How to Network on LinkedIn in 2023 by LinkedIn Users

Earlier this week, I asked my network for their LinkedIn networking best practices. I wanted to highlight some of my favorite comments in a post, but it exceeded the LinkedIn character limit.

So, I compiled them into this article for you.

Here's the post:

"This month has been full of continuous reminders of an old adage - business is all about relationships.

It's been really cool seeing how LinkedIn can expand my network to connect me with even more incredible entrepreneurs, automotive pros, and experts. The format may have changed, but the core of being successful hasn't. It all comes down to good networking.

Here on LinkedIn, I see this done well for sure. But, more often, I see it done poorly and with little to no effort or authenticity.

Curious what you think. How can someone start a genuine, professional relationship with someone on LinkedIn?

Let's make this thread really valuable to those who are putting in the effort but struggling to get it right.

#entrepreneurs ?#networking ?#linkedinnetworking "

How to Successfully Network on LinkedIn

There were a ton of great responses. Here are some of my favorites:

A step-by-step on how to go from unknown to connection by Javier Ros

"First - don't pitch.

I like to leverage the "Follow" function. If there's a person you don't know but want to start a professional relationship with, you can "follow" them without requesting a connection.

Genuine engagement with their posts drives familiarity and then, once there's been two-way engagement, you can request the connection.

Then it becomes like any other professional relationship, pass ideas back and forth, support their wins both professional and personal, and then maybe try to meet up at industry events."

2. It's a two-way street by Kenneth Tonkin

"A relationship is very important for both sides just not one side. Experience is very crucial to know where each person has come from.

Many times today, one side has been given the opportunity they have. The other side has actually Experienced it. Either way, a relationship has to blossom or either party will not respect one another to do business."

3. You can't just cold message people anymore by Kim Collins

"As a marketer looking to do business with people on LinkedIn, the environment has definitely changed. When I worked for you years ago, I used to easily grow my business reaching out to prospects via messages. Now it's definitely more about relationships and the long play. I have actually enjoyed this way better. I enjoy getting to know the people I might call clients one day before pitching my services. I believe I'm better at speaking to their specific needs because I've taken the time to get to know them and if I never win their business or even reach out to them about it, I've added value to my network."

4. "You have to give as much as you take" by Shasta Haddock

"You have to give, just as much as you take.

If you’re asking for business from people (on the vendor side), provide value to others.

Be willing to teach what you know so that others may learn and grow even if they don’t use your services.

Be a light for others. Not a constant sales pitch. And mostly, show what makes you different."

5. "This is the LONG play" by Scott Armstrong

"Take the time to truly get to know people virtually. Watch their post. Run down their rabbit hole. Learn. Communicate in a genuine fashion. Use your experiences and knowledge to benefit them and their own network without expecting anything in return. This is the LONG play, but it’s the approach that will lead to the best relationships. When you engage with others as a means to learn, then what will follow will follow. It’s all gonna be good in the end! Salespeople may not get this luxury because they gotta hit their quota. However, entrepreneurs can."

Have a piece of advice or best practice to add? Leave a comment. Make sure to follow everyone highlighted in this article. And, go forth and make genuine connections here on LinkedIn - you won't regret it!