LinkedIn Interaction Tips

LinkedIn has brought me career opportunities and friendships I never could have predicted. Yes, I have a large following now. But I started at zero (just like everyone else). Here are 8 LinkedIn tips to help you land your dream job and build a strong network: 1. Post thematically (not randomly) LinkedIn rewards activity. Instead of posting whenever inspiration hits, choose themes your network expects from you: • Industry insights • Insider lessons from books or conferences • Personal projects • Inspiration • Advice or asks 2. Talk about your industry, not yourself Industry insight = authority. The frequently shared LinkedIn content (in no particular order): • How-to posts • Lists • Deep, neutral analysis Teach first. Reputation follows. 3. Be a strategic “liker” Likes are memory cues. When you intentionally like someone’s post, you: • Stay top of mind • Create an instant conversation starter later • Build relationship momentum without DM’ing 4. Your profile is not a résumé It’s a living signal of who you are and what you care about. LinkedIn favors complete profiles, yet nearly half of users leave sections blank. Those extra sections (courses, volunteering, boards) make you more searchable and more human. Incomplete profile = invisible profile. 5. Kill buzzwords (they blur you) Words like strategic, passionate, expert are everywhere. Replace them with language you’d actually say out loud: • “Strategic” → decisive, judicious • “Experienced” → seasoned, practiced • “Leader” → guided, directed Your vocabulary is part of your brand. 6. Be an “adder,” not a commenter Comments aren’t for agreeing, but for adding value. Great comments: • Expand an idea • Share a relevant example • Offer gratitude or context If you want to impress someone, help their post become smarter. 7. Send smart connection requests Never send a blank request. Always answer: • How do I know them? • Why this person? • What’s in it for them? 8. Optimize for your audience Your profile shouldn’t appeal to everyone. Ask: Who do I need to succeed? • Freelancers → clients • Climbers → leaders • Switchers → future industry peers • Speak directly to them. 9. Network after you connect Connections decay without touchpoints. Once a month is enough: • Congratulate promotions • Share relevant info • Make an intro • Invite for coffee when traveling Consistency beats intensity. 10. Use “People Also Viewed” This section tells you: • Who LinkedIn thinks you are • Who you’re being compared to • Who you might be missing If you don’t like the comparison, adjust your language and connections. You don’t need to do all 10. Start with 1-2 and let the momentum compound. What’s one LinkedIn change you’ll make this week?

💡 Stop Pitching. Start Connecting. ⁉️Ever received a connection request and within 2 minutes got a sales pitch in your inbox? Yeah… same. 😐 ✅ Let me say this clearly — LinkedIn is not your cold-calling CRM. It’s a professional ecosystem where relationships come before revenue. Here’s the truth: ✨ People don’t buy from strangers who barge into their inbox. They work with people who engage, resonate, and show up consistently in their professional space. ✅ Instead of Pitching, Try This: ✅ Follow first. ✅ Don’t send that connection request just yet. Follow their content, observe what they talk about. ✅ Engage meaningfully. Read their posts. Leave a comment that adds value — not “Great post!” but something that starts a conversation. ✅ Show up consistently. ✅ Make your name familiar — not as a nuisance, but as someone who gets it. Contribute. Don’t sell. ✅ Share insights, answer a question, link to a helpful resource (that’s not yours). Let them come to you. ✅ People notice value. When the time is right, they’ll say: “Hey, I’d love to learn more about what you do.” 💬 Real Talk: ✅ I've had founders, execs, even VCs reach out to me because I spent time engaging with their work genuinely—no pitch, no pressure. Just respect and real curiosity. ✅ One comment turned into a zoom invite. ✅ One like turned into a strategic partnership. ✅ One DM (months later) turned into a full-time gig. ✅ So next time you're tempted to pitch in that cold message — pause. Breathe. Play the long game. 📣 Final Thought: ✅ Build relationships before you build your pipeline. ✅ Be human before being a brand. ✅ Be generous before being transactional. 👍 Thank me later. #LinkedInTips #Networking #NoColdPitching #RelationshipMarketing #SocialSelling #ValueFirst #CareerGrowth #StartupTips #ProfessionalBrand #LeadWithValue

Want to pitch someone on LinkedIn? Read this before you hit “send.” Every week, I get messages that go something like this: “Hi, I’m [Name]. I’ve built this incredible thing. It’s doing amazing work. Here’s why it matters. Can you help me/share it/connect me?” It’s not that I don’t care. I do. But these messages usually miss the mark and here’s why: They center the sender. Not the receiver. Here’s the truth: When you approach someone for the first time, you (and your project, product, or platform) are not the hero of the story. THEY are. If you want someone to care, start by showing that you care about what they do, what they stand for, what they’re building. Read their posts. Watch their interviews. Figure out what they’re trying to solve. Then ask yourself: how does what I’m doing help them win? Make your message less “I need,” and more “Here’s what I see in your work and how I can add value.” Additional tips: 💬 Keep it short. Long-winded intros are overwhelming. You’re not writing your bio, you’re opening a door! Three concise paragraphs is plenty (even less if you can). 🎯 Be specific. Instead of saying, “Let’s collaborate,” say: “I’d love to explore how we could align my youth platform with your mission to build stronger leadership pipelines.” People respond better when they know exactly what you’re asking. What’s your call to action? 🧠 Show you’ve done your homework. A thoughtful compliment goes a long way. “Your post on LinkedIn really made me think.” “I noticed you’ve been working on Y and I’m building something that could support that.” It shows you care enough to listen first. 🤝 Give before you ask. Share a helpful resource. Offer a useful intro. Tell them about an opportunity they might benefit from. Relationships are built on generosity. 📆 Respect their time. Instead of jumping into a call request, consider asking: “Would it be okay if I shared a 1-pager for you to skim in your own time?” People are more open when they don’t feel pressured. Please don’t immediately ask for a call. 💡 Think of it as planting, not picking. Your goal isn’t to “get” something, it’s to begin something. Not all outreach will lead to a project right away, but if done well, it can spark long-term relationships, ideas, and even unexpected opportunities. ✨ Bonus hack: I often ask my clients to count how many times they say “I” vs. “you” when they write to, present to or speak to their stakeholders. If the “I”s win, revise. It’s not listener-centric enough. Connection starts with empathy, not ego. Lead with curiosity. Offer service. That’s how collaborations are born. If these tips are helpful, check out Storytelling and Leadership for more. #Storytelling #AuthenticConnections #LinkedInTips #Leadership #PurposefulWork

I love getting LinkedIn messages. Seriously, I do. Whether it’s people asking for advice or wanting to chat, it’s always an honour to know someone thinks I might be able to help them. But I have to admit... at times, the volume can be overwhelming. I time-box an hour every day for communication, working through as much as I can. Sadly, I’ll never get through it all – managing my LinkedIn inbox could easily be a full-time job. Managing it this way allows me to chat with lots of interesting people on a daily basis, give back where I can, but also balance my responsibilities at Clear. So, why do I dedicate time to this? Because I’ve been (and often still am) on the other side; sending cold outreach to potential investors, customers, or brand partners. I know how daunting it is, and I’ve been lucky to benefit from the kindness of strangers who offered me their time and advice. For those reaching out cold, here are some tips to maximise your chances of success while also standing out in a sea of messages: 💡 Do your homework – don’t get the basics wrong. It might sound obvious, but this is critical. In just the last week, I’ve had messages starting with “It’s great you’re also a [university I didn’t attend] alum,” addressing me as someone else entirely, or saying “given your non-tech background”. All of this information is visible on my LinkedIn profile – my name, education, and professional experience. Taking 30 seconds to double-check these details makes a world of difference. 💡 Be clear about your ask. When you message someone, state what you’re hoping to achieve – whether it’s advice on a specific topic, insights about their industry, or an introduction. A concise and respectful message shows you value their time. 💡 Personalise your outreach. Instead of generic copy-pasting, reference something specific about the person – a shared interest, a recent post, or their career journey. It shows genuine interest and effort. 💡 Offer value where possible. If you can, offer something in return – whether it’s sharing a resource, insight, or even just a thoughtful perspective on their work. Relationships are a two-way street. 💡 Be patient and understanding. Many people have limited time to respond, so don’t be disheartened if you don’t hear back immediately (or at all). Persistence pays off, but so does empathy for the person’s bandwidth. Building meaningful connections takes effort, and thoughtful outreach can open incredible doors. If you’re sending that next message, remember: thoughtfulness, clarity, and respect go a long way. What’s the best cold LinkedIn message you've ever received? I’d love to hear them! 😄 #Networking #LinkedInTips #ColdOutreach #CareerGrowth

Everyone tells you to “build relationships” on LinkedIn to be successful. But in practice, what does that actually look like? {your LinkedIn content goes nowhere w/out meaningful connections engaging w/ it btw} So here’s my best tips as someone who’s made close to a million dollars leveraging my own personal network on & off LinkedIn ⬇ 1. Physically show up for your business Live events, retreats, conferences — showing up in person works wonders. Even if you’re in a more remote location or your schedule doesn’t allow, virtual events work too. Plan ahead even if it’s just quarterly to keep expanding & nurturing existing relationships at events. 2. Bring community activity from other platforms onto LinkedIn If you’re an entrepreneur, you’re likely active in some online space (Slack, Circle, WhatsApp, etc.). These community platforms can only go so far though. Move those connections onto LinkedIn to nurture & deepen them — engage thoughtfully on member's content, tag them in relevant posts or opportunities you see pop up, or even DM them to check in. 3. Collaborate in content (LinkedIn posts, blogs, podcast episodes) or plan a joint program / offering Want to provide value while tapping into your network's expertise? Create joint content w/ experts in your network who can answer questions you may not be most qualified to answer. It’s a great way to deepen a relationship w/ someone you admire in your network & give value to your audience. 4. Send something in the mail Old fashioned approach but absolutely not out of style. I met Ben Cooper, MBA and Brittany Joy Cooper of Amplify at a conference in September (s/o Catherine Brown & Katie Lantukh for bringing us together). We realized we have overlap in who we both help. Recognizing an opportunity to spread the word about each other’s work, Ben & Brittany mailed me the most thoughtful referral partner package (pictured). Effort like this goes such a long way in deepening professional relationships & I’m looking forward to getting to rep their swag! 5. Keep track, set reminders, stay in touch I use Notion to keep track of my industry / professional relationships. I try weekly to do a giant sweep on everyone’s content & to write down milestones on my calendar (anniversaries, birthdays, launches, interviews) to check in & show I care. Being thoughtful & putting the effort goes a long way. TLDR: - Take yourself to live events or tune in virtually to consistently be expanding your circle & nurturing existing connections - Leverage the communities you’re in on other platforms & use LinkedIn to strengthen those relationships - Reflect, who you could expose your audience to by collaborating? - Send personalized snail mail - Create a tracking system to stay touch Any combination of these w/ some consistency will support yours & others business & audience growth on LinkedIn. What did I leave out? What actions have you found impactful for strengthening your relationships on or offline?  

Let’s talk about something we all know we should be doing but sometimes don’t get around to: networking. Yes, I mean the kind where you actually build meaningful connections—not just click “Connect” and hope for the best! As an recruiter, I spend a lot of my time on LinkedIn looking at profiles, engaging with professionals in clinical development, and (shameless plug) recruiting talented folks. Over time, I’ve noticed that people who really maximize LinkedIn for networking tend to follow a few key strategies. So, in the spirit of us all getting better (and maybe landing your next big opportunity), here are some tips for building genuine connections here on LinkedIn: 1. Start small: Quality over quantity. Look, we’ve all felt the temptation to rack up connections like we’re collecting Pokémon cards (gotta “catch” them all, right?). But it’s not about numbers! Seek out people in your niche—colleagues, industry leaders, or even recruiters (hi!) who align with your career goals in clinical development. A thoughtful connection request with a personalized note goes a long way. Bonus points if you reference a shared interest or article they’ve written. 2. Be the person you’d want to connect with. Are you active on LinkedIn, or just lurking? (It’s okay, no judgment—we’ve all been there.) Start engaging! Like posts, comment thoughtfully, and share content you’re passionate about. Think of LinkedIn as a conversation, not a monologue. And no, “Nice post!” doesn’t count as a conversation. Dive in a little deeper—you’ll stand out for all the right reasons. 3. Flex your expertise—without flexing TOO hard. LinkedIn isn’t just for following others; it’s also your stage to share your insights in clinical development. Post about interesting industry trends, share a challenge you solved, or reflect on what excites you about your work. (Pro tip: People love personal stories. Don’t be afraid to get a little reflective or talk about what got you into the field in the first place.) And don’t worry—humility isn’t out of style. You don’t need to be a clinical Nobel Laureate to add value here! Networking on LinkedIn doesn’t have to feel intimidating, especially in a specialized field like clinical development. Think of it like nurturing a garden—you plant seeds (connections), you water them with interactions, and over time, you grow something meaningful. (Yes, I just compared LinkedIn to gardening. Stay with me.) So, now that you’ve read this, take five minutes to: 👉 Update your profile. 👉 Comment on someone’s post. 👉 Send a thoughtful connection request. You never know what opportunities might grow from those small steps. 😄 Got any other networking tips? Drop them in the comments—I’d love to hear them!

Day 5 of teaching A to Z of LinkedIn .Today E = ENGAGEMENT :The Currency of LinkedIn Growth . Content creation gets you visibility. Engagement builds relationships. Let me break it down: LinkedIn promotes content that’s engaged with. If you engage with others consistently, your name and face show up more, and the algorithm understands: 📌 You’re an active user = more reach for your content too. Even if you aren't posting everyday ,don't forget to engage!! 📌 Relationship > Reach You can have 50k followers and still feel invisible. But if 50 people consistently engage with you, you’ll always feel seen. Engagement is how you go from “random profile” to “that person I always see on my feed.” 📌 Comments are Content If your comment on someone else’s post adds value, it can get hundreds of likes on its own.I’ve landed invitations, podcast calls, and clients through comments and it's all just by sharing one thoughtful line under the right post. 🍪 What Smart Engagement Looks Like: 📌 3–2–1 Rule for Daily Engagement: 3 meaningful comments on others’ posts 2 replies to DMs or comment threads 1 reshare or tag someone 🍪 Use the “Search” bar smartly: 📌 Search your niche or keyword 📌 Sort by “posts” 📌 Engage with recent content to be noticed by the people you want to be noticed by 🍪 Engage up, down, and sideways 📌 Up = people with bigger audiences 📌 Down = people starting out (they appreciate support) 📌 Sideways = people at your level (build your tribe!) 🍪 Common Mistakes to Avoid: ❌ Leaving one-word comments like “Agreed!” (Add a point. Start a discussion.) ❌ Engaging only with verified accounts (Real gems are hidden in small creators too.) ❌ Ghosting your own comments section (If someone replies, reply back) 🍪 Pro Tip: Turn engagement into connections. 📌 Don’t just “like and leave.” 📌 After 2–3 solid interactions, send a DM: (read my last post where I teach about D for Direct Messages) 🍪 Final Word: If you want to grow on LinkedIn PLEASE stop thinking like a broadcaster. Start behaving like a connector. Be the person who: ✅ Starts conversations ✅ Joins conversations ✅ Makes others feel heard Any suggestions for Letter F for Tomorrow? #linkedin #linkedingrowth #riyagadhwal

I tested 𝟭𝟬𝟬+ 𝗻𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗴𝗲𝘀 (During my last job search and as a career coach). These 𝟱 get the highest response rates, especially from hiring managers👇 1. The Profile Viewer Message Check who viewed your LinkedIn profile. They’re already aware of you, don’t let that warm lead go cold. Try this: "Hey [Name], I noticed you stopped by my profile, appreciate you taking a look! Curious, was there something specific that caught your eye, or are you open to conversations around [industry/topic you're exploring]?" 👉 Tip: Warm > Cold. Always start with people who’ve already shown interest. 2. Acknowledge + Ask Find something unique about their background or a recent post, and ask a question. "Hi [Name], I saw your talk on [topic], your insight on [specific point] stuck with me. How did you land your current role at [Company]?" People love talking about themselves, especially when you show genuine interest. 3. Value First Offer a useful insight, article, or trend that aligns with their work. No ask, just value. "Hey [Name], I saw your post about [topic]. Just came across this article, it touches on a similar trend. Thought you might find it interesting." Position yourself as thoughtful, not transactional. 4. Mutual Connection Approach Bridge a real mutual connection or shared experience. "Hi [Name], I noticed we both worked with [Person] / went to [School] / worked in [Company or Industry]. I'd love to learn more about your path, especially how you made the transition to [Role/Company]." Relatability opens doors faster than credentials. 5. Compliment + Curiosity Start with a specific compliment, then open the door. "Hi [Name], really enjoyed your article on [topic], especially your point about [detail]. Are you open to connecting with people exploring similar roles in [industry]?" It’s respectful, direct, and makes it easy for them to respond. Reminder: You don’t need to spam 100 strangers. Start with 10 meaningful messages a week. Track responses. Iterate on what works. Focus on warm leads, shared interests, and genuine curiosity. What template would you like to see next? If you're ready to level up, let’s position you for the roles you actually want. ➕Follow Jaret André for more daily data job search tips.

I’m obsessed with LinkedIn connections. But when I started, I wasted time and opportunities not knowing how to use them right. Learn from my mistakes. 11 clear signals you’re making LinkedIn connections work for you: 1. You Engage Authentically You interact with genuine interest, not just to pitch. As Gary Vaynerchuk says: “It’s not about what you get. It’s about what you give.” Real engagement builds real relationships. 2. You Share Valuable Content You post insights that help others, not just self-promotion. You know that sharing knowledge is the best way to grow your influence. And you understand that value attracts value. 3. You Personalize Connection Requests You don't send generic invites. You take the time to write a personal note. You know that a personal touch makes a lasting impression. 4. You Follow Up Thoughtfully You follow up with meaningful messages, not just spam. You stay in touch without being pushy. You understand that relationships take time to build. 5. You Offer Help First You look for ways to assist others before asking for anything. You know that generosity opens doors. You believe in the power of giving without expecting anything in return. 6. You Stay Consistent You engage regularly, not just when you need something. You know that consistency builds trust. You understand that showing up is half the battle. 7. You Join Relevant Conversations You contribute to discussions in your industry. You share your expertise and learn from others. You know that participation is key to visibility. 8. You Avoid Hard Selling You focus on building relationships, not just closing deals. You understand that trust leads to business. You know that people buy from those they know, like, and trust. 9. You Show Appreciation You thank people for their time and help. You acknowledge others' achievements. You know that gratitude strengthens connections. 10. You Keep Your Profile Updated You maintain a professional and current profile. You know that your profile is your online resume. You understand that first impressions matter. 11. You Respect Boundaries You know when to step back and give space. You understand that not everyone will be interested. You believe in quality over quantity when it comes to connections. ↳ Hop on My Calendar to learn more (link is in the Comments Section below) #business #innovation #creatvitiy #strategy #linkedinprofileoptimization

You're doing LinkedIn all wrong. I see professionals making basic etiquette mistakes every day, from CEOs to fresh graduates. These errors aren't just embarrassing - they're costing you valuable connections and opportunities. Let me share the essential dos and don'ts for LinkedIn success, based on my experience helping over 50+ professionals build their presence: ⿡ Profile Picture ✅ DO: Use a clear, professional headshot ❌ DON'T: Use vacation photos, group pictures, or worse - no picture at all ⿢ Connection Requests ✅ DO: Add a personalized note explaining why you want to connect ❌ DON'T: Send blank invites to strangers hoping they'll accept ⿣ Content Sharing ✅ DO: Share valuable insights from your experience ❌ DON'T: Treat LinkedIn like Facebook with personal updates ⿤ Engagement ✅ DO: Comment thoughtfully on posts that interest you ❌ DON'T: Leave generic responses like "Great post." or "Nice." ⿥ Network Building ✅ DO: Focus on quality connections in your industry ❌ DON'T: Try to reach 30,000 connections without purpose The most common mistakes I see daily: • Sending promotional messages right after connecting • Writing "Following" or "Interested" on job posts • Sharing motivational quotes without context • Using inappropriate hashtags • Posting political content According to LinkedIn's own data, profiles with proper etiquette get 40% more opportunities and 3x more response rates. Yet, I still see professionals struggling with these basics. They wonder why their network isn't growing or why they're not getting the opportunities they want. The truth is: LinkedIn isn't just another social media platform - it's your professional identity online. So I ask you: Are you ready to take your LinkedIn presence seriously? If you want to learn more about proper LinkedIn etiquette, drop a "Yes" in the comments. Let's make your LinkedIn profile work for you. #LinkedIntips #Personalbranding #Networking #Jobseekers