Connect with LinkedIn: Part 2
Connect with LinkedIn: Part 2
How do you connect with people outside your connection circle and make meaningful connections on LinkedIn?
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Hello People,
In continuation to the topic of building an impressive network of connections on LinkedIn, today we explore ways of connecting with people whom you do not know.
Connecting with people whom you know or are in your circle is only the first step. But in order to grow, you have to reach out to people who could be your potential customers, employers or clients. All of us are marketing something on LinkedIn. Be it a product, service or ourselves. Josh Turner, a B2B marketing expert on LinkedIn says in a podcast that there is a process of making meaningful connections on LinkedIn.
The average acceptance rate of LinkedIn connection requests to an unknown party is 50 to 60 percent if done right. Here is a systematic approach to getting a high acceptance rate.
Impressive Profile
It goes without saying that your first impression completely depends on the look of your profile. I have already written in the previous newsletters about the importance of making your profile impressive. Please refer to the links below for detailed instructions on building a great profile.
Optimize LinkedIn for Career Growth: Part I
Optimize LinkedIn for Career Growth: Part II
Optimize LinkedIn for Career Growth: Part III
Optimize LinkedIn for Career Growth: Part IV
Position Yourself as an Industry Expert/Thought Leader
Say you are a manufacturing consultant and you want to reach out to people from manufacturing companies then you can create a group named, ‘Manufacturing Hacks’. Post often on the topic and interact with members. Now, when you send an invitation to a potential client you have the credibility of the work you do. This is only one of many ways you can establish yourself as an industry expert. As an HR startup, we often post on employment, hiring practices and jobseeker tips to display authority in our field. I leverage my personal profile to demonstrate thought leadership by authoritative writing on my areas of expertise.
Personalize the Connection Request Message
LinkedIn has a default message for every connection request you send but in order to reach people whom you do not know, personalize your message. If you can accompany every connection request with a personalized message, your acceptance rate will hit the roof. Explain your reason to connect and the value add that you are offering.
Send that Request
Josh Turner, mentioned earlier in the article recommends sending connection requests to five to ten new folks five days a week. According to him, this has produced good results. As for me, I started building my connections by sending a bunch of requests twice a week but then it took me a long time to reach where I am now. Follow up on the pending requests with a message. However, it is most advisable to focus on people who have accepted your request and engage them with good content.
What can I possibly post to engage with my connections? I am glad you asked. In the succeeding article, I will talk on ways to create engaging content for LinkedIn.
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