People are what make the world go round, whether you own a business or are looking to land your next job. Growing your network is still key to success even in the age of AI.
Here are five quick tips on how to build a strong LinkedIn Network.
#1 Get in a Habit
Get in the habit of being on LinkedIn. Just spend time on the platform. Maybe it’s 10 minutes a day or 30 minutes 2–3 times a week. Start somewhere and get the lay of LinkedIn land.
#2 Go Beyond a Like
Engage in meaningful ways with your network and your networks’ connections by making thoughtful comments other peoples posts. Go beyond “That’s awesome or thumbs up”. Add to the conversation, you never know you might make a new friend. Below is an example from my friend Karen.
#3 Outreach with Purpose
Don’t Forget Your Manners
Who do you want to work with, or where do you want to land your next job? Send a request to connect with a personalized and friendly message. Avoid generic salesy marketing jargon. It’s a pet peeve of mine now when I receive copy-and-paste messages from AI or when someone is trying to sell me 10,000 leads a month.
It can be as simple as —
Howdy [Name], I ran across your profile while looking for people in the building materials industry. I noticed we both know Rob and Billy. I’d love to connect and learn more about what you’re working on.
Sincerely, [Your Name]
I like to channel what my dad inadvertently taught me about marketing here.
My dad was applying the basic Inbound principles to sell AAA insurance long before they became the buzz around the marketing world. And the more I look back, the more brilliant I think he was in his approach to selling and guiding people through the insurance process.
Position yourself as resource and guide rather than a snake oil salesman.
#4 Speak Your Audience’s Language
Use your visuals and your words to speak to your people. Don’t fill it with industry jargon, though, it instead means speak to what they’re looking for. What problem are they trying to solve?
Are you trying to attract nonprofits? Land your next gig in IT security?
Go through your profile and think about talking to the person you want to attract, and speak directly to them. Don’t forget to inject a bit of your personality into it, like Danielle Hughes.
#5 Remember It’s About Connecting
When I first started my business I was in panic mode and tried to connect with whomever I thought might help me find my next job or client.
Now that I’ve calmed down a bit, I like to think of it like making business friends. This isn’t a popularity contest to see who can get the most connections. It’s about building meaningful relationships over time and those are real people on the other end of the internet.
Need more tips like this? Everything I learned about LinkedIn I picked up from Ilise Benun, Marketing Mentor head on over to her blog.
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