Networking on LinkedIn is an important practice and must be done correctly and consistently in order to create real business results.
It all starts with knowing who you want to connect with. Who, in what companies, industries, and regions?
As you connect on LinkedIn you’ll create opportunities to connect with even more people you want to connect with.
I love the old adage, “6 degrees of separation from Kevin Bacon.” This is so old school. Today it’s “3 degrees of separation from anyone who connects with purpose and intention on LinkedIn.”
I ‘preach’ this regularly and am obliged to do so again here:
“There are two people you need to connect with on LinkedIn, those you can help and those who can help you.
Consider the invites from those you can help, as you purposefully send invites to those who can help you in your business or career.”
- As you connect on LinkedIn remember to smile and be friendly. You’re networking with other real people.
- Follow the Dale Carnegie principle; ‘make the conversation all about the other person.”
- I’ve added a spin to this philosophy in my Networking for Mutual Benefit; “Make the conversation all about the other person until you get permission to talk about yourself or your business.”
- As you connect you never know who knows who, and who can introduce you to who. This could be considered mysterious, however, for me, it’s one of the coolest things about networking.
- Keep connecting, and as long as you are doing it correctly, with purpose and intention, focused on your goals, trust the magic of networking will work.
- Don’t just network on LinkedIn, find opportunities to meet in person or have a Skype or Phone conversation. “Digital Face to Face is better than never face to face.”
- People want to do business with people they trust, respect and like. Get into open conversations, this can help you achieve greater trust, respect, and relationships.
- Listen to what your connections say or ask. Don’t listen to respond, but rather, listen to understand first and foremost.
- Remember to Give to your LinkedIn Network. When you give ideas, information and/or new philosophies that are relevant to your target audience, this adds to the trust, respect, and relationship.
- Don’t confuse barfing out brochures and case studies as a form of Giving. Give your target audience what they want, need, & are interested in, even if it’s not about your business.
- Help your LinkedIn Network, including your target audience, to connect with others who can help each other. Do this with no expectations of anything in return.
- Pay attention to your LinkedIn Network as you continue to grow your network. Show empathy and bolster their self-esteem when and where you can. You will always be remembered for caring for your network.
- If you lead with Give and care for your network, they will be acceptable to introduce you to others who you need meet. Ask for introductions when you can.
- Pay attention to who your network is connected to, and to whom they can introduce you to. Again, as you get permission, ask for appropriate introductions.
- Networking is a life style, not something you do once a week or when an urgent need arises.
I discovered years ago that my Network is my most important asset in life. This includes my LinkedIn Network.
Never disrespect your LinkedIn Network, continuously build your LinkedIn Network, develop a diverse LinkedIn Network, help your LinkedIn Network, care for your LinkedIn Network, share your LinkedIn Network and Give to your LinkedIn Network with no expectations.
It’ll return great dividends if you do.
Read more of my articles about Networking on LinkedIn on my blog
If I can help you and/or your team with your LinkedIn Networking practices, let’s talk.
/Teddy
336-283-6121