Growing your LinkedIn Network

By Ian Richardson, Managing Partner, Richardson & Richardson Consulting LLC

Inspired by Thursday Process with guest Scott Wright, Click Armor

Growing your LinkedIn Network

“Why do I need to focus on growing my LinkedIn Network?” is a common question I get asked, especially by entrepreneurs, CEOs, and other business leaders. If you’re not a “social media” person, the concept of intentionally engaging on LinkedIn, or any platform for that matter, can be overwhelming, discouraging, and daunting. Even if all of those feelings are occurring, there is one truth that needs to ring true in your world: it is necessary to grow your social network if you are planning on pursuing a sales strategy outside of referrals. Simply put, the larger your network, the larger the reach of your thoughts, content, and call to action. Marketing is a numbers game – you want to have as big of a pond to cast your net in hopes of catching a fish (deal).

How to connect with people

I recently hosted Scott Wright, CEO of Click Armor, on our webinar series, The Thursday Process. Scott came on and shared his process around thought leadership marketing, and a big portion of that session was dedicated to social media. There is no greater opportunity to share your insights than with today’s social media networks. The cost of engagement is low outside of time, and the ability to create impact is astonishing. Scott mentioned a key tip on growing your linked in network, and I’ll quote him here, “You get a better connection if you do not … put a note in that connection request.”

Interestingly enough, if you place a note in your request, people can prejudge the request in any number of ways, many of them negatively impacting your chances of connecting. The “blind request”, or one with no commentary, allows someone to draw their own conclusions. They may accept it right away, or they may view your profile. A profile view is a powerful tool: Set up correctly, your profile should speak to your target client profile – that picture of an individual or organization you would bring value to. By getting your potential connection to be curious as to who you are and view your profile, you’re given the opportunity to present appropriate messaging to attract the right fit.

Tips on growing your LinkedIn Network

So we have established the need to grow on LinkedIn, how can we get started? There are a few easy to adopt best practices that will pay off in the form of a larger network.

1. Go through your organizational contacts and connect with everyone you are already involved with and/or doing business with. Clients, suppliers, colleagues, and friends. These are easy wins.
2. Start connecting with everyone you are introduced to, receive a business card from, or network with. Ideally within 24 hours.
3. Start engaging on client and supplier posts. Connect with those who are also engaging on those posts.
4. Keep track of your profile views – anyone who views your profile that is either a TCP fit, or could potentially engage and interact with your TCP should be connected with.
5. Join relevant LinkedIn Groups, connect with the members inside those groups as you interact with them.
6. Set a SMART goal for growth – having the target will help you keep your eye on the ball.

Final Thoughts

Social Media is here to stay. I personally take very little routine pleasure from engaging on social media, but I recognize the need to do so. Having an appropriate presence for yourself and your organization is needed, especially as younger generations of leaders start to take the reigns of control at organizations. Making sure you are adequately positioned to utilize social to sustain your company’s growth is a must.

If you’re struggling with social media, figuring out how to grow your network, or getting alignment with your team on the need to invest in the effort, Richardson & Richardson can help. Check out our case studies for stories of organizations that we’ve assisted with similar issues and download our white papers for deep dives on tools you can use in your organization. If you’re wondering where to start, book a complimentary session with one of the Richardsons today to come up with a plan on how to move forward.