When I begin working with a client, I always ask “Are you on LinkedIn?”

Almost everyone has the same reply – “I’m on there…but I’m not sure why.” Or “I’m not sure what to do with it.”

Or basically some iteration of “I’ve checked creating a profile off my box and now I log in and scroll but have no idea how to use it.”

And of course, the online component aside, I get all kinds of resistance from people when I talk about networking, in general.

Even though the platform makes it simple and easy to get and stay connected, we can overthink it to the point where it doesn’t feel easy at all!

I want to share some strategies on leveraging LinkedIn - not because it’s a silver bullet for all of your career conundrums - but because around here, relationships are critical and this platform is one of the most effective and efficient ways to build and maintain them.

(This blog post is based on an Instagram Live. If you’d rather watch or listen than read, feel free to do so below!)

Set your purpose, a goal, and a plan (and manage expectations)

Quite simply? Why are you on LinkedIn?

We’re not just there to ask for a job or to spam potential clients.

We’re there to meet, connect and learn with other people.

(Speaking of which, make sure you connect or follow me on there!)

So let’s get clear on who it is you’d like to connect (or stay connected) to.

Here are some examples:

• If you’re a business owner, like me, you might use LinkedIn to connect and reach out to potential referral sources, like health coaches or therapists

• If you’re a job seeker, you might want to follow and research companies that interest you and connect with potential hiring managers

• If you’re looking to build visibility in your field, you might want to initiate relationships with other people whose contributions you admire or local meet up organizers

Get clear on your reason for being on LinkedIn. Write it down.

And plan to do this work over weeks and months - not hours or days!

Create a complete profile (don’t worry about fancy or perfect)

Here’s what I mean by a complete profile: a headshot or professional-looking photo, a headline, and comprehensive job history with descriptions/responsibilities. Most people benefit from a comprehensive professional summary, too – especially mid-career and senior professionals.

A complete profile is, in part, what helps you show up in searches, but it’s also what provides legitimacy, builds trust, and shares helpful information with connections and potential connections about who you are and what you’re about.

I know there are a lot of people with fancy, heavily branded professional summaries.

And those are nice – but they’re not necessary so please don’t let it stop you from getting started. We’ll take complete for now!

(Though if you want help creating a summary that you’re proud of, we should chat!) 

Paying attention to the basics will help you out here. You don’t have to come up with something fancy or original for your headline or summary. Your job title or industry will suffice.  A summary that captures the major domains of your work and your skills will work.

 

If you want to step it up a notch, remember, you want to think like a recruiter or a client.

If you want to be found in searches – what are your people searching for? Ideally, you can weave that into your headline and summary.

This is a living document. You can go in and tweak, change and evolve your career as your goals shift or experiment.  You’re not locked in. What we want for those of you just getting started is to feel clear and confident enough in your experience and profile to be willing to put yourself out there. 

Tracking and templates can be your friend

Once you have a clear purpose, you’re going to need to break down your process.

Many of my clients use a spreadsheet to track jobs, contacts, and other opportunities. It doesn’t have to be complicated. Google Sheets will do the trick and help you keep track of your brainstorming and action (plus the results that come from your work!)

You might consider drafting a sample message template that you can customize as you begin reaching out to people. Nobody likes staring at a blank screen so consider putting something together beforehand to make your life a little easier. (You can also purchase our templates here.)

Get social and contribute on LinkedIn

 Everyone knows that you can share original content but a) it takes a lot of time and b) sometimes my clients really struggle to share their work and accomplishments.

 Here are some easy ways to show up online (instead of silently scrolling through other people’s posts during your lunch break!).

• Share events that you are hosting, attending, and tag co-organizers or other attendees

• Use conference/event hashtags to connect with other attendees ahead of time

• Tag colleagues or friends in events that are right up their alley

• Share the accomplishments of your team or friends – and tag them with your praise!

• Also, you can share YOUR work and contributions. Here’s a tip: Start by saying“I’m really proud of…” and fill in the rest with your specific contributions, what you learned, what the impact was, etc, etc

This is a great way to frame your expertise and experience, especially if you struggle to take credit for your work  and the impact of your work (something a lot of us should endeavor to start doing more often!).

 If you’re really struggling to get started, consider beginning your work by writing recommendations for a friend or former colleague. Who wouldn’t love that?

Connect and reinforce relationships that begin IRL

Online networking and in-person networking aren’t opposites – they can often be complementary! 

• This might seem basic but make sure your network is up to date. I always make sure to connect with new people that I’ve met professionally, in person, right away.

• You can also increase the scope of your connections by connecting with speakers. Sometimes before I speak on a panel or host a workshop, people will send along a connection with a note, letting me know that they’ll be in the audience.

• This is also an opportunity to be in touch with people like references, former colleagues/classmates, etc on a regular basis to say “Hello!” or “Have a great summer!” Having this kind of relationship prevents people from feeling like they are asking for something.

• LinkedIn offers prompts to help you engage and connect – and take advantage of them!

Make the request

 Here are some tips for reaching out and making a connection and an ask.

• Do include a note when making a cold contact and let them know why you’re reaching out

• Keep your messages concise and clear. Edit, edit, edit. Really long messages can be hard to read and respond to.

• Share why you’re reaching out and speak to why them – (i.e. “You and I have a lot in common!” “I admire your career path!” “I see you are a Simmons alum!” That can be pretty powerful in building trust and generating a response.

• Get comfortable with the fact that not everyone will respond and plan accordingly. If you want to speak to three people reach out to 6-7. This often isn’t personal – not everyone has the capacity to respond…so keep it moving!

• Bridge the gap between online and IRL relationships by leveraging real-life connections including people and institutions. Instead of reaching out to total strangers – who is already in your network as a 2nd or 3rd connection?

Setting and managing expectations is really key here – and there are plenty of ways you can show up on LinkedIn and meet or follow up with people,  build visibility and relationships and make contributions to your industry and community.

Want to connect with me on LinkedIn? Click here to get started!