This past week, I received a number of LinkedIn requests to connect. Same ol, same ol’, right? Wrong. I got two different requests that were not only personalized, referencing events we had both attended recently, but also requested follow-up in-person meetings.
Now that, my friends, is how you use LinkedIn to build relationships, network and ultimately get jobs or build business.
While personalizing your invites may seem basic, I’m continually surprised how many people don’t take this simple step (that also takes about five seconds). Below are seven more tips to use LinkedIn as a real networking tool:
Update your status line regularly. Might seem basic, but so many people overlook this one (of course, you can always connect Twitter with LinkedIn now to get to this issue). If you author a blog, why not repurpose posts in that space? If you’re organizing an event, why not mention it to your network? Whatever the case, don’t ignore the status line.
Ask current contacts to broker introductions. Another basic, but a strong tactic to keep in mind. Want to work at Target but don’t have an inside connection? Look for one of your current contacts that does and ask them to connect you. It’s really as simple as that. Great way to get connected to new people–and you’ll be surprised how many people are open to brokering those introductions (nearly all of them).
Focus on thought leadership by importing your blog feed. Want to really separate yourself from the competition? Well, first start a blog. Now. Then, link your blog directly to LinkedIn so the feed shows up in your profile. It’s quick and painless. Again, this one might seem basic, but in today’s PR landscape, as we see more and more requirements for digital and social expertise, this will really give your profile an added boost when employers start looking.
Extend your network by engaging your blog commenters. Meet new people and build your professional community by inviting folks who comment on your blog to join you on LinkedIn. These people took the time to comment on your blog, after all. Chances are, they’re either a subscriber or a regular ad-hoc reader. Send a follow-up email to the commenter, thank them for their thoughts and invite them to connect with you on LinkedIn.
Be a joiner. Even if you’re not a “joiner” in real life, it pays to join groups on LinkedIn. Target a number of groups that interest you. My faves are the Journchat group, MarketingProfs and PR Indies (local MSP group).
Be an active participant. Joining a group is just the first step. Being active is the key. Start discussions. Leave a comment, when appropriate. Participate in Q&As. Attend an in-person networking event via the group. Whatever the case, use the LinkedIn groups as a way to connect and solidify relationships with those you’ve met online.
Let “worlds collide.” Couldn’t resist using the famous Seinfeld quote. Mine your Twitter followers for potential LinkedIn opportunities. I try to take 10 minutes a week to identify new people I’ve connected with that week via Twitter and invite them to join me on LinkedIn. And remember, when sending the invite, make sure to personalize it. You’d be surprised at the reaction you’ll get.
What would you add?
Great tips Arik. I’ll be the first to admit I often ignore LinkedIn as Twitter, Facebook and other social tools grab most of my attention. I hope to change this going into 2010.
Agree completely with how personalizing an invite adds a great touch. I try to add a sentence on how we know each other or something they did recently (blog post, tweet,etc) that made them stand out and make me want to connect and learn from them.
@ryanmathre
Hi Arik,
Very useful observations.
My suggestions are:
Ask open-ended questions in your status line helps connections with diverse interests to respond.
Make it a point to refresh your profile + pic every 6 months.
Cheers
Anita
I’m terribly behind in updating my LinkedIn connections and am using the slow year-end period to try to catch up – so this post is well-timed for me!
But even for those of us who’ve neglected the network portion of LI, having a fully fleshed-out profile at all times is very important. Many prospective clients will check you out on LinkedIn before they work with you, and Google ranks LI profiles well – so it can be a great stepping stone for those who don’t have a blog or a Web site yet. It’s an important tool for any professional, so thanks for the tips.
Great post Arik. I must say that LI is one of those networks that I should be more active on. I started the other day and then got up to grab a drink and got distracted with a book so the updates are not as good as they should be. With that being said, expect an invite. I will add it to my new years list of things to do.
Ryan: The personalizing invites strategy has been a big one for me, personally. I actually use it as a way to open up a conversation with the other person How’s business going? Would you be interested in a guest post? How can I help you? Seems to work most of the time.
Anita: That’s an interesting point about the profile photo. Are you basing that suggestion on research of any sort or just an opinion? Just curious. It’s something I didn’t think about, so thanks for adding.
Kellye: There are many people that list their LI profile in their Twitter profiles, so yeah, making sure your profile is complete is a huge deal. And you’re spot on about the SEO impact. My LI profile consistently turns up on page 1 of a Google search for my name.
Jeff: Thanks for stopping by. Got the invite. Think I may have even accepted it 😉
@arikhanson
Hi Arik,
My comment on refreshing your profile arises from personal experience, no research 🙂
2 reasons:
First, by updating work ex connections get updated about the variety of things you’re working on. Has triggered new projects for me in the past.
Second, your pic is a virtual visiting card. You do want it looking great and more importantly, current. People who upload 10 yr old pics or none at all, are doing a great disservice to their own image.
Cheers,
Anita
[…] 7 Ways to Use LinkedIn as a Real Networking Tool by Arik Hanson [66]. Â People often forget that LinkedIn is a social networking platform. Â This nice little post gives advice on how to utilize LinkedIn in this respect. Â Once again, the article is well aligned with the tenets of Windmill Networking. […]