Monday, February 25, 2019

Stages In LinkedIn Networking Strategy

By Robert Cooper


Relevant connections are valuable. For instance, employers get referrals to the best employees through interacting platforms. Likewise, upcoming entrepreneurs get valuable mentor-ship from experienced business people in their network. Social media has made the process of establishing new relations easier and more effective. Initially, most connections were made through referrals from personal friends. This is why one would have a limited number of friends. However, even though establishing new relationships is a click away, the best results are only achieved if one follows a particular LinkedIn networking strategy. Effective connection plans are organized into several steps as explained below.

First, identify your goal in finding fresh relationships. This is to say, somebody must have a specific reason why they want to connect with particular individuals. Defining a goal will help someone connect with the right professionals. Goals must be SMART. Meaning, each milestone must be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic as well as time-bound. Give yourself a target of how many people should be met in a week or month. Ensure that whatever limits one set on themselves is attainable. Time is important since someone must give a positive picture of themselves to new connections.

Next step is to describe your connections. List several features you are looking out for such as the area of specialization, experience, achievements including others. Binding oneself to particular features will enable you to attract only relevant links. Before sending out requests, read their profiles. This is where individuals indicate their qualifications, interests, career among others. If interests rhyme, now somebody can request for friendship.

To get started, find referrals from other networks in your circle. In most cases, this social media platform will suggest individuals who you relate with depending on your profile information. It saves time having to read through all profiles.

Further, these friends will hook you up with others. If an individual scrolls to the bottom of a profile, there is a section which lists groups to which someone in your circle belongs. Confirm whether the purpose of a certain group could interest you and join them. Furthermore, as one joins various groups, they also discover more relationships.

Having identified where each works, find out more about these organizations. This will make more sense if a person is looking for employment. Look for job openings or internship opportunities. In case this is not available, somebody may initiate meaningful conversations with other actors on that page. Becoming an active follower builds some level of networking.

Communication is the key to maintaining friendships. Some people are lazy to type customized messages of invitation and rely on what is provided by the system. Most times, default messages are never noticed. It is advisable to write down a personal message requesting a friend to join your circle. There are numerous sources of information which will help you draft attractive emails.

Relationship building does not stop once your request has been approved. Continue engaging new circles in relevant discussions. Besides that, appreciate what is posted by either commenting or re-posting. Endorse them on acquired skills. In case of achievement, do not hesitate from congratulating them in a customized message. Further, invite each to an interactive session you will attend.




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