1. Stop focussing on the numbers
Networking is not a numbers game, but a relationships game.
It's not about ‘how many’ LinkedIn connections you have. But instead, the quality of the relationships and the level of interaction you have with people in your LinkedIn network that counts.
Plus, of course, the size and relevance of the network that those people are in turn connected to. Which means that someone with 50 highly relevant contacts (who they interact with frequently), will often be much more successful whilst using LinkedIn than someone with 500+ connections to people they hardly know or ever interact with.
2. Remember the 5 second rule
When most people visit your LinkedIn profile for the first time, on average, they’ll scan it for 5 seconds before choosing to take a closer read or simply click away.
So your profile needs to be clear, succinct and unique so as to make the right impression and make visitors read the profile.
Take a quick glance at your own profile – do you pass the 5 second rule?
3. Be careful about the headline title
Your headline title on LinkedIn is one of the most important parts of your profile.
The headline title must convey 3 things:
- What you do
- What you want
- What you want to be known for
I appreciate that if you're currently employed and passively looking for work, not all of these are possible.
But if you are not working then your headline title should make it clear that you're in the market for new opportunities ("Financial Controller seeking fresh opportunities in XYZ")
4. Avoid having a half empty LinkedIn profile
When people Google your name to “check you out” and come across a half completed LinkedIn profile – you’ve just missed a golden opportunity to give them a good first impression of you.
So regardless of whether you’re working, job searching or taking a career break – update that profile now!
5. Be different
"Passionate, innovative, hard working etc ....”
Many profiles start with this type of generic , cliché packed sentence without any kind of back up.
It sounds good at first – but when everyone is saying similar things, you’re unlikely to stand out.
So ask yourself: - What unique skills or experience do I have? What results do I have a track record of delivering? What is my value proposition? Who or what am I targeting right now?
Now incorporate some of your answers into your profile so as to make you a little different from the standard profiles which most people use.
6. Listen and help
Networking is about listening and helping your network - not simply trying to 'get 'stuff'' (leads, jobs, referrals etc).
So listen to other people's status updates and questions. 'Like’ their updates, offer resources, connections and generally be helpful.
Hang out within relevant LinkedIn groups to listen in on discussions and learn. And when you seen an opportunity to add to the conversation – contribute your ideas or resources. Do this consistently and you’ll enhance your online brand, make new connections and strengthen your existing relationships.
Many of these groups are frequented by recruiters and so you’ll have people looking at your LinkedIn profile and possibly remember you when they hear about the right opportunities which may be suitable for you.
7. Post valuable status updates
Use status updates to ensure you are subtly on people's radar but with a focus on providing value rather than overt self promotion.
So updates which your network would find interesting, useful or entertaining (links to articles, events or news stories) as opposed to “I’m looking for jobs in xyz”
“So should I mention that I’m looking for work?”
Yes you should - just keep it more subtle.
So, instead of posting a status update saying “...is looking for a job”, say something like: “....is discussing interesting opportunities with various management consultancies”
This gives a subtle (but very clear) message that you’re looking for work. But also tells people that you're talking to people in the market - which (just like dating!) makes you more attractive as others are interested in you.
8. Make credible recommendations
No one pays attention when you exchange meaningless recommendations with your friends in order to make each other look good (we can see what you’re doing!).
So instead, only give relevant and specific recommendations to people you're qualified to recommend (i.e. you’ve been their client or colleague). And wherever possible, avoid accepting ‘fluffy’ recommendations which simply say "Jane is a really professional, hard working person who I really enjoyed working with her."
Sounds a little bland right?
To ensure you get better quality recommendations, ask for benefits and results driven recommendations from people who've seen you in action. People who have benefited from your work.
You may not always get such recommendations - but you’ve a far better chance by asking for them this way.
9. Avoid being a perfectionist
Just like your resume / CV, your LinkedIn profile will evolve and update over time. So initially just focus on points 1-5 in this article. Then once you’re comfortable with these, work on the next few points.
10. Don't expect instant results
I suggest you take a farming approach to networking. So be patient - crops and flowers don’t flourish in a few days of intense farming and neither will your LinkedIn networking efforts.
Slowly but surely, keep sowing the seeds and keep nurturing and cultivating your network at your own pace and in your own style.
If you’re patient, consistent and willing to adapt and learn as you go – there’s no reason why you can’t make LinkedIn a valuable tool in both your job search and future career strategy.
By Sital Ruparelia
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