Treat LinkedIn as a networking event

You may have heard me say this before but engagement is the most important thing you need to be doing on LinkedIn. 

Why? 

Because by building human connection and relationships you gain trust and credibility from your audience who will then either buy from you or refer work to you.

It is pretty simple when you think about it. 

Engagement is networking

Engagement is having discussions, sharing expertise, learning and supporting each other. 

By leveraging LinkedIn through engagement then will be on the road to success - whether that be sales as a business owner or a promotion in your career as a professional.

I know people that make sales on LinkedIn without ever posting their own content - that is how powerful and important it can be! 

Expand your network

When you’re engaging on LinkedIn you are seen by your connection’s connections. Being visible and creating an awareness of who you are and what you do will always help you stand out. It also creates a ripple effect which will widen your circle of influence and opportunities. This will also result in more introductions! 

Collaboration Opportunities

I’ve been offered lots of opportunities to collaborate on new projects, to share my expertise and attend events through being visible on LinkedIn. Collaboration can be really powerful if you want to leverage a different audience and it’s a great way to expand your network.

Having your name mentioned in rooms full of opportunities

Now this is one that happened only last week. A connection of mine is looking to start a new business so I had been sharing my own journey with her. I attended an in person networking event that I saw being advertised on LinkedIn (at the wonderful The Women's Organisation) I spoke to a lady there and mentioned her name and they are already collaborating on a project next week all due to my introduction! 

When your name is spoken with praise in this way, it brings you to the attention of decision-makers and influencers. As my example shows it really can open doors and create opportunities you might not have encountered otherwise.

Credibility and Trust

By networking on LinkedIn you build credibility and trust from your network. I can’t tell you how many people have got in touch to say they have followed my journey as a business owner over the past 3 years and despite them not engaging with me directly they follow me and refer work to me. 

Advocacy and Support:

My LinkedIn network has gained me friends and allies who will advocate for your success. I would recommend including your peers here too as you never know when you may need their support or vice versa! 

A givers game

LinkedIn is very much a givers game. You need to spend time offering support, encouragement and be consistent with it. I get a lot of traction on my own LinkedIn content because I’ve invested so much time in supporting others. You can’t expect to put out a post and gain thought leadership status and makes sales on day one. Being realistic it will probably result in tumbleweed if you've not built up your network and nurtured them to reciprocate. 

Join groups

This is a great way to grow your network and find out about events or workshops that can help you in your learning or where your ideal clients may be hanging out. It’s a great way to expose yourself to a larger network of like minded people.

It takes time and effort to build your network and it won’t happen overnight. I’ve been building my network solidly for 3 years and I am still treating the platform as an ongoing networking event as I look to scale my business. 

If you want to know more about how I can help you leverage your network on LinkedIn then please do get in touch and send me a direct message!

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