Do you know how to network on LinkedIn? LinkedIn is a popular social media site designed to maintain and develop professional relationships. When used correctly, it can help you develop new connections and uncover new opportunities.
But are you maximising your LinkedIn networking potential? What are the secrets to successful networking on LinkedIn?
Thanks to Forbes, Business.com, and Women’s Agenda, we explore the best ways to network on LinkedIn.
Maintain your network
You should add people you know and trust on LinkedIn. Look through your connections list to see if you are connected to the people you work with. Many people assume they are but aren’t. You can also follow industries, people and companies that interest you. In addition, you should check the ‘People You May Know’ section of your page.
Remember, the quality of your connections is more important than the size of your network. You shouldn’t just follow someone and leave it there. Try to actively maintain the relationship. Like and comment on their posts, share their content if it resonates with you, and maybe send them a private message from time to time.
Rekindle connections
Use LinkedIn to reconnect with people you may have worked with in the past. Many people would not know you can play games on LinkedIn. These can be found in the News module of your LinkedIn homepage and are a good way of reconnecting with previous connections.
Join conversations
Be sure to comment on relevant posts that appear in your feed. This can be as simple as agreeing with another person’s comment. By actively engaging with other accounts, you will encourage others to view your profile or connect with you.
Leverage second-degree connections
Have you identified a company for which you would like to work? Type the company’s name into the search bar, and you will see the profiles of people who work there and any mutual connections they have with you. From here, you could ask your mutual connection if they can introduce you to that person.
Join LinkedIn groups
Join groups that are relevant to your profession or industry. This can help you make connections relevant to your field. To maximise benefit, you need to be an engaged group member. Comment on any discussions you find interesting. Importantly, you shouldn’t just use groups to promote yourself.
Post on LinkedIn
There’s little point in gaining followers on LinkedIn if you don’t post anything. Publishing an article on LinkedIn allows you to share your expertise with your followers and can help position you as an expert in your field. Posts that inspire, teach or entertain tend to get the most user interaction. You should also consider adding images, videos or infographics to your posts to help make them stand out. Posts that contain imagery will be more memorable and are more likely to be shared.
When someone comments on your post, make sure to respond.
Always keep your target audience in mind. Who do you want to connect with, and what interests them?
Invite your connections to connect with you further
LinkedIn should not be used in isolation. It is a tool to build relationships that can be supplemented offline and vice versa.You should encourage people who visit your profile to check out your blog or website or contact you personally. If you are attending an in-person event, consider inviting your contacts on LinkedIn.
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