9 Tips for Networking Success
By Julie Kennon | April 21, 2020
“I reached out to an old boss on LinkedIn and he wants to meet.”
“My friend, who’s a recruiter, posted a great article on LinkedIn.”
“You can’t find a job these days without using LinkedIn.”
Have you heard any of these statements, or similar sentiments?
They can panic some of us who have always found jobs through traditional/old-fashioned means: knowing a friend of a friend, or using placement agencies, or calling a headhunter. LinkedIn, it is argued, is the gold standard of networking, and the associated professional success good networking can bring.
And that’s true. LinkedIn brings the power of global networking to your fingertips, allowing you to reach out to recruiters, receive endorsements for your skills, or join career-boosting professional groups with the swipe of a few keys. Harnessing its power and strategically plotting your networking efforts are guaranteed to enrich your professional life, even if you’re not looking for a job.
So what are the basic best practices for using LinkedIn? Here are some ideas for both individuals and companies:
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Check your personal profile.
Is it public? It should be, if you want potential employers or employees to find you. Customize your URL to include your name, choose a good profile photo, and add background info and a tagline that tell people something about you. -
Endorse and be endorsed.
LinkedIn etiquette dictates that when someone endorses you, you endorse them back. It’s no more than clicking on skills you think a friend or colleague has. Be judicious, though, and make sure you would vouch for that endorsement in person.
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Recommendations are LinkedIn gold.
If you can collect a few, they add validity to your page. It’s often easiest to ask for a recommendation after a client or friend compliments your work, and LinkedIn makes it a breeze with an “ask for a recommendation” button. Similar to the endorsing, you can hit the “recommend” button and give a shoutout to colleagues for excellent work.
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Join groups.
Why? You’ll keep up with whatever is happening in those industries. If you publish an article or post, you can share it with your groups, which will help establish you as a thought leader or subject-matter expert (SME).
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Be a sprinkler.
This means sprinkle key words throughout your summary, “about” information, and wherever else you can. You can sprinkle your company name or keyword skills that might be searched, or even desired objectives.
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Remember your manners.
Beyond the mutual endorsements, say thanks if someone comments on a post. If a comment merits a thoughtful reply, take the time to write it. Whether you’re working on an individual or corporate page, engagement is the building block of networking.
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If you’re not on LinkedIn, why not?
If you’re looking for a job, or looking to have a contract awarded, or hoping to win an industry award, it is guaranteed that someone is looking for you on LinkedIn. If you’re not there, it’s a red flag: are you not internet-savvy? Not interested in networking, or touting your accomplishments? Even if you think you don’t have impressive creds, they’re yours. Own them and be proud of what you’ve done. -
Educate.
LinkedIn isn’t a marketplace where anyone is going to shop for your products; it’s a place where someone would go to learn why they might need your product. If the main purpose of any content you publish is to help anyone who might read it, you’re following that understood rule.
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Grab attention! If your posts contain graphics or videos, you’ll get your audience’s attention faster. If you’re looking for a job, post a video of a project you completed or a speech you gave. If you’re promoting your company, offer a link to your latest webinar.
When you’re ready to take LinkedIn to the next level, we can talk about creating groups, tagging influencers, and maybe even paying to promote your company or content. Until then, give your foundation a check to see if it’s solid by running through these points. Even tweaking one of them can help your LinkedIn game be a gamechanger.