If you want to know how to network on LinkedIn, take a look at the 5 easy steps below. But first, let’s drop some facts about the social media platform according to 99 Firms.
- LinkedIn has over 610 million users.
- There are 90 million senior-level influencers.
- There are 63 million decision-makers on the platform.
- Of the Fortune 500 companies, 92 percent use LinkedIn.
- Only 3 million users share content on LinkedIn each week.
- 97 percent of marketers use LinkedIn.
- 80 percent of B2B social media leads come from LinkedIn.
If you’re someone who is looking to grow your brand, or you’re a nonprofit executive director seeking more supporters, networking on LinkedIn is essential. So, how can you do it well? We’ve got 5 easy tips to get you started!
1) Networking on LinkedIn begins with your profile and business page
First impressions matter. Just like the real world, you’ve got to make a good impression on LinkedIn. Don’t be lazy with a “Hey, what’s up?” or a spammy hard sell line. The first thing you have to do before networking on LinkedIn is get your profile up to snuff. In fact, your team, especially influencers, should have an excellent profile. Remember, everyone represents themselves—and also your business or nonprofit. Therefore if you want to make sure you have a great profile. And, also make it a point to ensure your business page is complete and optimized.
2) Set a goal to grow your network on LinkedIn
To make LinkedIn work for you, you have to take the time and commit. One of the best things you can do is to create a goal each week—and stick to it. As noted in this piece by Tammy Borden, you can grow your base by hundreds in a few weeks. If you want to get 500 new contacts, then make it a goal to make 175 connections in two weeks. Then, as you send out invitations, which you should personalize (!), ask yourself some of the excellent questions she does for success. Do you or someone you know, know this person? Do you know the company? Or, do you share the same industry or geographic market?
3) Develop content of value for the LinkedIn community
Professionals on Linkedin want to network and get to know business leaders and thinkers. So, one of the best ways to create and maintain relevance is to develop content. If you’re an expert in marketing, for instance, then share your knowledge by creating articles for LinkedIn. You’re networking on LinkedIn will increase if you share thoughtful insights and observations. Also, don’t forget that video is essential. So, develop short, informative, and entertaining videos where you can talk about your industry. Place videos natively on LinkedIn as opposed to on a third-party platform with a link to YouTube for better SEO.
4) Build relationships with the community and also influencers
If you went to a meeting and you just handed out business cards and told people to call you, guess what would happen. You would probably not get any calls. People want to help people with whom they have relationships. So, consider your LinkedIn profile and page to be your calling cards. But, take the time to spend time networking on LinkedIn. In other words, if people comment or like your content, reach out to them, and thank them. Follow influencers and build those relationships as well. Think of how you can help others and then do so, often. Once you do it, you’ll see in time that people will think of you or your group.
5) Be consistent about networking on LinkedIn
Going back to the fact that just 3 million people share content each week on LinkedIn, consider that an excellent opportunity for you. Meaning, many people, for whatever reason, don’t focus as much as they should on LinkedIn for regular networking. But that’s a mistake. If you engage every week within your top groups and in commenting and building relationships, guess what’s going to happen. Your networking on LinkedIn and also in the real world is going to grow. So, be consistent about spending time on that social networking platform.
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Author: Kristy Fonterela, VP Marketing Funds2Orgs. Kristy Fontelera is a creative professional with a background in corporate and nonprofit social media advertising, content creation, and brand strategy. As the VP of Marketing, she works with a suite of global fundraising brands as well as manages national and local social media accounts for clients and entrepreneurs. Kristy enjoys new books, traveling, Fleetwood Mac, and picnics with her pup. Most of all, Kristy is a passionate individual that loves nothing than more than to help others make an impact in their market and the world.
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