Leveraging LinkedIn Connections

Tapping into your network can be a game-changer for both career advancement and business growth. Often, we overlook the potential of people we’ve connected with but haven’t spoken to in ages, or we give up too quickly when a few messages go unanswered. But there's a fine art to leveraging your network, and it starts with strategic re-engagement, respect for boundaries, and persistence.

1. Rekindle Dormant Connections

Your LinkedIn connections from years ago—old colleagues, classmates, or former clients—are more valuable than you might think. Even if you’ve lost touch, they still know your history, which gives you a leg up over cold connections.

Start by scanning through your LinkedIn contacts. Look for individuals whose careers have progressed or whose interests now align with your own. Draft a message that acknowledges the time that's passed and offers genuine interest in reconnecting. Here’s a potential opening line:

"Hey [Name], I was scrolling through LinkedIn and saw what you’ve been up to! It’s been a while since we last spoke, and I’d love to catch up and hear about your recent projects.”

The key here is to make it about them, not immediately about what they can do for you. People are more inclined to respond when they sense authentic interest in their work or life.

2. Break Through the Message Overload

There are always those connections who seem to ignore messages. The trick here is to be creative with follow-ups, but not desperate. A second message should offer value or insight into why a conversation would be mutually beneficial:

"I noticed you’ve been doing [X] lately, and I thought I’d share [Y resource, article, or idea]. I’d love to chat more about how you’re approaching this."

By offering something useful, you position yourself as someone worth talking to, rather than someone asking for favours. Additionally, don't hesitate to use voice messages or short video intros. These cut through the monotony of text and can humanize the interaction.

3. Timing and Approach: Know When to Step Back

Unfortunately, not everyone will respond, no matter how tactfully you reach out. This is where emotional intelligence comes into play. If you've sent two or three well-crafted messages without a reply, it might be time to pause. People are busy, and there’s always a chance they’re simply not interested or not in the right space to engage.

A smart final message could be:

"I know you’re busy, so I won’t keep pinging you. If you ever have a moment to reconnect, I’d be excited to chat! Wishing you the best with your current projects."

Leave the door open but without any pressure. Sometimes, the fact that you respected their silence is what prompts a future response.

4. Build for the Long Term

Networking isn't just about getting something immediately. It’s about planting seeds. When re-engaging with your network, think about how you can offer value continuously. Comment on their posts, endorse skills, or even share an article that relates to their industry.

By maintaining a light but ongoing presence, you stay top-of-mind without being intrusive. And when the time comes for them to need what you offer, you’ll be a natural first point of contact.

5. Recognizing Dead Ends

It’s important to know when a connection is not going to yield any value for either party. If you’ve been ignored multiple times and there’s no visible engagement on their side, it’s okay to let it go. Not every connection will be fruitful, and that’s fine.

However, remember to avoid burning bridges. People change jobs, priorities, and interests. Just because a connection isn’t useful today doesn’t mean they won’t be a great contact in the future. Keep things professional and respectful, and you’ll keep the door open for later opportunities.

Conclusion

Networking isn’t a one-size-fits-all activity. It’s about maintaining relationships over time, being persistent without being pushy, and knowing when to step back. By rekindling old connections with a focus on genuine curiosity and value, you set yourself up for more opportunities than simply waiting for new contacts to appear.