Leveraging LinkedIn Continued …
Some common questions on expanding your network are “How do I build my connections?”, “Who should I invite or connect with on LinkedIn?”, or “How many connections do I need?” There is not a magic number of connections, or a wrong or a right way to add connections, nor is there just one way to do so.
I always recommend starting with your friends, and current business connections. These people are your first-degree network now; add them to your online with an invitation. Then you can move forward to expand your network to all those people who you don’t yet know but would like to know and count among your connections in your network.
By starting with people who know you well and those with whom you currently do business your online network will grow steadily over time. Years ago, Ken DuBose, a successful Financial Services Representative shared how he grew a book of business, the advice was, to start with the people you know, then ask those you know to introduce you to people they know. His advice has been helpful to me for many years, and I use it and share it.
Think about it this way, if you have a question, a problem, or you need information you usually ask someone you know first. If you want to grow your business connections and expand your network “start with the people you know”. It works. I suggest you build your LinkedIn connections and your online network just as you build your offline network.
Always personalize the standard LinkedIn invitation template to give those you invite some context. It also shows you are interested in investing in the relationship. Share how they know you, when you met, that you live down the street or whatever the connection might be. I know few people who feel they get too little email, in fact most people feel that their inbox “runs over” and that 60% to 70% of the email received is unneeded, unwanted or unwelcome. Yet we all like to hear from friends and people who care about us. A personalized message says you care about them rather than you are just gathering contacts to build your list.
A word of caution, don’t assume people will be in a place or space to be overjoyed by your LinkedIn invitation and don’t assume other people have the same sense of urgency that you do. Most will be glad to connect, if they know you and/or can quickly make the connection as to where you met, and will select the accept button.
Be thoughtful and aware, if you look different, have moved, changed jobs, have a new name or have not been in touch for some time, don’t assume everyone will instantly know who you are or want connect with you right away just because you sent them the standard “I’d like to add you to my professional network…” without context.
Also remember not everyone logs in to his/her LinkedIn account daily or forwards LinkedIn ‘InMail’ messages to a personal or business email address or phone to stay connected. I always cringe when I meet someone at a two-day conference on the first day, we exchanged business cards, then the second morning when I see them, they remark “I sent you a LinkedIn invitation, but you didn’t connect” usually I smile and admit LinkedIn was not on my priority list for the morning. I will I connect, almost always, but rarely within hours. Remember, we all have different styles, pace and priorities, and will use LinkedIn and its power as a tool in our own way. Find your way to leverage LinkedIn to accelerate your search.
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