Are you building great connections or connecting with those who will hinder your success?

Relationships matter, especially business relationships. And are, bottom line, the key to your professional success.

That said, each LinkedIn connection you make should bring value not only to you, but to your business. And, of course, to your connections.

                   One of LinkedIn’s most powerful strengths is its ability
         to help people – from diverse places and backgrounds – to connect
                              and create strong professional bonds. Bonds                                 
     between like-minded individuals, thought leaders, and industry peers.

In todays socially connected world this means you can connect with those who, while similar in some ways, may be uniquely different from you in culture, political views, religion and life-style, for instance. 

Here are just a few of my own connections from around the globe: Ali Anani, PhD, Jordan; Henk Rooijakers, Netherlands; Sara Jacobovici, Israel; Isabella Wesoly, UK; Angela Cucuietu, Canada; Debasish Majumder, India.

Energy and Influence:

Each of these individuals possesses their own energy and influence which merge with mine. Their emotions are contagious; each one’s energy influential. Since energetic influences expand in the world, says Sandra Taylor PhD, it’s critically important (especially when it comes to business) to choose connections wisely. Futhermore says Taylor, “The spirit of others not only influences our thoughts, moods and sense of wellbeing, it shapes our choices as well”.

Building good connections helps you and them:

When selecting your connections you are also helping build your own online identity. Your posts, comments and public communications, with them, can not only build your online identity, but help raise your visibility; aid you in making other valuable business connections. And you will energetically do the same for them, too.

10 Tips for developing powerful energetic and influential connections:

1. LinkedIn allows you to send messages to those with whom you share a first-degree connection. However some members allow you to message them anyway. Hand pick new connections by reviewing those of your 1st connects (these would be your 2nd connections).

2. If you know a potential connection's email address you can contact them. It can be found listed under ‘Contact’ on their Profile page - even those of influencers, CEO's, CFO's and Presidents. Write these individuals a simple email, let them know the names of several L.I. members you may both be connected to; and suggest they connect.

3. Not sure about directly connecting with someone? Request an intro to someone through a 1st connection.

4. Establish top-of-mind recognition – Regularly add posts and updates to your Home page, post Pulse articles, make group comments for example. It bears repeating - but wishing connections happy birthday, congratulating them on business milestones reached, sending them an article related to their niche will help keep you top-of-mind. Done on a regular basis this not only helps raise your visibility, it can help increase your reach exponentially since your posts and comments will also be reaching their connections. Note - Remember to tag (within your articles) people you want, or know are likely, to read your articles.

5. Turn on the ‘allow others to view your profile’. Don’t stay hidden and anonymous; allow others to see who you are if you view their profile. To be publically seen – go to the Settings section (click your thumbnail image in the top right corner of your Home page, choose Privacy & Settings; click Select what others see when you’ve viewed their profile.

6. Check out who’s viewed your profile; send them a simple message. This allows them to know you’re open to new connects.  And often encourages them to send an invitation to immediately connect. 

8.  Engage emotionally by being approachable says Diana Booher, an expert in executive communications, author of 45 books.  Be friendly - but not overly so. Approach others confidently. Become a valuable resource, make introductions and connect to others in groups you belong to.  And, very importantly, respond to your LinkedIn Inmails.

9.  Get the LinkedIn SmartPhone app.   This simple app allows you to stay in touch with connections to stay top-of-mind, search for new, post and respond to InMails, and more, at all times. 

10. Use the Boolean search to find new connections. Info at - 

            Networking is all about growing and nurturing your connections,
                                              and building relationships.                                   
                          That said, you can’t simply send a LinkedIn email or         
               invitation saying ‘Let’s connect' to people you’ve never met and
                                                     know nothing about.                                                                            
It takes time and effort to make good connections. That said, stay active and visible, help others and keep your relationships on a respectful, professional level.  Do this and your regular positive actions , and energy, will resonate with others; help build your influence and help others build theirs.  Plus encourage those whose energy and influence match yours to connect.

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