Nine Quick Tips to Successfully Create Your LinkedIn Networking Strategy

In 2012, I started my MBA. I was told that in order to get an internship or a job upon graduation, networking had to become my part-time job in year 1 and a full-time one for the duration of year 2. The most important question I had was: Is there a handbook on how to effectively conduct these professional conversations? Following the wrong approach could close doors as you try to walk the line. Through practice, I was able to put together the following Networking Strategy that has helped me land most professional opportunities.

1.      Understand the Importance of your LinkedIn Profile Picture: Do not underestimate the impact of your profile picture. First impressions matter and tend to have a lasting impact in newly created partnerships. Your profile picture is your initial presentation card and it communicates a preliminary view of your leadership and professional style. Make your LinkedIn profile picture the first step to create your brand and stand out within your own network. “First Impressions Never Have a Second Chance” – Charles R. Swindoll | Suggested reading: (2016, Forbes). “Why Your LinkedIn Picture Plays The Biggest Role In Determining Whether You Land A Job”

2.      Maximize the Value of Your Talent & Expertise in Your LinkedIn Profile: Some professionals choose to keep their LinkedIn profile to only list the job positions that they have had throughout the years. Yet, it is known that recruiters target specific words when actively searching for candidates. Set up your profile to showcase your most relevant accomplishments (strengthened with achieved KPIs). Proactively include key words which reflect your most relevant abilities and competencies in your profile. Outlining the set of skills which you acquired during each role will help you avoid selling your knowledge and expertise short. Ask for feedback on this content from peers and colleagues to improve how your message is being conveyed, while ensuring it accurately reflects the leadership traits and expertise that you bring to the table. “The worst financial transaction you will ever make is selling yourself short” - Greg Gilbert | Suggested reading: (2020, LinkedIn Business). “20 steps to a better LinkedIn profile in 2020” & (2020, Career Sidekick). “5 Best LinkedIn Profile Tips From a Recruiter”

3.      Define Your Scope: Defining your goal will help focus your efforts on executing an effective plan. Start by putting together a list of the Top 15 companies that: 1) through research show strong expertise, leadership or learning potential within your area of interest, and 2) align to your professional and personal values, as well as your long-term career goals. Focus your job search and networking there. Leverage the same approach when expanding your network. “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail” - Benjamin Franklin | Suggested reading: (2018, Forbes). “Ready, Set, Switch! How To Define Your Job Search Target So You Land The Role”

4.      Understand the Power of Social Acceptance: A significant number of MBA candidates move to another country to complete their degree and are faced with the task of starting their network over. This can be challenging at first. Taking a phased approach of targeting subsets of social groups with common characteristics can be a good place to start. Connect with peers and colleagues in roles like yours to acquire a first view of what a company’s culture is. Then, proceed to connect with professionals at higher levels in the organization to develop a more holistic understanding of their business expertise, challenges and long-term strategy. Most professionals tend to be open to adding you to their network if they notice similarities in your background and common interests. However, one of the most important denominators that can influence if individuals will accept your invitation is shared connections (especially those that they work with on a daily basis). This approach can be the first step to better assess if yourself and the team/organization are a fit for each other. “Our similarities bring us to a common ground; our differences allow us to be fascinated by each other” —Tom Robbins | Suggested reading: (2014, LinkedIn). “LinkedIn Etiquette: 20 Do’s & Don’ts”& (2016, LinkedIn). “How I Get a 74% Acceptance on New Connection Requests” -

5.      It’s All About That Initial Introduction: Once a person accepts your invitation to connect, take the time to go through their LinkedIn details to remind yourself of the common ground you share, and send a message thanking them for adding you to their network. For those looking for job opportunities, this initial icebreaker often becomes a critical communication piece. Take an approach which encourages a partnership versus a one-way advantage, as it is more effective in stimulating future interactions and indicates a reciprocally beneficial professional relationship. Below is an example of an introductory message for a new connection. “Kind words do not cost much. Yet they accomplish much” — Blaise Pascal | Suggested reading: (2020, themuse). “4 Email Templates to Make Networking Way Less Awkward” & (2020, themuse). “Introducing: The Email Template That'll Get You a Meeting With Anyone You Ask”

Hi David,

Thank you for accepting my invitation to connect on LinkedIn.

My name is Alejandra Ovando and I am a 2014 Rotman MBA Candidate interested in logistics and supply chain. I'd love to have a quick chat with you about your experience in the area and in the Canadian business environment whenever you have a chance.

Either way, if I can be of any assistance to you in the future please do not hesitate to contact me.

I hope you are having a great week and I look forward to staying in touch.

Thank you and best regards

-Alex

6.      Show Your Interest Through Preparation: Before having a Coffee Chat with a new connection, spend the time preparing yourself to have a value-added conversation. First, be sure to thoroughly research the organization and the specific area your connection works in. This includes understanding the company’s mission, vision and values. Second, familiarize yourself with the recent financial performance of their company (i.e.: stock price and annual report), their approach to present market challenges, as well as their overall corporate strategy. Third, be sure to read through recent industry articles which objectively discuss the company’s operations and performance. Lastly, spend time identifying similar experiences and interests between yourself, your connection and the company’s profile. Doing so will help you to better carry a conversation while weaving in examples of how your expertise can potentially add value to their organization/area. “There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work and learning from failure” — Colin Powell | Suggested reading: (2015, Forbes). “30 Questions To Ask In An Informational Interview” & (2017, Inc). “6 Things You Must Do Before Your Next Networking Event” & (2020, Intercom.help). “How to Prepare for a Coffee Chat”

7.      Show Leadership, Use Your Time Efficiently & Tell Your Story: When meeting with your new connection be sure to first thank them for taking the time to have a Coffee Chat with you. Following exchanging an amicable hello, leverage mutual points of interest to break the ice. Provide a brief four-minute introduction about yourself. In this overview, focus on emphasizing your biggest achievements which should tie in the key values of their organization, as well as address any of the current or future challenges you see for their company. While providing this overview, express your career interests and weave in key insights you know about their organization. Make sure you link this narrative to your expertise to showcase the positive impact that you can bring to teams. Ask your new connection for their point of view on the topic discussed. Listen. Leverage your preparation materials to show ownership in driving the conversation. Finally, thank them for the Coffee Chat and communicate that you’ll be happy to stay connected in the future. As most networking calls are 30 minutes long, be respectful of their time and use it efficiently. “You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you” — Dale Carnegie | Suggested reading: (2013, Business Insider). “8 Tips For A Successful Networking Coffee Date”

8.    Close the Interaction on a Positive Note, Follow Up on Timelines Agreed To, and Keep in Touch: After your Coffee Chat, send a message to your new connection thanking them again for their time and the discussion. For those looking for a job, you can close the interaction by also attaching your resume as a reference for future opportunities. Below is an example of this communication. “Recognize that every interaction you have is an opportunity to make a positive impact on others” — Shep Hyken | Suggested reading: (2020, themuse). “Finally: 5 Email Templates That Make Following Up With Anyone Way Less Awkward”

Hi Michelle,

Thank you again for taking the time today to give me advice regarding career opportunities in logistics and supply chain. I truly appreciate it!

I look forward to staying in touch.

Have a great weekend and best regards,

- Alex

9.      Pay It Forward: Dedicate some time to support professionals in need of guidance as they shape their way to a successful professional career. This is also an investment to your leadership path. Mentor, coach, and help others.  “No one has ever become poor by giving.” — Anne Frank