Four Networking Etiquette Tips
LinkedIn reported that 73 percent of its members use the platform for networking with other professionals. Become part of a conversation and engage with others, but keep these pointers in mind when you do:
1. Personalize your connection request. One of the biggest mistakes professionals make on LinkedIn is not taking the time to personalize their request. They click“ Connect” and send out the generic invite that says“ I’ d like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn.”
Let’ s say you reach out to a spa director you don’ t know( or don’ t know well), take an extra moment to personalize your request and let him / her know why you’ re reaching out. Perhaps you both have a colleague, a personal interest or a university in common. This is the beginning of developing a relationship so take advantage of the opportunity to start a conversation.
2. After your request has been accepted, ditch the pitch. In other words, your next message to that person should not be a sales pitch. Use the opportunity to share something about yourself, but ask how you might be of assistance to your new connection. Remember, LinkedIn is about building and nurturing the KLT Factor( i. e., Know, Like and Trust) first.
Provide value to the people you reach out to. Send them a link to an article you think may be of interest, either personally or professionally. When I saw that one of my connections( who was also a prospect) liked running and had family in Colorado, I sent him a link to a running event that was taking place in Colorado— no pitch, just something of interest to him that helped me nurture the relationship.
3. Don’ t ignore an invitation from someone you don’ t know. When you receive an invite from someone you don’ t recognize, take a moment to visit their profile first. Perhaps this person could be a referral resource, a vendor or potential customer.
If they’ ve made the mistake of sending you a generic
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