Tips for Networking on LinkedIn
LinkedIn is one of the world’s largest professional networks, with over 930 million users based in over 200 countries across the globe. It’s also a hub where companies go to find and recruit strong candidates for their open positions. If you’re looking to expand your network, but don’t feel totally comfortable with in-person networking situations, LinkedIn could be a great option.
However, with such a big professional network at your fingertips, it can be hard to know where to start. Fortunately, we have some tips!
Key Takeaways
- Networking on social sites like LinkedIn benefits shares some common ground with in-person networking. In both spaces, it's important to put your best foot forward, highlight your strengths, and be authentic.
- LinkedIn has its own social conventions, as well. You can make useful professional connections with a strong profile and thoughtful engagement.
1. Build a profile you’re proud of
When you wake up in the morning, you probably feel more confident and ready to take on the day when you put on an outfit that makes you feel good. Sometimes, making sure that what you’re presenting to the world matches how you feel on the inside can help boost your mood and confidence.
This same principle can be applied to networking on LinkedIn. When you know your profile is a well-crafted reflection of you and your career aspirations, you feel more ready to dive into the platform and make some new connections.
Giving some attention to your LinkedIn profile can help you develop confidence and comfort with reaching out to people on LinkedIn. It can also ensure that the connections you’re making have a clear understanding of your career interests and goals. When potential connections view your LinkedIn profile, it’s like giving them your resume before you even start a conversation with them. A profile that clearly communicates your interests and skills can ultimately help you have more intentional conversations with connections and recruiters alike.
2. Start by adding people you know, then check “people you may know”
After you build your profile, make a list of people you know from your professional life. They could be friends from your university, colleagues from a current or past position, vendors or clients you’ve worked with, etc. Put together a list of around 10 people you feel comfortable adding to your network. Add those people, and then pop over to “My network” –> “People you may know”. Here, you’ll find other people you might have come across in your schooling or work life. This can help you expand your network and find connections that you may have forgotten about.
3. Join groups
LinkedIn has groups where professionals with similar interests or industry associations can share questions, ideas, and relatable memes. There are LinkedIn groups for:
- Professionals in a specific industry (Financial services, Tech, Education, etc.)
- Professionals working in a specific job function (HR, Marketing, Analytics, etc.)
- Alumni from particular high schools or colleges
- Founders of start-ups or new businesses
- Members of different types of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)
Joining groups can help you meet people who you already have a few things in common with. Starting a networking conversation can feel more natural when you already have a point of connection. It gives you something to talk about straight from the jump!
Joining groups can also help you break into industries or jobs that you want to get into in the future. If you don’t already have connections in these spaces, you can locate a group on LinkedIn to find some. People in these groups could have advice, insights into what it’s actually like to work in that industry, and other members of their network they can connect you to.
On LinkedIn, some connections or interactions might be dead ends, but others might lead you to a wealth of information and opportunity!
4. Send intentional, personalized connection requests
Networking online is a unique experience because you can attempt to make a professional connection with anyone, in any city, from any industry. If there’s a professional in your ideal position at your dream company, you can probably find that person and connect with them on LinkedIn.
Doing some basic research can help you take a more intentional approach to sending connection requests. It can also help you personalize those requests to ensure they’re honest, effective, and compelling enough to get you a thoughtful response.
Researching people you want to add to your network and sending connection requests can be a highly customized process. Different people require different approaches. (TIP: Take a look at their profile- if they list their DiSC style, use that and cater your message to their priorities!) If you’re lost about where to start, you’re not alone! Here’s a solid step-by-step process you can use as you grow your comfort level with networking on LinkedIn:
- Search for people who match what you’re looking for. For example, if you’re looking for people in HR in Boston, you could enter the query “HR Boston” and filter your results down to people.
- Click on the person’s profile and learn more about their experience.
- Think about what action you want this person to take. Do you want them to answer specific questions for you? Do you want to pick their brains about a topic or industry over a virtual coffee? Do you want to get their feedback on a product you’re developing? Decide what you want to get out of the interaction. Write down your “ask.”
- If this person’s profile matches what you’re looking for, send them a connection request with a message that mentions who you are, and what about their experience makes you want to connect with them. Include the “ask” you came up with in step 3. You can always utilize templates while you’re building your confidence but do your best to add some personal touches!
5. Engage with your network
Engaging with your network on LinkedIn regularly will help you continue to build relationships beyond that initial connection request. Continue to comment on their posts and congratulate them on milestones and good news. You could also consider sharing their original content if it inspires you or aligns with your interests. These interactions are immediately accessible on LinkedIn, and they help you build long-lasting, mutually beneficial connections.
Posted 07/16/2024
