Growing your LinkedIn Network
Growing your LinkedIn Network
“Why do I need to focus on growing my LinkedIn Network?”
That is a common question I get asked. Entrepreneurs, CEOs, and other business leaders – they all ask it.
If you’re not a “social media” person, the concept of engaging on LinkedIn seems strange. On any platform for that matter.
Social Media can be overwhelming, discouraging, and daunting.
Even if all those feelings are occurring – You still have to do it. A truth you have to accept is social media is here to stay. You must tap into social selling if you want to grow outside of referral.
The larger your network, the larger the reach of your thoughts, content, and call to action.
Marketing is a numbers game – you want to have as big of a pond to cast your net in hopes of catching a fish (deal).
How to connect with people
I recently hosted Scott Wright, CEO of Click Armor, on our webinar series, The Thursday Process.
Scott came on and shared his process around thought leadership marketing.
A big part of that session focused on social media. Social Media is your greatest opportunity for thought leadership.
The cost of engagement is low outside of time, and the ability to create impact is astonishing.
Scott mentioned a key tip on growing your linked in network, and I’ll quote him here.
“You get a better connection if you do not … put a note in that connection request.”
Connection requests with notes lead to prejudgement of the request. People form conclusions, and many times those conclusions are negative. They’ll deny your request.
The “blind request”, or one with no commentary, allows someone to draw their own conclusions. They may accept it right away, or they may view your profile.
A profile view is a powerful tool. Your profile should speak to your target client profile (TCP). Your TCP is that picture of an individual or organization you would bring value to.
Curiousity leads to profile views. If you keep an eye on who is viewing you, you can:
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Connect to them (& grow your network)
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Follow up on the view with messages or content
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Verify that your messaging is attracting the right people
Tips on growing your LinkedIn Network
So we have established the need to grow on LinkedIn, how can we get started? There are a few easy to adopt best practices that will pay off in the form of a larger network.
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Go through your organizational contacts. Connect with everyone you are already involved with and/or doing business with. Clients, suppliers, colleagues, and friends. These are easy wins.
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Start connecting with everyone you meet. If you receive a business card from, or network with them, connect. Do this within 24 hours.
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Start engaging on client and supplier posts. Connect with those who are also engaging on those posts.
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Keep track of your profile views. Anyone who views your profile. Especially focus on those that are a TCP fit. If they engage and interact with your TCP, reach out about that segment.
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Join relevant LinkedIn Groups. Connect with the members inside those groups as you interact with them.
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Set a SMART goal for growth – having the target will help you keep your eye on the ball.
Social Media: The final words.
Social Media is here to stay.
I take very little routine pleasure from engaging on social media, but I recognize the need to do so.
Having an appropriate presence for yourself and your organization is necessary.
Younger generations of leaders are starting to take the reigns at organizations. Social Media is their method of contact and consumption.
Make sure you are ready to reach these new leaders.
If you want to keep up to speed on our latest learnings – our newsletter is the place for you.
