Getting connections on LinkedIn when you don’t already have an established network can seem daunting. However, with some strategic planning and consistent effort over time, it is possible to build up your connections organically. Here are some tips to get you started:
Optimize your profile
The first step is to make sure your LinkedIn profile is as complete and professional as possible. Include a profile photo, headline, summary section, experience, education, skills, recommendations, and any other relevant details. This gives people who come across your profile insight into who you are and what you have to offer. Having an optimized profile makes you look more credible and gives people more reason to connect.
Use your current connections
Start by connecting with people you already know – friends, family, coworkers, classmates, etc. Ask them to write recommendations for you. This will help strengthen your credibility. Then, look through your existing connections’ networks. See if there is anyone relevant that you can request to connect with through your mutual connections. Expanding your network this way allows you to grow connections with credibility, since you were referred by someone familiar.
Follow relevant companies and join groups
Follow companies that interest you or are related to your industry. This allows you to see job openings and company news that may be relevant. You can also join LinkedIn groups related to your field. Participate by commenting on discussions to provide value. This increases your visibility. You can connect with other engaged group members this way.
Search profiles and send connection invitations
Proactively search for profiles based on location, company, job title, skills, shared groups/affiliations, and other keywords relevant to you. Read profiles that interest you and send polite invitations asking to connect. Reference shared experiences, interests, or goals when possible to personalize your outreach.
Provide value in your interactions
Comment on others’ posts with insightful thoughts, advice, or resources. Share and react to content. Ask thoughtful questions. Be helpful and positive. This provides value to your connections and encourages engagement. People will be more inclined to interact with you if you consistently provide value.
Participate in the LinkedIn community
Post your own content like advice, industry insights, career tips, etc. Share articles or information useful to your network. Contribute to conversations happening on the platform. Being an active participant in the LinkedIn community increases your visibility and allows you to demonstrate subject matter expertise.
Utilize LinkedIn’s automated suggestions
LinkedIn offers suggestions on profiles you may want to connect with based on your search history, profile views, interests, and other engagement on the platform. Browse these recommendations periodically and connect with any relevant profiles.
Say Yes to connecting
When you receive connection requests, accept them unless there is an obvious reason not to. This helps build relationships and expand your network. You can always delete or block any bad connections later.
Follow up after connecting
When you connect with someone new, send them a message thanking them for connecting and try to establish a rapport. Ask open-ended questions about common interests or experiences listed on their profile. Reference any shared connections. Maintaining communication leads to more meaningful relationships.
Offer help and advice
Look for opportunities to offer advice to others seeking input or assistance. Answer questions people pose and make helpful introductions where you can. People generally appreciate support and will reciprocate in building the relationship.
Focus on quality over quantity
While the number of connections can be a metric of success on LinkedIn, prioritize quality over quantity. Having 500 random connections is less valuable than 50 connections with people you can hold substantive conversations with. Nurture the relationships that align with your professional goals.
Join LinkedIn social selling index groups
LinkedIn has special groups like the Social Selling Index (SSI) and SSI Leaders that you can request to join. These groups allow you to connect with high-performing sales professionals who use social media effectively. Expanding your network this way provides exposure to new contacts.
Learn from LinkedIn’s social selling course
LinkedIn offers free social selling courses and certifications. Completing this course helps you optimize your profile, network strategically, craft engaging content, build relationships, and hone your personal brand. You can demonstrate this certification on your profile.
Complete your profile badges
LinkedIn offers badges you can add to your profile by completing specific sections, such as education, skills, recommendations, etc. A profile with several of these badges signals you put effort into your presence. Having a more robust profile encourages connections.
Join select LinkedIn influencer programs
LinkedIn has some exclusive programs like Elevate that allow you to publish posts reaching a broader audience and connect with influencers. If eligible, joining these networks expands your visibility and allows you to demonstrate thought leadership.
Partner with organizations that align with your goals
Research nonprofits, trade associations, alumni networks, and community organizations that align with your interests. Follow their company pages and groups. Attend relevant events, share their content, or get involved. This helps establish connections within your niche.
Connect in-person first
If possible, try to meet people face-to-face at industry events, conferences, trade shows, local meetups, etc. This gives you a chance to establish rapport before connecting on LinkedIn. They will be more likely to accept requests after meeting you.
Get social
In addition to LinkedIn, leverage other social networks like Twitter to demonstrate your expertise. Cross-promote your accounts and content. This helps boost your professional social presence and gives people more context on who you are as a connection.
Focus on common goals
Connect with people in roles, industries, and companies that align with your professional aspirations. Frame requests around your common interests and desire to collaborate or support one another. These connections are more meaningful.
Research before reaching out
Before attempting to connect, read up on someone’s background, company, initiatives, career path, etc. Personalize your invitation by mentioning details you find interesting or admirable about their work and experience.
Make referrals
Keep your network top of mind as you come across job openings, new projects, professional organizations, interesting articles, or conferences that may benefit them. When you refer others, they will likely reciprocate by making connections for you.
Get recommendations
Ask managers, clients, colleagues, or vendors you work closely with for recommendations on LinkedIn. Genuine recommendations add credibility and give people more insight into your capabilities.
Use advanced search filters
Leverage LinkedIn’s advanced search filters like location, title, company size, skills, education, and years of experience to target networking prospects who fit your criteria.
Message recent profile visitors
Pay attention to who has recently visited your LinkedIn profile. Reach out, especially if they work at a company of interest. Use this as a chance to connect and start a conversation.
Follow company followers and alumni
Look at who already follows your company and university pages. These are warm leads since they likely have existing interest in your professional spheres. Engage and connect with relevant profiles.
Connect with fellow group members
Notice who else is participating in your LinkedIn groups, especially those who demonstrate expertise. These are great potential contacts in your industry niche.
Connect after interacting
If you have engaged with someone by liking their posts, commenting, or sharing content – ask to connect. Referencing your previous interactions makes the invitation feel more natural.
Request introductions from common connections
If you’d like to connect with someone you share a 2nd degree connection with, reach out to your mutual connection asking for an introduction. This gives your invitation more context.
Follow company pages and alumni groups
Keep up with news from your current or past employers, schools, volunteer organizations, etc. by following their company pages. Like and comment on their posts, and connect with individuals who are also engaged with that outlet.
Conclusion
Expanding your LinkedIn network without existing professional contacts requires patience and creativity. But by consistently implementing these tips, you can gradually build meaningful connections that support your career aspirations. The important things are having an optimized profile that demonstrates your value and regularly engaging with your network in a helpful, positive way. Over time, you’ll be surprised how quickly your web of connections grows.
