Top 6 Tips to Expand Your LinkedIn Network


on Dec 05, 2008

Given the proliferation of Social Media, your profile on Social and Professional networking sites deserves a significant attention. Globally, people are harnessing the power of social media for varied purposes – to attract customers, partners and talent are some of common objectives achieved through professional networking.

But, not everyone is equally successful in meeting their business objectives through professional networking. Your success in the Professional Networking game is a function of many parameters – the quality (who are you connected with) and the quantity (how many people are you connected with) are two of them. How can you build an ever growing, credible network? Here are the top 6 techniques you can use to constantly fuel your professional (and also social) networking success:

  1. People You Meet Daily - Everyday, as part of your professional life, you are meeting new people you would like to stay in touch with. This includes face to face meetings (e.g. conference participation, potential customer or partner), email exchanges, telephone calls and more. The chances are many of them are already present on LinkedIn. It takes couple of minutes to request invitation to your network. For e.g., what do you do with the business cards your collect at various meetings. Don’t just stock them, directly connect with those card owners on LinkedIn.
  2. LinkedIn Answers - As I wrote earlier, LinkedIn Answers is a great tool for networking in addition to getting highly valuable advice for free. The people who respond to your questions or the ones to whom you response, are likely the ones you would want to be connected with.
  3. Network of Network - Just browse through the connections of people in your network and you will be surprised to see the large number of known people, whom you would like to be part of your direct network. So, leverage your own network.
  4. LinkedIn Groups - Throughout your life, you get to be associated with various groups – alumni networks, ex employers, conference groups, technology groups etc. Many of them already exist on LinkedIn in the form of ‘Company’ or ‘Groups’. Browse through them and be prepared to be surprised by the list of people whom you know but didn’t remember. You can join (and participate) in new groups relevant to your areas of interest and again leverage them to expand your own network.
  5. Use Your Webmail Contacts – LinkedIn allows you to check who all in your webmail (e.g. gmail, hotmail, yahoo etc) contacts are present on LinkedIn. Choose the ones you want to network with and send them an invitation.
  6. Promote Your Profile – Finally, promote your LinkedIn profile through as many avenues as possible. Some of common places to have your LinkedIn profile – your email signature, your profile at other places, your articles, your business card etc. Make sure your profile is public, provide your email id in your contact settings and allow others to contact you. Also, like me you can also blog to promote your profile :).

I am sure if you follow the above ways, you will have a HUGE pool of professionals, who can be part of your network. I've used all of the above techniques to constantly expand my own LinkedIn profile. But, of all the invitations you send, how many will accept your request is not a constant. I recommend that you follow these guidelines in order to successfully build a credible network on any professional networking community:

  • Customize & personalize your invitation based on the person you are inviting. Don’t use the standard invitations.
  • Don’t spam by sending invitations to professionals – just for the sake of increasing the number.
  • Build credible profile - The chance of other professionals accepting your invitation is also based on the credibility of your profile. Completeness of your profile, having recommendations, quality of your profile summary and having your photo are some of the important credibility facts. Also, give personal touch to your profile.

I hope these tips and guidelines help you expand your professional network. Please do give your feedback including suggesting more tips and guidelines to the above list.

Happy Professional Networking!

Post a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

193 comments

  • Author Images
    online casino strategy
    2 weeks ago

    Cordially fellow spectator, I came across the viewpoints shared in this blog post to be incredibly informative . The writer's mastery of the matter is genuinely commendable. If you are yearning for a enthralling and fruitful digital gaming excursion , I would cordially persuade you to investigate the options of VIVARO CASINO. With its comprehensive selection of electrifying entertainment , lavish offers , and effortless setup , VIVARO CASINO facilitates an unprecedented recreational atmosphere that appeals to both newbie and skilled fans correspondingly . I convince you to delve into VIVARO CASINO and uncover the buzz that is ready to be experienced you. I am confident you will view the expedition to be extremely fulfilling . Sincerest regards

  • Author Images
    medical virtual receptionist
    2 weeks ago

    Greetings! Very useful advice within this post! It is the little changes that make the most important changes. Thanks for sharing!

  • Author Images
    https://www.popsugar.com
    2 weeks ago

    Impressive, what an keen post! I really relished reading about your stance on this theme . It's surely given me a wealth to consider. I'd crave to be exposed to more of your perspectives , if you're open to perpetuating the conversation . Incidentally , have you heard of MEGA888 ? It's an magnificent internet gaming platform with heaps of captivating possibilities . I've been playing there and the journey has proved to be exceptional. If you're in search of a different way to experience some recreation and conceivably win , I'd ardently advise inspecting it further. Allow me inform whether you're intrigued and I will provide more specifics !

  • Author Images
    online casino customer support
    2 weeks ago

    I have extensively reveled in the musings provided in this stimulating blog discourse. The penman has eloquently elucidated several essential points that resound with me acutely. As an avid proponent of pioneering entrepreneurial undertakings , I would like to offer an recommendation to you to delve into the unparalleled avenues available at Pragmatic Play. This energetic business is at the pinnacle of revolutionary progressions , affording a dynamic and valuable ecosystem for devotees who share a passion for pinnacle and a grit to heighten the thresholds of what is feasible . I implore you to deliberate on this appeal and delve into the plenitude of prospects that beckon . Sincerely feel free to inquire if you have any wonderments or would intend to discuss more thoroughly. Most respectful salutations ,

  • Author Images
    gulfood fair
    4 days ago

    Hey there! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any trouble with hackers? My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up losing several weeks of hard work due to no back up. Do you have any solutions to stop hackers?