NETWORKING WITH LINKEDIN 101

These days, there’s one word on many millennials’ and Gen Z’s lips: “Network”. If what came to your mind is the dance step, I know where your priorities are and I am judging you.

Networking is no doubt a big deal, and for some, it has been the deciding factor in landing their dream jobs. In this virtual age, networking has moved from being predominantly physical, to a virtual affair and the biggest networking app out there is LinkedIn. LinkedIn is a business/ career development focused app that is primarily used for professional networking and advertisement of professional opportunities. With over 740 million users, if you haven't been leveraging on this tool, you should start now, (your next job might just be a message away).

If you have been having little to no success getting the right response from networking on LinkedIn, here are a few things that could be hindering your progress and what you can do about them.

1. You Don't send personalised invites

LinkedIn has a really cool feature where you can send personalised invites to whomever you wish to connect with. It has a 300 character limit, but that is more than enough to leave a good first impression. The idea is to introduce yourself, and give enough insight into why you'd like to connect and remain in contact with your recipient. This is a great icebreaker, and ensures that your recipient remembers you.

2. You only say “Hi”

If you only send “Hi” and forget that there are other words in the dictionary, then this might be your biggest problem.

Has a stranger ever sent you a text message with an unknown number and all the text said was, “Hi”? Were you eager to engage in a conversation with them? Sending only one word as a conversation starter gives the impression that you have no idea what you want and that you will waste their time.

If you’re sending a message out and you have to be asked who you are and why you’re reaching out, then you are probably doing your networking wrong. Remember that it is a professional platform, be respectful of people’s time and audience.

3. You’re waiting for the recipient to carry the conversation.

This flows from points 1and 2. Reaching out to someone online means that the burden of carrying on the conversation depends on you who initiated contact. Do not expect others to carry the conversation for you. Be engaging, ask questions on topics that are of interest to whomever you are speaking with. A quick glance at a person’s profile can give you some insight on any of their interests which you can leverage on to keep the conversation alive.

4.??You make inappropriate comments

“Hello darling”, “You look gorgeous dear”. Honestly, do you need someone to let you know that sending messages like these is highly inappropriate? The recipient of such a message is unlikely to take you seriously and you might also get blocked/reported. On professional platforms please endeavour to act accordingly. LinkedIn is not Facebook or WhatsApp (and even on those platforms, these messages are still questionable); be polite and respectful.

So, if this is you, stop it… just stop it this year, T for thanks.

5.?Epistle writer / news monger

Keep your messages short and cute. No one wants to read an epistle from a random person online. I have been guilty of this a couple of times and while some of the recipients of my epic tale were gracious, others were not. If you would like more people to respond positively to your messages, then keep them concise and to the point, letting each sentence be intentional and strategic. In a LinkedIn message, you want to have the following:??

• Salutations
• An introduction (who you are and what you do);
• ?What you noticed about the person you’re writing to;
• Why you would like to connect;
• Conclusion.

This also goes without saying, but in case it still needs to be mentioned, please do not send random / fake news through your LinkedIn messages, spread propaganda or ask people to vote for your favourite Big Brother contestant! Just don’t do this.

To have the best outcome when networking on LinkedIn, ensure that you are polite and cordial to people you reach out to. Make sure that you always put your best foot forward, let your conversation starter be short, engaging and capable of getting you the kind of response you need.

Here’s a sample:

“Hello Lola,

My name is Andrew, an English graduate from UniJos. I saw your article on ‘Things Fall Apart’ and found your take on the story very refreshing. I am currently working on reviewing ‘Anthills of the Savannah’, also by Chinua Achebe and I was wondering if we could have a discussion with you on this book. Your opinion on this would be greatly appreciated.

I look forward to connecting with you.

Regards,

Andrew.”

Quite easy, don't you think?

Try incorporating these tips and see how much more successful you are at expanding your network. Happy networking!