LinkedIn is a professional networking platform that acts as your online resume and a space to connect with people in your industry.
It helps you present yourself through your skills, achievements, and experiences while opening opportunities and collaborations.
However, having a profile and adding contacts is not enough. But that’s just the beginning. The real strength of LinkedIn comes from how you’ll use those connections.
So let’s see how we can do that.
Stay Clear About Your Goals: The saying goes, “A life without an aim is like a ship without a rudder.” That is not only applicable to choosing your career but also to setting goals. One cannot do anything unless he or she knows the ‘why‘ behind an act. Decide what one wants to achieve and then plan accordingly.
Personalize Your Requests to Connect: While it’s super simple and easy to just tap on that button of Connect, taking a little minute and writing something personal can greatly change things. You can also create a template that will keep it personal yet simple. Examples include: “Hello [Name], I happened to go through some of your work in the field of [Field] and found it so inspiring. I would like to connect and know more about your journey in this industry.” Personalized requests are genuine and likely to build better relationships.
Comment Regularly, But Naturally: Now that you’re connected, don’t stop there! Start engaging with their content through comments, likes, or even sharing if it resonates. Of course, just make sure value is brought to them. Instead of saying “Great post!,” try something like this, “Your insight into [Topic] made me understand [What You Learned]. Thanks for sharing!” Thoughtful engagement demonstrates you value their thoughts and opinions and aren’t just looking to add them as a number.
Be Open to Informational Interviews: An informational interview is a casual discussion where one can learn from a person whose career or experience they admire. Such conversations can help you extend your knowledge, build meaningful connections, and even discover future opportunities. Start by identifying someone in your network, or extended network, whose experience aligns with your interests, and reach out with a polite, personalized message to request a brief chat.
Share and Publish Your Insights: Publishing your journey, insights, or even lessons learned will add value to your network and make you more visible. Start small – share a takeaway from the most recent project you’re working on or the challenge you’ve overcome.
In time, they will begin to look upon you as that credible and approachable voice in your field. The more you share about your own experiences, the more people can relate to you, and it starts conversations that can lead to new business deals.
Reach Out and Offer to Help First: Networking is similar to a give-and-take relationship. Others may be feeling the same pain as you are, and sharing your journey has helped them reduce their imposter syndrome and keep going. By offering help and sharing your experiences, you’re not only fostering a supportive community but also demonstrating your expertise. This generosity not only strengthens your connections but also encourages others to recognize and support your work.
Know When to Make the Leap to DMs: If you have had a great rapport with someone via comments or mutual engagement, take it on a personal level in DMs. Be respectful and don’t rush; gauge their openness to move the conversation further.
Everything on LinkedIn is about real, value-driven connections. Where the number might bounce around as a good-looking statistic, it’s the quality of the relationships that makes the greatest impact. This means that through effective networking, being thoughtful in your approach, and offering help where needed, you will not only build relationships but also unlock potential opportunities.
So, the next time you connect with someone, add a personal note and be thoughtful. Small steps like these will make you stand out and start turning your LinkedIn network into an opportunity-rich environment.
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Writer,
Mridula Mozid
Intern,Content Writing Department,
YSSE.