What Can Online Dating Teach Us About Linkedin Networking?

In a world where social media dominates our lives, it can be difficult to make real connections and establish meaningful relationships. But it’s not impossible! From finding a date to connecting with our peers, social media has become an integral part of our lives and how we interact with each other. Even though some people bemoan its effects on our lives, one cannot deny its importance in terms of networking and relationship building.

One example is the proliferation of dating apps such as Tinder which have changed the way we meet potential romantic partners. Last year alone, 366 million people worldwide used dating apps or sites to find someone special. This fact speaks volumes about how powerful social media can be in creating meaningful relationships.

But what about using social media for more than just dating? How can you apply the learnings from online dating to platforms like LinkedIn to expand your professional network and even land your dream job? Similar to meeting a potential mate, using Linkedin correctly can help you make real connections with professionals who will help you grow both personally and professionally.

In this blog, I’ll explore how to leverage Linkedin to establish real connections from social media, from presenting your best self to engaging with potential contacts to taking it offline. So let’s get started!?

First and foremost, it starts with presenting your best self:

You would never join a dating site without filing out your profile to completion and having your best photos. Same is true for Linkedin. Unlike Tinder or similar apps where users swipe through profiles quickly without paying much attention to details, with Linkedin you need to take time crafting your profile so that it reflects your values, interests and professional goals accurately. You should also make sure that your profile looks professional, fill out all sections clearly and concisely, and showcase any relevant achievements or skillsets accurately.

Your profile photo is also very important when it comes to making real connections on LinkedIn. That means investing in a professional headshot that reflects your essence and personality. Avoid using selfies or overly casual images; instead opt for something that shows off your personality without being too informal or distracting from the content on your page.

Another great way to use photos is by adding them into posts – this allows people visiting your page to get a better idea about what you do, what kind of events you attend, etc., helping them form a more complete image of who you are as a professional.

Be Genuine and Intentional:

Next, with any relationship, being genuine and honest with your intentions is key. If your end goal is to land a new job, a board seat, or a speaking opportunity, that’s okay. You just can’t put that expectation on a future connection right away. Like dating, if your end goal is marriage, you’re most likely not going to bring that up in your first interaction. You also need to date many people before you find that perfect mate. Similarly, you need a broad network to land what you’re looking for. So start out with the list of qualities, functions, and interests of the people you want to have in your network. This helps you narrow down your audience of who you want to connect with. It also helps you meet people with similar interests which leads to my next point.

Engage vs Like:

Once you have identified your target connections, it’s time to start the engagement. Nope, not popping the question just yet! Similar to dating, you want to start by getting to know the person. Read their profile and posts, as well as any stories or articles they may have shared. This will help you get a better understanding of what their interests are and how you can relate to them. Once you have a good grasp of who they are, don’t just “like” their posts, start engaging with them by leaving thoughtful comments or asking relevant questions. Don’t be afraid to ask open-ended questions that will allow for more meaningful conversations.

When it comes to commenting, make sure your comments are genuine and authentically reflect your own thoughts and opinions. You want to seem like an engaged participant in the discussion rather than someone who’s just trying to get something out of it. If your comment shows that you’ve taken the time to really think about the topic at hand, it will demonstrate that you are serious about connecting with this person on a deeper level.

Make the connection:

Once you’ve built up a rapport through commenting, feel free to reach out directly via private message or email if appropriate. Before sending the connection request, take some time to craft it carefully so that it reflects why you believe this person would be worth connecting with. Make sure not to come off too strong or sound overly eager; instead focus on the similarities between the two of you and express interest in learning more about them professionally. It may also be helpful to include information on how connecting with them could benefit them as well (for example, offer advice or resources related to their field).

Make it easy and convenient to meet in-person:

Making the leap from online to real-world takes confidence and courage, but if done right can be incredibly rewarding. It can also be tricky. People are busy and while they may be well intentioned, if you haven’t fully established a relationship virtually, they may be hesitant to meet.

My advice is to make it as easy and convenient for them as possible. See if you have any events coming up that you may both be attending. The risk is low and it’s not uncommon to ask if they are attending a certain industry conference and let them know you’d love to connect there.

When extending an invitation for an in-person meeting, explain why you think it would be beneficial for both of you and provide some specific details on what you would like to discuss during the meeting.

It is important to make sure that the other person feels comfortable and safe before committing to a meeting. If they work nearby, ask if they are available for coffee or lunch at their convenience and offer to meet somewhere close by that is convenient for them.

Another option is scheduling a short 15-30 minute video chat or phone call instead. Video allows people from different locations around the world to easily connect and provides an opportunity for nonverbal communication such as body language which can help build trust between two people. Just be sure to do your homework ahead of time and know what you want to cover on the call. Be respectful of their time and don’t run over.

Also, remember that internal networking at your company is just as important as external networking. The benefit is that the barrier to meeting in real life is much lower.

Give it time:

Lastly, give it time. They say a romantic relationship requires that you get to know the person through every season of the year. The same is true for your Linkedin connections. Establishing real connections from social media requires patience and hard work but can prove extremely beneficial in both professional and personal aspects of life. By presenting yourself authentically online, engaging with potential contacts thoughtfully, networking internally within companies, and moving conversations offline when appropriate - successful relationships can form through online platforms! Happy Connecting…

I hope you've enjoyed this article and will share your thoughts in the comments.

#socialmedia #digitalmarketing #personalbranding ?#networking

Note: This article is a personal perspective and not connected to my current employer.

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