Make Your Networking Work...WORK! *
RACHEL SIMON
Digital Account Manager - KWSM: a digital agency | LinkedIn?? Profile Expert | LinkedIn Local ATL Co-Host | Greater Perimeter Business Radio Host | ?? Swiftie
When you joined LinkedIn you probably started connecting with anyone you knew – co-workers from your first job, friends, family, random people from high school or college. I know that’s what I did when I first launched my profile back in 2011.
This certainly helps develop your initial network but once you have 500+ connections, it’s important to think about how to grow your network strategically. Of course it’s important that your profile is in good working order so it is obvious why someone should connect with you. If you need some?tips on what goes into a great LinkedIn profile, take a look at this post.
Here’s are 10 easy LinkedIn networking tips that will support your strategy:
1. WHAT IS YOUR "WHY"?
What are you trying to accomplish when building your LinkedIn network? Are you all about the numbers or do you want a smaller, more targeted network??There is no right or wrong answer but understanding your personal goals will help you determine your strategy.?
2. WHO DO YOU WANT TO CONNECT WITH?
The answer to this might be multi-faceted. Are you looking for potential clients? Like-minded professionals? Experts in your field? Knowing the types of people you want to add to your network is the next step in developing your process.3.
3. START WITH YOUR “REAL WORLD” CONNECTIONS AND BUILD OUTWARD
The easiest people to add to your network are those that you know personally. Start with your colleagues (past and current), people in your community, friends, neighbors and school alumni. From there, you can build outward based on your response to point 2.
4. LINKEDIN SEARCH IS A DYNAMIC TOOL
The easiest way to find new people to add to your professional network is by using the search filters on LinkedIn. Even with the free account, you have access to extremely useful filters to find potential connections.
A good starting point is: 2nd Degree > Location > Industry
If those search results are too broad, drill down deeper by company or by adding specific titles.?You can also use LinkedIn groups or specific hashtags to find people you may want to add to your network.
5. ALWAYS INCLUDE A NOTE WHEN YOU CONNECT
When sending a connection request, it is important to include a brief but personalized note. Taking a few minutes to reference WHY you want to connect makes a great first impression. Some ideas are referring to something on their profile, a recent post they shared, an event you both attended or someone you have as a common connection.
6. YES, YOU CAN INCLUDE A MESSAGE ON MOBILE
Mobile is the preferred way most LinkedIn users access the platform yet for some reason, LinkedIn makes it difficult to add a note when sending a?connection request. In fact, many people are surprised to learn that it’s even possible! Here’s how to do it:
7. SAY NO TO AUTOMATION TOOLS
There are several companies out there that promise to automate the process of LinkedIn connections and messaging. What they fail to mention is that doing this puts your account as risk as 3rd party tools break the LinkedIn User Agreement, specifically section 8.2. It’s often quite obvious that it’s not really the person who is sending the outreach and can be perceived as spam. As enticing as it may seem, it’s not worth the risk – just say NO!
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8. SOMEONE ACCEPTED…NOW WHAT?
You know the scenario…you accept a connection request and get an immediate sales pitch in the DMs. This is often referred to as being “Pitch-Slapped!” So what SHOULD you do when someone accepts your connection request?
9. DOWNLOAD & REVIEW YOUR LINKEDIN CONNECTIONS QUARTERLY
LinkedIn allows you to download a significant amount of your data including your connections. When you get in the habit of?downloading and reviewing your connections regularly, you might find potential clients, referral sources, partners or collaborators – the hidden gems!?
10. STAY TOP OF MIND & IN TOUCH
Finally, why are we doing all of this? To build relationships with people who can help us meet our business goals. There are a few things you can do to stay top of mind and continue to get to know people in your network:
LinkedIn is a 24-7 networking event. Having a clear strategy for building your LinkedIn network will make the time you spend on the platform more efficient and effective. And don’t forget to have fun too!
*PS: Did you get my "Hamilton" reference in the newsletter title??
If you want to learn how to use the DMs to actually have conversations and convert new clients, this is the session for you!? I am thrilled to partner with my friend?Candyce Edelen?- she is a?master of organic prospecting and the perfect complement to my passion for effective LinkedIn profiles.
Together we will share 4 things you can do right now to increase your ability to book meetings with cold leads on LinkedIn. We'll help you:
? Dial in your headline so prospects WANT to talk to you
? Identify visuals (profile photo & banner) to build connection and credibility
? Research your leads to find nuggets you can use to strike up a conversation (ahem...like being from the same town?)
? Send connection requests that start meaningful dialogue and get meetings
You have two opportunities to attend: Aug 9, 2022 at 11am ET/ 9 am MT or Aug 11, 2022 at 4pm ET/ 2pm MT
?Early bird pricing is $57.?(Early bird pricing ends July 29th and goes up to $77)?
?? ?? REGISTER HERE ?? ??
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Till next time...thank you for reading!
I land you a TEDx Talk Guaranteed | Keynote Speaker, Trainer & Coach | Expert in Thought Leadership, Personal Branding, Storytelling, Digital Presence | LinkedIn Top Voice | 5x TEDx & Inc Magazine Top 100 Speaker |??Gaga
2 年Thanks for sharing this Rachel. There is so much you can gain from love and connection over anything else.
Human2Human approach to book sales calls and fill your pipeline via LinkedIn. No pushy tactics, no cold calling, #nobots. CEO, PropelGrowth
2 年What a great memory ~Rachel Simon. And he was right. I think a person's network is the primary determinant of whether they'll be successful. No matter what you do. Artists need a distribution network and fans. Construction workers need a network of tradespeople, builders and employees. It's not just sales people who need a professional network.