What I do on LinkedIn

I have been cautiously waiting to publish these thoughts as some may be considered contentious.

So here are my thoughts on what I do on LinkedIn.

I have now reached 10,000 followers / connections* on LinkedIn so feel that I should explain myself. To some I say I am a LinkedIn “tart” and to others I describe it as modern networking, but there is a method and logic to what I am up to. So here are my thoughts on why I have built a network, things I have done and why you should too!

Brand "you"

You are responsible for your career. Only you. No one else.

I was given this lesson early in my career by one of a few leaders I have been privileged to work with.

Sorry if this is bad news but it’s the reality. So, start creating that brand presence you want. What does your profile actually say about you? Tip: go and find someone you admire and copy their profile (not word for word obviously). But look at the layout and how they present achievements. I have done this a dozen times. Paul Bennet, Matt Holgate, Ade Thomas, Matt Nunn

Litmus test; "Who might I do business with in the future"

This is the basis under which I decide to connect with someone. There are a handful of people in my network who are possibly a little outside my comfort zone (looking at you neural logic people!) but most times I can see a path under which I can connect with someone.

Because one day I may need…

An expert in neural logic / VAT accounting and litigation / business development in New Zealand etc etc. my network forms the basis of how I engage with people on LinkedIn.

Now that I have started Paua I have an increasing need to engage with a number of those in my network. And many of them have been incredibly supportive of this journey.

Introductions

I introduce a lot of people. A certain kind of magic can happen. Sometimes I get feedback on this. Sometimes I never hear anything. But when you know you are helping others then you feel a little more comfortable asking for help. My basic introduction formula goes like this.

• I would like to introduce you both
• Joe – Jane is the expert in jelly making.
• Jane – Joe is an expert in jelly moulds.
• I believe there could be value in a conversation.
• I hope this is a useful introduction

Give back

Post something / comment on something / add value back into the community. Add an opinion – even if it is simply “this is interesting”. But better still give me something “this is interesting because as an expert in jelly making you can see [insert insightful fact].

Your view on the world enables you to build “brand you”. Take your time and see how people respond. You are right to be cautious as there remain plenty of idiots out there but in the main people are respectful of an opinion and will treat it as such.

Better still; impart some knowledge on us. Something we may have missed, a new way of looking at the world or teach us something that we didn’t know. Add something back.

Become a net giver.

Start your network

Someone reading this will probably say “its easy for you to say because you have 10,000 connections yada yada yada”. Well I joined LinkedIn in 2009. And I started building my network in 2017. Why did I start? Because someone sat next to me (Matt Holgate) said “you are only as good as your network in the world of M&A” - and how right he was.

One thing I always seek to do is connect with LinkedIn’s “People also viewed” section. This ensures you network across your direct “peers”. Beyond this hastags can introduce new people on topics you are interested in

The old Chinese proverb says that the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago and the second best time is today. So start today.

So my call to action

• Build your brand and presence. Do it now.
• Connect with anyone you can do business with
• Build the network because one day you may need support from someone in your network
• Introduce others
• Give back

*LinkedIn automatically converts connections into follower so in most cases people have a higher proportion of connections than followers. In my case I am about 93% connections.?