Leveraging LinkedIn: Building Connections and Networking Effectively

Welcome back to the Unicorn Builders newsletter!

I’m Matt (you probably know that by now…right?), and today, we're talking about networking and building relationships on LinkedIn.?

I know, I know - you're probably thinking, "Matt, I already know how to connect with people on LinkedIn. It's just a click of a button."

Let me tell you, it's not just about adding connections.

It's about building genuine, meaningful relationships that can help you advance your career, get more eyes on your business, or even get another investor interested in what you’re doing.

For starters, you’ll need a good profile. A good picture, a good summary, the works.

“But Matt, I don't have any professional headshots, I'm not a model!"

- I hear you, but don't worry, it's not as hard as you think.

You don't have to be a supermodel to have a good headshot. Just make sure you're dressed professionally, have good lighting, and smile (or look serious if that's your brand).

A quick trip to a local photography studio or even a friend with a nice camera can do the trick.

Now, let's talk about your summary.

This is where you get to show off your personality and let people know what makes you unique.

Think of it like a 30-second elevator pitch.

You want to grab their attention and make them want to learn more.

Avoid cliche phrases like "hardworking" and "results-driven" and instead, give specific examples of your achievements and how you can help others.

And don't forget keywords!

LinkedIn's search algorithm is pretty advanced, and by including relevant keywords in your profile, you'll be more likely to show up in search results when people are looking for someone with your skills and experience.

But don't go overboard and stuff your profile with keywords like a turkey on Thanksgiving.

You want to make sure it still reads naturally and is easy to understand.

"Ok, hold on. You said keywords. How do I know what keywords to use?" Great question.

Take a look at your competitors' and industry leaders' profiles, and see what keywords they're using. You can also use the general keywords related to what you’re doing.

For example, if you're the CEO of a budding tech startup, you might include keywords like "tech startup," "CEO," "innovation," "leadership," and "venture capital” in your profile.

“But Matt, I don't have any old colleagues or industry connections! What should I do?"?

Don't worry, we've all been there.

Building a strong network takes time and effort, but it's worth it in the long run.

One way to start building your network is by attending industry events and conferences.

Not only will you meet new people, but you'll also have the opportunity to learn from experts in your field.

And don't be shy - introduce yourself to people, even if you're not sure how you can help each other.

You never know where a simple conversation can lead.

Another way to expand your network is by leveraging LinkedIn's advanced search feature.

This allows you to search for people based on specific criteria such as job title, location, and industry.

This is a great way to find potential connections within your desired field.

And remember, building a strong network isn't just about getting something out of it; it's also about giving back.

Share interesting articles, offer to help others with their job search, or even just offer a kind word of encouragement. "Networking" doesn't have to be a dirty word - it's about building genuine relationships.

Also, one of the most powerful tools on LinkedIn is the ability to share content with your network.

By regularly sharing articles, blog posts, and other content that is relevant to your industry, you can position yourself as a thought leader and establish yourself as an expert in your field.

"I can just share any old thing, right?" Wrong!

It's important to curate content that will be informative and valuable to your connections. Make sure the content you're sharing is high-quality and will be of value to your network.?

Another way to stay top-of-mind and build relationships on LinkedIn is by commenting on other people's posts and joining in on discussions.

This can be a great way to connect with other professionals in your industry and start building relationships.

And don't forget about LinkedIn's messaging feature!

While it's not quite the same as catching up with someone over coffee, it's a great way to stay in touch with your connections and build deeper relationships.

Just make sure to personalize your messages and avoid sending generic messages to multiple people at once.

Finally, don't be afraid to ask for help or advice from your connections.

LinkedIn is a community, and people are often more than willing to help out a fellow professional. Make sure to be specific in your request and always be gracious when someone takes the time to help you out.

So, there you have it - my tips for networking and building relationships on LinkedIn.

Remember, it's not just about adding connections, it's about building real, meaningful relationships that can help you advance your career, business, or startup.

Regardless of what you’re focusing on or working towards, it’s still helpful in one aspect or the other.

If you still feel worried or hesitant about reaching out to people, don’t worry.

You can always reach out to me, and we can discuss strategies over a quick call. It isn’t as hard as it may seem. Trust me!?

We specialize in helping professionals to build strong relationships on LinkedIn and advance their careers. We know how things are working.

Happy networking and keep building,