What’s All The Fuss About Networking On LinkedIn?
A few years back, I attended a big industry event—my first real networking experience. I remember the excitement, the nervousness, being in a room full of people where each conversation felt like a new door opening. I asked questions, answered some, shared ideas, and genuinely felt like I was building real connections.
Then, someone suddenly asked, ‘What’s your LinkedIn?’ I didn’t have one, so I admitted, ‘I don’t have one,’ but even now, I can still recall them saying, ‘You should consider getting one!’ It turned out to be the nudge I never knew I needed.
At first, I thought LinkedIn was just a place to list my job title and past experience, nothing more. But one day, I decided to take a chance and reach out to someone in my field. That single message sparked a conversation, then a coffee meeting, and before I knew it, I was connected with people across the industry.
That’s when it hit me: LinkedIn was my ‘networking event’ every day. Each connection request, each message—it’s an opportunity to create real, impactful relationships.
Your network is your net worth," as Porter Gale famously said, is a truth more relevant today than ever—especially in a digital world where LinkedIn has redefined what it means to build connections. Networking isn’t only about who you know; it’s about who you can reach, who can reach you, collaborate with, and learn from.
Why LinkedIn Networking?
LinkedIn recently hit a staggering milestone with over a billion users globally—pause and consider that for a second. One billion members! And frankly, theres no signs of slowing down. It’s not just the number, though; LinkedIn draws in individuals across all experience levels and industries, including those requiring high education or specialized skills.
This vast diversity allows us each day to connect directly with peers, industry experts, and decision-makers worldwide, building relationships that break past the boundaries of traditional networking.
Also, In a recent survey, close to 92% of companies reported including LinkedIn in their marketing strategies, a testament to the platform’s power for professional branding and relationship-building.
If you’re still on the fence, consider the potential impact a well-cultivated LinkedIn network can have on your career opportunities, industry presence, and access to knowledge-sharing communities.
How to Grow Your LinkedIn Network
To effectively grow your LinkedIn network in a way that's meaningful, it's very important to go beyond just adding “connects”. By focusing on these key areas discussed below, you can build a network that’s both valuable and engaging.
1. Profile Optimization
Optimizing your LinkedIn profile is similar to doing SEO for a website: it makes you more discoverable and attractive to the right people. You probably want to ask yourself, Would I want to connect or do business with someone based on this profile? If the answer is “no”, it’s time for a revamp.
Some key elements of profile optimization include:
Keywords: Just as SEO relies on keywords, your LinkedIn profile should incorporate industry-specific terms that align with your skills and expertise.
Personal Statement: A compelling summary should tell your story in a way that’s concise, relatable, and professional.
Experience and Skills: Organize your experience and skills section clearly, so it’s easy for others to understand your background.
Profile Photo: Your profile picture doesn’t need to be overly formal—just a professional headshot that reflects your industry standards.
To dive deeper, this covers everything from writing a strong summary to listing skills effectively, ensuring your profile stands out.
2. Start Connecting Intentionally
Now that your profile is optimized, it’s time to grow your network by connecting with people relevant to your career and goals. LinkedIn's “People You May Know” tool is a great starting point, but you may want to consider these specific groups for your outreach:
Old Friends and Acquaintances: Reconnect with old friends, classmates, and colleagues as a warm-up. Starting with familiar faces helps build momentum and lowers the overwhelming feeling on the LinkedIn world.
Alumni Networks and Professional Groups: These connections are often more willing to accept requests, and they can provide common ground that makes future interactions easier. You can also get suggestions from these groups on other industry experts to connect with.
Industry Connections: Seek out professionals in your field whose work interests you. When reaching out, include a personalized message explaining why you’d like to connect (we’ll cover more on crafting effective messages shortly).
3. Content Sharing & Engagement Strategies
This is where many people hesitate. The fear of coming across as “cringe” or feeling “not knowledgeable enough” can hold people back. However, sharing content and engaging in conversations is essential for visibility and credibility on LinkedIn. Think of it as a community where professionals value insights and are open to learning from one another. Here’s how to dive in:
Share Valuable Content: Post articles, insights, or achievements relevant to your industry. Whether you’re sharing an interesting article, discussing current trends, or even posting about a recent experience (like reading a book or enjoying a sunset in Morocco), aim to offer real value to your audience. LinkedIn isn’t Instagram or TikTok—while it’s okay to be personable and fun, always prioritize content that offers something meaningful to your network.
Engage with Others: Thoughtfully comment on posts from industry leaders, peers, and connections. Meaningful comments can increase your visibility and spark interest, encouraging others to view your profile and connect.
Join LinkedIn Groups: Engaging in niche groups allows you to connect with like-minded professionals and participate in industry-specific discussions. It’s a valuable way to build credibility and broaden your reach.
Remember, growing a LinkedIn network is about quality, not just numbers. By optimizing your profile, connecting with intention, and actively participating in conversations, you’re well on your way to cultivating a LinkedIn network that genuinely supports your professional growth.
Crafting the Perfect LinkedIn Networking Message
One of the best ways to increase your visibility and engagement on LinkedIn is by using a thoughtful messaging strategy. If you’re anything like me, you probably feel direct messages (DMs) are a bit like personal space—something not to be invaded carelessly. Just as in real life, establishing a professional relationship online requires a respectful approach.
If you’re an active or even occasional LinkedIn user, you’ve likely encountered connections who jump straight into a hard sell right after connecting. While this aggressive approach may yield results for some, it often has the opposite effect—it’s a major turn-off and can lead to your message being ignored.
The Key to Messaging Success: Research and Personalization.
When reaching out on LinkedIn, the “science” is in the research and in showing genuine interest. Before messaging someone, take a few minutes to learn about them or their company. Showing that you’ve done your research and are sincerely interested in what they do will help them feel valued and appreciated. Rather than jumping straight to what you want, start by engaging in a way that demonstrates your enthusiasm for their work.
A Sample Message That Works
Here’s an example of a personalized LinkedIn message that has proven successful in generating leads. Notice how it starts with a personal touch, referencing a recent post, before transitioning into a clear purpose:
Hey Soumya,
I just saw your recent Instagram post about trimming your hair, and it’s given me the push I needed to finally book an appointment myself!
I actually wanted to reach out regarding your social media management job advert. I noticed on LinkedIn that you’re looking for a social media manager, and I’m really interested in the position. Please I’d love to share some ideas with you—are you free for a quick 15-minute chat? I’d be excited to discuss my experience and explore how I could best support your work.
Speak soon!
xx
Why This Works?
This message stands out because it’s not only specific to the recipient, but also warm and engaging. Starting with a personal reference creates a human connection, while the clear, concise follow-up demonstrates genuine interest in the recipient’s work and a respect for their time.
Crafting personalized messages takes a bit more time, but the payoff in building authentic connections is well worth the effort. Whether you’re reaching out to a potential client, partner, or employer, showing genuine interest in them as individuals can set you apart from the crowd. LinkedIn is, after all, a platform for connecting—and connecting authentically is the best way to grow professionally.
Check out Lee Woodrow’s templates on crafting a compelling direct message.
Conclusion
Are you still wondering what all the fuss about networking on LinkedIn is? With over a billion users, LinkedIn offers a powerful space to build impactful, meaningful connections that go beyond the typical networking event.
By optimizing your profile, intentionally growing your network, and actively engaging with industry peers, you can unlock career opportunities, gain insights, and create relationships that truly support your professional journey.
So, why wait? Take that first step today by connecting with us on LinkedIn. Join our community and follow us for networking tips, industry insights, and exclusive updates.
Let’s grow together! See you soon!
