TIN #065 - Mastering Networking on LinkedIn: Overcoming the Spotlight Effect and MORE!
How to Conquer Overthinking in Your Networking Approach
In today's edition of The Introverted Networker, I'm thrilled to share some exciting discoveries I made recently.
As always, I'm on the lookout for fresh ideas, tips, and tricks to help introverts like you become better networkers.
Today, I want to discuss a few valuable insights that can boost your networking game, covering mindset, a tactical approach to making connections, and even a fun LinkedIn hack that might just spark interesting conversations.
This issue take about 4 minutes to read.
But Before We Get Started…
Each week, I post a new podcast with tips you’ll find in the weekly newsletter and bonus stories, wisdom, and motivation. The Introverted Networker podcast is like the weekly newsletter but with additional narration and thoughts from me. Be sure to listen to this week’s podcast and check out the previous episodes of the podcast as well.
The video version of the podcast is available on my YouTube channel.
Dimming the Spotlight Effect
The first topic I'd like to share is something called the "Spotlight Effect."
It's a cognitive bias that many of us grapple with.
In a world where we often overestimate how much others care about us, we become trapped in the belief that the entire universe is scrutinizing our every move.
In reality, people are primarily concerned with their own lives and don't obsess over our actions.
I've been a victim of this bias, and it has held me back from taking chances in networking. I worry what people will think about what I do or say.
The belief stops me from sending that email or LinkedIn message.
It stops my networking in it’s tracks.
But the good news is, we can overcome it by simply being aware of it.
Once you know about it, you can tell yourself, “This person is probably focused on themselves. They aren’t going to judge me for what I say.”
Once you reframe it, it makes it easier to send the email or message or start that conversation with someone new.
To learn more about countering the Spotlight Effect, check out Sahil Bloom's insights in his newsletter, "The Curiosity Chronicle."
The Advice Triangle: A Networking Game-Changer
Next, let's explore the "Advice Triangle," a brilliant concept from Austin Belcak.
It's a superb way to initiate connections with individuals who are ahead of us in their careers or in fields we aspire to be a part of.
The key is to identify two quick actions you can take in your area or field to enhance your skills, like reading a specific book or taking a course.
Once you've made your choice, reach out to someone who could be a mentor or expert in your industry.
Let them know about your plans and ask for their opinion on which of the two options you should choose.
All you’re asking in them is whether you should do option A or B.
That’s it.
It makes it easy for them to respond.
When they respond, go do the work for of reading the book or taking the course or whatever they told you to go do.
Then, come back to them and tell them what you learned or achieved.
This will make it more likely for them to engage with you because you did the work and are committed to the relationship.
It's a fantastic approach to establish meaningful connections.
Discover Your LinkedIn Member Number
Lastly, I'd like to share a fun tidbit I stumbled upon, courtesy of Jennifer McClure.
You can find out your LinkedIn member number, which reveals when you joined LinkedIn and your ranking among the early adopters.
I discovered I was among the first two million users, a fascinating piece of LinkedIn history. That doesn’t sound that impressive, but since the site now has almost a BILLION profiles, I was in the first 5% of users.
I've been on the platform since 2005, but LinkedIn has evolved tremendously since then. When I started, it was an online resume and a place to store your online connections. At the time Facebook was only a year old and Twitter and Instagram didn’t even exist yet.
Most of us had never heard the term “social media” and we still had flip phones with T9 texting.
If you want to find your member number and reminisce about your LinkedIn journey, give it a shot.
It's a lighthearted exploration.
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I hope you find these insights valuable in your networking journey.
Remember, most people are not thinking about you as much as you might think, so don't let the Spotlight Effect hold you back.
Embrace the Advice Triangle for initiating meaningful connections, and have some fun discovering your LinkedIn member number.
As always, I'm here to help you navigate the world of networking and connect with others effectively.
If you have any questions or want to share your own networking tips, don't hesitate to reach out.
Have a fantastic week, filled with intriguing conversations and rewarding connections.