LinkedIn is a highly powerful networking tool that can connect you to millions of other professionals nationwide. Reflected below are some tips to enhance the effectiveness of the experience.
1. Connect to anyone who asks for a connection with something in common. For example, since I am in Toastmasters, I will OFTEN connect with others who are as well. Some people do not agree with this approach or are concerned that their connections will get spammed. A 1st level connection does not have access to any contact information without the okay of the individual. You cannot get hurt by connecting with someone. The potential benefit is that you now have access to the names of all of their connections. This could highlight an old colleague who is in their network that you know. Plus, you might learn something new from your recent contact.
2. When asking for an Introduction to a second or third level connection, make sure that your message is short (no more than two or three sentences), focuses on the other person, and has a call-to-action or a next step. Google their name before you solicit the introduction to uncover any articles they might have written or perhaps a blog posting. Also, their LinkedIn profile may reflect a recent promotion, award, or other accomplishment.
3. As you reconnect with old colleagues, consider who has already experienced your unique selling proposition (USP). Ask these individuals for recommendations and have them put it on your LinkedIn profile. Ask them to be specific about the impact that you had while working with them. Then, you will get a specific response. You usually get what you ask for.
With that, we throw another log onto the fire.
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1 comment:
There are two schools of thought on point #1. Some subscribe to the "accept every invitation" rule. I, on the other hand, don't see the value in that. LinkedIn is a social-NETWORKING tool -- emphasis on networking. I hold professional training sessions on networking as the most effective marketing tool. To that end, the key we emphasize is "making connections for mutual benefit." If you connect with everyone, how can you help the other person? In other words, what's the mutual benefit? At some point, someone in your "network" will want an introduction to another person in your "network." If you've never met that person, how does your "introduction" help? Couldn't the same thing be accomplished with a phone call or by picking up the phone book?
Now, if you want to use your connections as a tool for "mass market selling", then gathering as many names as possible is the thing to do. IF, on the other hand, you truly want to use LinkedIn as a networking tool, THEN choose your friends with a bit of discretion.
That's MY log. . .
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