How to Network Like a Boss on LinkedIn
“LinkedIn is no exception - in recent weeks, the platform has seen a 55% increase in engagement between connections, while it’s also seeing more content posted, and messaging volume is also up.”
According to sociamediatoday.com, LinkedIn has seen a 55% increase in engagement between connections, along with more content being posted and messaging volume going up. I know this to be true because I have been connecting with old and new contacts via LinkedIn, and the response rate I have been getting is between 24-48 hours. This is UNHEARD of.
Now that you know that more employers, recruiters, and professionals are connecting, posting, and willing to chat with you, are you taking FULL advantage of this unique period of time we are in?
If your answer is no, no worries because I am going to share 3 stellar LinkedIn Hacks that will expand your network, brand, and insights into the world of work. So, get your pen and paper or notes section of your phone ready, as I review 3 Hacks to Network like a Boss!
Hack#1: Update Your Profile and Let People Know About It
Did you create a LinkedIn profile for a graduate program or to apply for a job and then never touched again? Don’t worry this is a judge free zone, so the first hack you need to make is updating your profile. The main sections of your profile that you should focus on are headshot, job title, summary, and work experience. If you have no clue where to start, I would advise that you view professionals in your field for strategies on how to set up your profile or watch YouTube tutorials.
Once your updates are done, go to your main page on LinkedIn or social media platforms and post about your updates. You can write something like this:
“I am so excited that I took the time today to update my LinkedIn profile! Check it out here [*hyperlink] to learn more about my work as a career coach and diversity strategist. I would love to collaborate and connect, so make sure to add and message me. “
Once this message is sent, watch how your network will EXPLODE!
Hack#2: Post Content in Your Area of Expertise
The quickest way to showcase your area of expertise is to write or share content in your industry. After several conversations with recruiters, the major theme I gathered is companies are looking for strategists and forward-thinking leaders to develop solutions to challenges that have been brought on by COVID-19.
The question you should be asking yourself is, “Do I have solutions or thoughts on how to solve these issues”? This is a great opportunity to get your VOICE out there and show that you have thoughts on the matter. If you are sharing content from other sources, make sure to use trusted sites and cite them as the author. Here are some examples of trusted sites: Harvard Business Review, Forbes, CNN, BCC, The Economist, etc.
“Don’t wait to receive an invitation to share your thoughts, be fearless enough to share them first. ”
Hack#3: Tap Into Your 1st-Degree Connections
If you are not familiar with LinkedIn, one of the amazing features is the platform will highlight your first-degree connections (aka people who accepted your invitation to connect) vs second-degree (aka people who are connected to your 1st-degree connection). An icon will appear letting you know which degree of connection a person has to you, which can be extremely beneficial if you are looking to leverage your network for a job, insights, or opportunities.
Looks like I have 12 connections who work at Facebook.
For instance, if you are applying for a role on LinkedIn, underneath the role it will show your personal connections that work for that said company. What you can do, is message your 1st or 2nd-degree connections letting them know you are wanting to apply to a role with their company and would love to set up a virtual coffee chat to learn more. I will write a whole series about how to effectively communicate on LinkedIn, so stay tuned.
Now that you have these hacks, you can start today with expanding your network and positioning yourself to be seen as the BOSS YOU ARE! If you found this article to be helpful, please comment below and share it with your network. In addition, if you need 1:1 career coaching on topics like networking or branding, please direct message me or visit my website.
