How I Leverage the Power of My LinkedIn Network

It’s all about the connections!

On LinkedIn, you have at your fingertips a vast network of business associates with whom you can call on for a variety of professional reasons. You can use your network to share your thoughts, to expand awareness of your business or cause, and yes, even to make money! It's up to you how you use your network but don't overlook the power of it.

Networking has been the main way people connected with other professionals for centuries. It's always been about who you know, more than what you know in the business world. Word-of-mouth advertising and marketing is an essential element in all forms of business whether it's an individual need to make a connection, or a business need to locate more of your target audience. Networking gets the job done faster.

Now more than ever, I believe we’re expanding our networks virtually. I haven’t attended an in-person networking event since February of 2020. I do ALL my networking online. So, it’s critical that I build my connections strategically.

Quantity vs. quality? It’s the age-old question. For me, it’s definitely all about quality. Sure, it’s fun to see big numbers of connections, but if the vast majority of them really don’t have a clue about me and what I do, then there’s no value in the connection.

I use LinkedIn to connect to decision makers and thought leaders, often bypassing gatekeepers entirely. I do have an advantage because I have a Premium account. But, for me, it’s worth the small investment. I use InMail to contact non-connections directly. When reaching out, I provide them with a specific reason as to why they should connect with me. The key is to not be generic…be creative and different! Sometimes I say where we “met”, I compliment them on a post they made, or I mention a recent accomplishment of theirs. In some way, I personalize every single request that I send. It’s likely they receive many requests to connect, so I want to stand out! When sending your requests to connect, be sure your request is top notch to get noticed. You never know what can happen until you try.

Sometimes I Follow someone I’m interested in connecting with to get a feel for what they post. It helps me to tailor my requests to connect to truly make sure they are personalized.

Here's one key thing: DO NOT SPAM THEM! EVER! Connect and pitch very rarely, if ever, accomplishes anything besides annoying the person being pitched to. The key is to provide helpful and interesting information. Always keep in mind that we work with people we know, like, and trust. Do everything you can to build that with your connections.

In this day of virtual meetings and presentations, I frequently reach out with a request to connect immediately after an event. It gives me a good reason for connecting! If they were a presenter or speaker, I mention something they said. If they were just another attendee, I mention something that I heard during the presentation to build rapport.

Even of you don’t have a Premium account, these tips still work. What’s important is to be relevant and authentic. We all know immediately when someone just wants to connect strictly for their own benefit.

When you realize the power that LinkedIn gives you over your vast network of connections, you'll realize that you can and should leverage the power of that network to help you reach your goals.