Seven Golden Rules to LinkedIn Success

I have been a believer in LinkedIn since day one and was an early adapter. I have found it invaluable over the years for advice, a source of knowledge, and yes a source of candidates for positions I needed to fill.

I do feel though that I have never been a standard recruiter who saw LinkedIn as a database or a mine full of candidates. I always felt that if you see it as a database to be mined you are removing the valuable resource while giving nothing back and, like all mines, eventually the ground will run dry.

My approach has always been to see LinkedIn as a farm to be cultivated. That if I put effort in to my LinkedIn groups and connections I would be rewarded when the time came for me to go to my network and find the candidates I was looking for.

I have had quite a few connections and colleagues over the years ask me how I have grown my network to the size it is and if I had any tips that might make their network a bit stronger or more productive. So I have drawn up these seven simple rules that I try and follow on LinkedIn - there is nothing new here - nothing groundbreaking or cutting edge - but it might help some people so I thought I would share.

Golden Rule #1 – Put your best foot forward

LinkedIn is really about people. The starting point for any significant presence on LinkedIn is your own personal profile. As such, it’s essential that you put yourself in the best light possible, are clear about what you do, what you offer and what you want, and come across as you would wish colleagues and customers to see you. Without a solid, professional and engaging profile, everything else you do within LinkedIn will suffer

Golden Rule #2 - Build a Network, Not a Database

If you think that LinkedIn is just another distribution channel for your content, you’re sadly mistaken. LinkedIn is essentially a 24/7 networking event, providing you with a golden opportunity to build a valuable professional network that can hugely benefit your business or career. 

Golden Rule #3 - Engage, Not just Post!

Engaging with others’ posts will help you build rapport with your network. (In so doing, others will be more inclined to engage with your posts, too.) A good rule of thumb is Post or engage with NINE pieces of OTHER people's content before posting ONE of your one. You get so much better mileage that way--and you make new friends, too! I had to go with Picard and no apologies - not often you get the chance!

Golden Rule #4 - Add Value - Not Noise

Some say, “Content is King!” I say, “Be a King that inspires” Here’s what I recommend: Strive to be valuable always. That way you’ll remain top-of-mind within your network and stand out in the midst of all the noise makers.

Golden Rule #5 - Give Back to your Network

How many times have you seen a post where someone is looking for advice, don’t be afraid to give your advice or your perspective on their problem. Sometimes even the posts where your connection is venting their frustrations can be a valuable learning point for you and others, you may have encountered a similar situation and how you overcame it could be invaluable to the poster and other readers.

Golden Rule #6 - Help your Network connect

I recently saw an aspirational post where a connection’s neighbour was autistic and loved taking apart and fixing hoovers. The poster was looking for someone to contact in Dyson to see if he could organise a surprise visit to the factory for the boy. What I loved was how many people were able to link one of their connections in to the post who may be able to help. It is this type of networking and introduction that really makes you stand out and helps you get the best from LinkedIn.

Golden Rule #7 - Stay Focused

We are all experts in some area of our lives and it is great to be able to share your wealth of knowledge with your network. I would suggest though that you try and stay focused on what you post rather than jumping from topic to topic. Success is gained by sticking to a few topics and being consistent. Two things happen: Your audience knows what to expect of your content. Second, LinkedIn's algorithms know what to share with you.

Thank You

Well all I can say is congratulations on reaching the end of the post and that I am flattered I have captured your attention up to this point. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me directly and I look forward to seeing all your networks grow!