TIN #077 - Networking on LinkedIn: From Basics to Advanced Techniques
LinkedIn Networking Strategies for Introverted Professionals
Hello, fellow introverts!
It's Greg here, your guide in the networking world.
Today, we're talking about LinkedIn, my go-to platform for networking.
Most of you probably already use it, but are you getting the most out of it for your networking?
Let's unlock its full potential with three strategies you may not be using.
This issue takes 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.
Complete Your LinkedIn Profile: The Foundation of Networking
Step Zero: Ensure your LinkedIn profile is fully completed.
This includes your headline, location, profile picture, and a catchy banner (tip: use Canva for easy designs).
Make sure your About section shows who you are.
Most importantly, at least for what we’re going to talk about, fill out your experience section thoroughly, listing all your past roles and companies.
A complete profile is your first impression online; make it count!
If you need help with your LinkedIn profile, there are tons of FREE resources available.
Reconnect with Past Colleagues: Strengthening Old Bonds
Strategy One: Rekindle relationships with former colleagues.
Start by searching for people you've worked with at previous companies.
Go to your LinkedIn home page:
Click My Network
Click Connections
Click Search With Filters
Click All Filters
You’ll see a search box called “Filter only People by”
Select 2nd Degree Connections.
Under Past Company, click Add a company.
Type in the name of one of the companies you’ve worked for in the past.
Click Show Results.
Watch this video for more details:
Focus on converting second-degree connections to first-degree connections. These would be people you worked with in the past, but have not yet connected with on LinkedIn.
Remember to personalize your connection requests with a short note reminding the other person you worked together at a past company.
You’ll be surprised how many people you see in the list that you have forgotten about over the years.
These Reconnections can help restart old work relationships and can help grow your network.
Engage with First-Degree Connections: Keeping the Flame Alive
Strategy Two: Now, let's engage with our first-degree connections.
Using almost the same search strategy, as above, select 1st degree connections in the search.
This will give you a list of people from past companies who you're already connected with but haven't interacted with recently.
Look through the list and find someone you haven’t connected with in awhile.
Reach out with a friendly message, updating them on your life and inquiring about theirs.
This is a great way to revive old connections and potentially set up face-to-face meetings.
Discover New Connections: Exploring Collaborative Articles
Strategy Three: LinkedIn's collaborative articles feature is a goldmine for finding like-minded professionals.
These articles pose questions to users and invites them to provide answers. When you answer a question, your profile is shown next to your answer.
Participate in these articles by answering questions related to your expertise.
This not only showcases your knowledge but also introduces you to others in your field.
Engage with their content, leave thoughtful comments, and consider following or connecting with them to expand your network.
This is a great way to:
Find experts in your industry or area of expertise. You can connect with them and share ideas or opportunities
Show your expertise so other people can find you.
To learn more about how to access these articles, check out the video below.
Conclusion: Always Be Connecting
There you have it—three powerful ways to use LinkedIn for effective networking.
Remember, networking is about building genuine connections.
Be consistent, be authentic, and always be on the lookout for opportunities to connect.
Until next time,
Greg, The Introverted Networker
Before You Go…
Check out my appearance with Alan Stein on The SYCK Career Podcast, presented by Kadima Careers. Of course we talked about networking, but Alan got into a little known episode in my life and really wanted to know more.
Shelley Piedmont, one on my LinkedIn friends, shared a great post on ways to create your Target Company List. Check it out and be sure to follow Shelley.