TIN #127 - Why You Don't Need 500+ LinkedIn Connections To Be A Great Networker
How to Build Genuine Connections Without LinkedIn
When it comes to networking, LinkedIn often gets the spotlight.
But what if I told you it’s not the only way to build a meaningful professional network?
In this week’s newsletter, I want to share insights on how to approach networking on LinkedIn—and beyond.
This issue takes about 5 minutes to read…
Before We Get Started:
My online course, “5 Steps To Grow Your Professional Network,” is FREE for all my newsletter subscribers. Learn the process I use everyday to grow my professional network.
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 on Spotify and Apple Podcasts for more networking tips and insights.
The video version of the podcast is available on my YouTube channel.
LinkedIn: It’s Not About the Numbers
Let’s clear up a common myth: you don’t need 500+ connections to be a great networker on LinkedIn.
And, people who have more than 500 connections aren’t necessarily good networkers.
While having more connections can open doors, the real measure of success is your activity.
The Activity section is right under the Featured section of your profile.
This is the section I look at when I am checking someone’s profile to see if they are active on LinkedIn or not.
Are you engaging with posts, sharing your thoughts, and building relationships?
That’s where the magic happens.
If I look at a profile and there’s no activity, I know the person isn’t using the platform. I don’t bother following or connecting.
But, if they have been liking and commenting, I don’t care how may connections they have. I’m going to engage with them.
If you’re new to LinkedIn or haven’t used it much, don’t stress about the numbers. Instead, focus on:
Connecting with purpose: Quality over quantity. Aim to connect with people you genuinely want to learn from or collaborate with.
Engaging regularly: Like, comment, and share posts to stay visible and contribute to conversations.
Staying consistent: Make LinkedIn a habit. A little activity each day goes a long way.
Pro Tip: Check your activity section on LinkedIn.
If it’s empty, start commenting on posts or sharing your perspective.
That’s a better indicator of your engagement than your connection count.
Networking Without LinkedIn? Absolutely.
Some people don’t like putting their info on social media.
LinkedIn is a great tool, but it’s not the only option.
Here’s how you can build your network without relying on it:
Local Connections: Attend events, join community organizations, or meet for coffee with peers in your city. These face-to-face interactions can be even more impactful than online connections.
Email Outreach: Reconnect with former colleagues or reach out to people in your field. A short, thoughtful email can reignite a professional relationship.
Other Social Platforms: Platforms like Twitter, Instagram, or even Facebook can help you stay connected with industry peers. Use what works best for you.
In-Person Conversations: Old-school phone calls or coffee chats are still one of the best ways to deepen relationships.
Remember, networking is about creating meaningful connections, not collecting followers.
Managers: Encourage Networking
If you’re a manager, here’s a thought: instead of worrying about employees networking on LinkedIn, encourage it.
Why?
Knowledge Sharing: Employees can learn new ideas and bring them back to your team.
Talent Attraction: Networking employees can find great candidates to fill roles on your team.
Boomerang Hires: Employees who leave to gain new experiences may return with fresh skills, strengthening your team in the long run. But you have to stay in touch with them after they leave. That’s where LinkedIn can be valuable for your team - keeping these connections strong.
Networking benefits the individual and the organization.
When employees feel supported in their professional growth, they’re more likely to stick around.
Networking: Online and Offline
Whether you’re active on LinkedIn or prefer in-person conversations, remember this: the goal of networking is to build trust and relationships.
It’s not just about activity on a platform but about turning interactions into genuine connections.
Take a step this week to reach out to someone, whether online or offline.
And if you’re a manager, think about how you can support your team’s networking efforts.
Need help with networking?
Whether it’s building your own network or teaching your team to connect more effectively, I’m here to help.
Let’s connect and start the conversation.
Before You Go…
Every week, I find great stuff about networking and share it here with you. This week, I found a post by Teegan Bartos about how to ask better networking questions. I always love asking better questions and this post hit that right on the head. Check it out!