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LinkedIn Networking Tips

However you may feel about social media, LinkedIn is the most important tool you can use to build and maintain your professional network. Here are some pro tips for using it well.

Who should I connect with?

1. Start with friends and co-workers—people you know.
2. Don’t limit yourself to people in your own company. Outside connections are crucial if you ever need to look for work, or just want fresh perspectives on how things are done elsewhere.
3. Your network should include people at all levels.
   • Don’t be afraid to connect with senior executives. The worst they can do is ignore your request.
   • Eventually, people retire. Don’t let your network “age out”: Connect with your peers and juniors, too!

Worried about fake accounts?

Yeah, scammers are everywhere, including on LinkedIn. Maybe someone you don’t know sent you a connection request, and you’re a little suspicious that they’re not who they say they are.

Check their profile for the “verification badge”: a checkmark in a circle next to their name. That indicates that they’ve submitted evidence of their identity, workplace, and/or education.

P.S. If you want people to trust you, it’s a great idea to get verified yourself.

How do I connect?

Grow your network organically, by reaching out to your connections’ connections, or to people you see at SNEC programs.

1. Install the LinkedIn app on your phone, so you can use your QR code to connect with people face to face. (Instructions are here.)

2. On Zoom calls or other online meetings, invite attendees to connect by copying and pasting the complete URL of your LinkedIn profile into the Zoom chat. (Including the https:// makes it a clickable link.) Preface it with a phrase like, “Happy to connect!” Don’t forget to check later to see if you got any connection requests.

   Pro tip: If someone sends you a connection request, message them back after accepting. Say how glad you are that they reached out from whatever event you both attended. (You can usually guess from when the invitation came in.) Start a conversation! In the months or years to come, your message history will serve as a valuable reminder of how you got together and what interests you share.

3. Did you know you can view and filter the connections of someone you’re connected to? Try it:

   • Go to one of your first connections’ profiles.
   • Under their profile picture, you’ll see [#] connections (unless they’ve turned off that feature). Click it, and you’ll get a list of their connections.
   • At the top of the results page, click the 1st filter. That leaves the 2nd filter active, so you’re only seeing their connections that you’re not connected to yet.
   • Then use the other filters to find people at specific companies, in specific locations, etc.
   • If you see someone you’re interested in connecting with, you can ask your first connection for a “warm” intro, or just reach out directly, mentioning that you both know that person.

4. People are much more likely to accept your connection requests if you add a short note. You’ll be limited to five notes a month, though, unless you have a paid subscription, so choose wisely.

5. Don’t worry if you don’t get a response to a connection request. Some people don’t check LinkedIn very often. (Or at all. Don’t be one of those people!)

How do I maintain my network?

The true value of your network is in the depth of the relationships you build over time.

Of course, not all relationships are equal. Sometimes you’ll want to get to know someone personally, by meeting online or face to face. With other people, an occasional LinkedIn message or short email will suffice.

• Share a link to an article about a topic of common interest
• Congratulate them on a new job, promotion, or credential
• Comment on their LinkedIn posts

Happy connecting!