales executive with one of the FCMGs in Nigeria but a couple of problems ensued even though I had my profile optimized, the perfect pitch, etc.

But there was one or more challenges and the major was that she was a 2nd connection and to cap it all; you can't send free DM's except if you are on premium.

So who are SECOND CONNECTIONS: Third connections are people whom you are not connected to at all but because you have a mutual friend they appear as and second connection. You may even call it "Friend of a friend".

The next thing I did was to run to my connection on LinkedIn to Look for a mutual who is directly connected to her.

Now, this connection is not just a random first connection to me; this was someone whom I had earlier met at an event that was organized two years back.

To my surprise, he says Seun, I have his phone number and don't worry I will speak to him on your behalf. In an hour that person reaches out to me and like they say; the rest is history.

I don't know about you but I think this is a learning point where you can establish that things are "Interconnected"

That is just one but this next one will blow your mind [Subscribe to our email newsletter for updates here] like it did me.

Now, this second one is the reason why we advise you to create content content serves as an opportunity to showcase your skill, knowledge, or talent.

I remember that I had been looking for a photographer for our event and wasn't finding the exact one that would help us and then I remember that I had come across a certain photographer on LinkedIn who had been posting regularly share information about branding, updating your profile picture, etc.

So I went to the search menu on LinkedIn and typed "Branding + Name" and boom, there she was stirring at me with her content. As usual, I reached out to her via DM and introduced myself and she goes I have been trying to reach out to you too, and like they say the rest is history.

Are you still doubting how we are not interconnected?

While these adventures are great; I would like to break down while I have been successful in my approach and results.

1. OPTIMIZED BIO: No one is going to answer someone with a blank page or a physical picture that you snapped. Please go back and fill in the basic things on your profile. Tell me why you don't have a bio or an updated job experience. Stop it this new quarter.
2. PAY & SUPPORT COMMUNITY: LinkedIn Local is not the only place I meet people, I go to several events every year organized by others and even pay for them just to network and get access to people for the future. This way you have first-line access. Access that you can use in the future. Have a futuristic networking mentality.
3. SENDING DMs: If you have just been sending random DMs, you won't get the goal you want. If you are looking to connect with the CEO of an organization - you don't necessarily have to send that first message; just get a friend of a friend to do the introductions.
4. CREATE CONTENT: Creating content is even easier than sending cold messages. You can use your content to shine. It is your own advantage and look out for creators like Olayinka T. Hannah who can help you get started on LinkedIn.
5. UNDERSTAND THE DIFFERENT LEVEL OF CONNECTION:

• First degree: These are people whom you are directly connected with on LinkedIn
• Second-degree: These are people who have mutual friends with you but you are not directly connected to them.
• Third degree: These are people whom you do not have any mutual friends with and who are outside your or your mutual network.
• HAVE AN EYE FOR OPPORTUNITY: When I get a new job or gig, I start connecting with potential people that I would work it, engage their content, or send them friendly DMs.

However, this and more are the reasons why Interconnected is special to us. It is to highlight the fact that professionals or creators have to know that it is crucial to build relationships which are the core of growth on LinkedIn.

In 2021, we had our theme was making every connection matter and we had over 20+ speakers in attendance covering and touching on different aspects of Networking, Branding, and Career.

It has birthed many other LinkedIn locals across Nigeria, Influencers, and creators who were inspired but where will you be on November 11th, 2023

However, At this year's events, we will have some topics such as:

• Personal Branding session
• A specialized panel session focused on GenZ's.
• Getting the best out of career: [ Promotions and getting new jobs ].
• A free LinkedIn optimization class and a profile picture [if you arrive early] and more.

Some of this year's activities include:

• Speed networking.
• Games.
• Light breakfast and lunch provided by one of the coolest food start-ups in Nigeria and more.

Follow us on LinkedIn Local Bootcon , or tap this link to pay for the event, In this newsletter, we will be highlighting how you as an individual or brand can partner to make it a huge success

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