LinkedIn 101: Connector or Collector
LinkedIn has proven to be the number one site for networking and connecting with people who share similar professional interests. The platform can help one along their career journey as well as help create new connections for business opportunities. But LinkedIn is not Facebook. The networks that people develop here are priceless.
Thus, one should ask himself or herself… ‘Am I a Connector or a Collector?’ The obvious answer should be CONNECTOR. In today’s world, networking has become critical to being successful.
However, there is a RIGHT way and a WRONG way to go about networking on LinkedIn. If one has studied Social Media or even Community Development, then one understands the importance of being genuine and authentic. You might ask what does that have to do with networking? The answer is quite simple. Developing bonds with those you add to your network and establishing personal relationships with some of them will be 100 times more beneficial to you in the long run. It also humanizes your presence on LinkedIn.
How can you succeed at networking on LinkedIn:
* Realize that just like everything else in life… Quality is better than Quantity. It is not the number of people in your network that is more beneficial, but the quality of your network that is most important. Thus, do not add someone randomly just to add someone.
* When adding people, send a short note along with the network request. Or send a quick message introducing yourself after they accept your network request.
* If you add someone to your network and they send you a message before you have the chance to message them, then respond. When ever I accept a network request from someone, I always message the person to say hello and ask them how they came across my profile. If I see that they saw my message, but they did not reply then I know that they are probably a ‘people collector.’ I now tend to remove these people.
* Keep the dialogue going. This might not always be possible with everyone in your network but do try when you can. This can be via messages or simply commenting on people’s posts. But make sure you are not just commenting to comment. Make sure you are adding to the discussion.
* LinkedIn has been a great way to get referrals when applying for jobs. Only ask those that you have interacted with for referrals. This is another reason, why I say that it is important to interact with your network and humanize your presence on LinkedIn. Asking someone that you have never interacted with for a referrence is like asking a stranger on the subway for a referrence.
* Remember that you are your own PR / Marketing Manager. How you interact with people on LinkedIn can be valuable. How you repersent yourself on this platform can be useful to you professionally.
WRAP…
LinkedIn is one social platform that can be useful to yourself or your business. Like all platforms, it is good to develop a good network. Just remember LinkedIn is not Facebook. Humanize your presence here by being authentic and genuine.
Do not add people to just add people. Truly connect with those you are adding to your network. QUALITY over QUANTITY is key. Your network will grow over time, there is no need to rush it. Interacting with those you add to your network will give you a stronger advantage in the future.
Being a true connector is good, however being a ‘people collector’ has a bad conotation and one does not want to become known as one on a professional network.
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