MY JOURNEY TO 30K CONNECTIONS

MY JOURNEY TO 30K

When I first joined Linkedin, I utilized it as a billboard to share my profile. At the time I was Founder & CEO of a very successful E-commerce company. After leaving the company, I was attracted to Linkedin for it's networking and relevancy opportunities. I began utilizing Sales Navigator to identify and connect like minded thought leaders. I grew my network to over 4,000. I soon realized that there wasn't anyway of knowing their interest or activity level. I determined early that an attribute for connecting was someone who actively posts and comments. Having a large network with no activity is an empty shell.

In February of 2020. I decided to move into the belly of the beast where posting and commenting really taking place. I entered Linkedin land and decided to become a good citizen first. I began by liking and commenting on posts and posters who I aligned with. I found that the best posters were consistent, authentic, respectful, responsive and service driven. I also discovered how few people actually take advantage of this valuable community. I also found that most responses to posts were just likes or minimally worded comments. There is a great opportunity to distinguish yourself on Linkedin by how you respond to connection requests, posts and messaging. Best responses are the ones that say you really read the post and benefited from it.

My connection decisions became based on the following factors.

1. How did you meet this potential connection ?
2. How relevant and aligned are they? Check profile
3. How active on Linkedin are they? Check post and commenting activity
4. How many shared & total connections do they have

I began posting everyday and developed an innovative tagging strategy that amplified reach. I have just achieved 30,0000 connections and a Linkedin Selling Index of 85. To find your Linkedin Selling Index https://www.dhirubhai.net/sales/ssi.

My experience and strategic outreach program have made me appreciate how really big and exciting the Linkedin opportunity can be. I now coach qualified connections to accelerate & optimize their Linkedin Success. Here are some valuable takeaways from my 30K journey. See you at the top!

Takeaways

1. Your connections are only as valuable as the value you bring.
2. Being proactive is superior to waiting for something to happen.
3. Selling & asking for favors when connected is a turn off.
4. Take time to create opportunities to build trusting relationships . 
5. Connections are more than avatars, they are real people & should be respected
6. Tagging is a valuable tool to reward, recognize & attract great connections.
7. Reciprocity is the foundation for expanded trusted relationships.
8. Have a Linkedin action plan, what are you expecting?
9. You may feel you know a potential connection, but do you know who they know?
10. Be authentic, Linkedin is a long game and can't be played with two personas.
11. What you say is not as important as how you say it. Remember no one cares how much you know until they know how much you care.
12. Linkedin is an ocean of opportunity for those embracing best practices & collaboration,
13. Providing empathetic support is greatly appreciated & remembered.
14. Profiles should be client facing and represent your value add
15. Have Fun! What has driven your Linkedin Success? Please Share In Comments

Linkedin Success Coaching! Engage my new Linkedin Success Program. Featuring weekly calls, daily post tags & collaboration.