Start networking today!

Hello there!

We have already discussed the importance of Linkedin and how to build a well-structured profile. I am hoping you gave it a thought and made up your mind to go look at your profile and gave it a makeover. If yes, congratulations! Your online presence is just getting better.

It's time to take your LinkedIn to the next level now!

Well before we start, just know LinkedIn is the facebook for your career.

1) Add Everyone You Know.

• Start with people you've known from different facets of life - school/college mates, teachers, Professors, Alumni from your alma mater.
• Also, LinkedIn automatically sends you suggestions of people you might know depending on the details like school, college, organisations you've updated, add them all.

2) Add People That You Might be Able to Help or vice versa.

• Now’s the fun part. Start adding people you like, jump right onto the search bar and look for people. When I say people, not random people. Add people who are like-minded - have similar occupations, interests, etc. or it could be somebody you might be able to help. For example, I connect with every potential IT professional to help them with potential opportunities with my company/clients.
• Add people from companies that you are interested in. Remember to send them a personalized(yet formal) connection request though.

3) Join Groups.

• Yes! I know what you are thinking by now - "This is exactly like facebook". We all start start with rarely any connections and joining groups might be the best way to get to know more people.
• Look for groups where dream employer might be. For example, If you like to do social media marketing, join groups related to social media marketing.
• Now just joining the groups is not going to fetch you results. LinkedIn might be more professional than Facebook, but it’s still a social media platform. You’ve got to be social. Engage yourself in discussions, leave a comment if any post draws your attention/interests you. Make your presence count.

LinkedIn has helped me connect with thousands of potential job seekers and providers and has even given me a couple of jobs. Don’t treat LinkedIn like just another social media account. Make your LinkedIn profile work for you by taking it to the next level.

PS: 500 connections is a good number to start with. Get going!