LinkedIn is a powerful tool for expanding your professional network and making valuable connections. But sometimes you may want to reach out to someone who is not already in your network. How can you go about connecting with them professionally on LinkedIn?
Searching for people outside your network
The first step is searching for the person you want to connect with. At the top of your LinkedIn homepage, type their name into the search bar. This will bring up their profile if they have a public presence on LinkedIn. If you get no results, then they likely do not have a LinkedIn account. Another option is searching by their company name – this can surface profiles of people who work there.
When you view someone’s profile who is not in your network, you will see a blue “Connect” button at the top. This allows you to send them an invitation to connect. However, keep in mind that they have the option to accept or ignore connection requests from people outside their network.
Options for messaging someone outside your network
If you want to reach out to someone not in your network, you have a couple options:
- Send a connection request with a note – You can customize the connection request with a personalized message explaining why you’d like to connect.
- InMail – LinkedIn’s InMail messaging system allows you to send private messages to anyone on LinkedIn, even if they’re not in your network. You get a certain number of InMails per month with premium LinkedIn accounts.
- Public post comment – Engaging with their content by commenting on their public posts can be a way to get their attention if the account is open to public comments.
Tips for connecting with someone new
Here are some tips to keep in mind when reaching out to connect with someone new on LinkedIn:
- Personalize the request – Take the time to write a unique message explaining who you are, why you want to connect, and how you could help each other.
- Highlight common ground – Point out any shared connections, groups, or interests you have in common. This gives them context behind the request.
- Provide value – Offer to share an article, introduce them to someone, or provide insights relevant to their work. Focus on what you can do for them.
- Follow up – If they do not respond after a week or two, follow up saying you are still interested in connecting.
- Respect their decision – Ultimately, if they do not want to connect, respect their choice and move on.
Who you can reach out to on LinkedIn
Some examples of professionals who may be valuable connections on LinkedIn include:
- Industry peers at other companies
- Leaders in your field
- Former colleagues and classmates
- Prospective partners, clients, or suppliers
- Recruiters and hiring managers
- Influencers publishing insightful content
- Any other contacts who would be beneficial to your career
The key is identifying who is relevant and potentially mutually beneficial to connect with. Prioritize quality over quantity when expanding your network.
Etiquette for LinkedIn connection requests
Here are some important etiquette rules to keep in mind when sending LinkedIn connection requests:
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Include a personalized note explaining why you want to connect | Send generic invitations copied and pasted to many people |
| Highlight any commonalities between you | Exaggerate or misrepresent shared experiences |
| Suggest potential ways to help each other | Directly ask for a job or favor |
| Respect their decision if they decline | Pester them to accept a connection |
Following proper etiquette helps ensure you make a good impression and are establishing connections authentically.
Other networking strategies beyond LinkedIn
While LinkedIn is very effective, it should not be your only networking strategy. Some other approaches include:
- Attending industry events, conferences, and trade shows to connect in-person
- Getting involved with professional associations and alumni groups
- Asking colleagues, friends, and family for introductions
- Following up and staying in touch with previous work relationships
- Introducing yourself cold via a thoughtful, personalized email
Having diverse networking approaches allows you to make connections in multiple ways. Combine online networking on LinkedIn with real-life interactions for the best results.
Following up with new connections
Once you have successfully connected with someone new on LinkedIn, you want to nurture that relationship. Here are some ways to follow up with your new connections:
- Send them a message thanking them for connecting and suggesting meeting up
- Engage with their content by liking and commenting on posts
- Share relevant articles or resources that would provide value
- Congratulate them on work milestones or achievements
- Introduce them to someone who could be mutually beneficial
- Invite them to join a LinkedIn Group relevant to their interests
Following up and maintaining your new connections leads to stronger relationships andexpanded networking opportunities. Be sure to continue engaging beyond just connecting.
Turning LinkedIn connections into opportunities
Here are some ways to potentially turn your LinkedIn connections into tangible opportunities:
- Following companies and noticing job openings you could discuss
- Joining alumni and professional groups to find events and openings
- Getting referred for roles through employees and hiring managers
- Seeking expertise, advice, and information from experienced professionals
- Requesting introductions to decision-makers and influencers
- Publishing posts leading to consulting/speaking engagements
- Meeting new clients and business partners open to collaborating
With strategy, consistency, and valuable contributions – LinkedIn networking success is achievable. Focus on developing mutually beneficial relationships.
Measuring LinkedIn networking success
It’s important to measure your LinkedIn networking efforts. Some key metrics to track include:
- Total profile views and post impressions
- Connections made with relevant professionals
- Quality interactions and engagement on content
- Opportunities directly resulting from connections
- Warm introductions facilitated
- Received recommendations and endorsements
These measures will indicate who is viewing your profile, how your contributions are resonating, who is engaging with you, and what tangible results come from your expanded network.
Conclusion
Expanding your LinkedIn network beyond your direct connections can open up new opportunities and access to key professionals. But it must be done strategically and thoughtfully. Keep the focus on fostering mutually beneficial, two-way relationships – not just accumulating connections. With persistence and valuable contributions, you can turn LinkedIn into a catalyst for your career growth.
