Effective LinkedIn Networking Strategies

EP 3053 In this deep dive, Ronnie and Bobby discuss effective ways to network on LinkedIn. This is a must listen to show for anyone struggling to connect with the right people on LinkedIn. ABOUT JEFF ALTMAN, THE BIG GAME HUNTERPeople hire Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter to provide No BS job search coaching and career advice globally because he makes job search and succeeding in your career easier. Schedule a discovery call to speak with me about one-on-one or group coaching during your job search at ⁠www. TheBigGameHunter.us. You will also find great info and job search coaching to help with your job search at ⁠⁠JobSearch. Community⁠⁠ You can get free copies of 25 Interview Questions and Answers, How to Craft a Compelling Elevator Pitch in 20 Seconds or Less, Get Ready for the Job Jungle, Diagnosing Your Job Search Problems, No BS Resume Advice, and Prove Your Worth First, Then Negotiate. Receive free weekly suggestions and more. Subscribe to No BS Job Search Advice Radio, the #1 podcast in Apple Podcasts for job search with more than 3000 episodes. Connect on LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/T⁠⁠heBigGameHunter⁠ We grant permission for this post and others to be used on your website as long as a backlink is included to ⁠www. TheBigGameHunter.us⁠ and notice is provided that it is provided by Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter as an author or creator. Not acknowledging his work or providing a backlink to ⁠www. TheBigGameHunter.us⁠ makes you subject to a $1000 penalty which you proactively agree to pay. Please contact us to negotiate the use of our content as training data.<15 minutes

• 0:00Speaker 00

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• 0:31Speaker 01

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• 0:59Speaker 02

  You know, here's something that might make you think twice about your job search strategy. A huge number of opportunities, maybe even most, they never get posted publicly.

• 1:08Speaker 03

  Mm hmm. It's all about who you know, isn't it?

• 1:10Speaker 02

  Yeah.

• 1:10Speaker 03

  That hidden job market.

• 1:11Speaker 02

  Exactly. And that's where LinkedIn, if you use it right, can be like your secret key.

• 1:17Speaker 03

  Well, it's interesting because people often see it as just like an online resume.

• 1:20Speaker 02

  Hmm.

• 1:21Speaker 03

  But the real power, it's in connecting you with actual people, unlocking that hidden market you mentioned. It's this massive network, really.

• 1:28Speaker 02

  Yes. And that's what we're really going to dive deep into today. Not just, you know, having a profile, but mastering networking on LinkedIn effectively. We're tailoring this for you. Someone who wants to get up to speed quickly, thoroughly, without feeling, well, overwhelmed by it all.

• 1:43Speaker 03

  Right.

• 1:43Speaker 02

  Our mission here is to give you really actionable steps, things you can do to build genuine connections. Doesn't matter if you're actively looking for a job right now or just exploring, or even just wanting to broaden your horizons professionally.

• 1:57Speaker 03

  And we've looked at quite a bit of material, expert advice, articles, but also importantly, what real people are experiencing, what actually works on the ground.

• 2:08Speaker 02

  Yeah.

• 2:08Speaker 03

  We've tried to boil it down to the Core strategies that really make a difference for you.

• 2:12Speaker 02

  Okay, great. So let's unpack this. First things first, your profile. It's your digital introduction, right? What absolutely needs to be there to make that good first impression?

• 2:21Speaker 03

  Think of it as your online ambassador, working for you 24/7. It's often the very first interaction someone has with you professionally. So yeah, it needs to clearly show who you are and what value you bring.

• 2:32Speaker 02

  Okay, so the photo, the headshot. Professional, yeah, but doesn't need to be overly formal.

• 2:39Speaker 03

  Not at all.

• 2:39Speaker 02

  Yeah.

• 2:40Speaker 03

  Friendly, make sure it's well-lit, maybe a clean, simple background. That's really key.

• 2:43Speaker 02

  And you don't need like a pro photographer necessarily. Even tools like Canva can help you just tidy up the background on a photo you already have, make it look polished.

• 2:50Speaker 03

  And it matters. Profiles with photos get way more views. It's not just vanity. It builds trust, makes you seem approachable. People are just more likely to click to learn more.

• 3:00Speaker 02

  Makes sense. Okay, then the headline. You mentioned this is important.

• 3:04Speaker 03

  It's gold. Prime real estate.

• 3:06Speaker 02

  Don't just put your current job title, right?

• 3:08Speaker 03

  Exactly. Think keywords. What do you do? What skills do you have that recruiters or potential connections might actually search for?

• 3:17Speaker 02

  So instead of just, I don't know, project manager, maybe something like technical project manager, agile and Scrum certified, delivering fintech solutions, something like that.

• 3:27Speaker 03

  Precisely. You're optimizing your profile, essentially, making it searchable. Think like a recruiter. What terms would they use? We see data showing keyword-rich headlines get contacted much more frequently.

• 3:38Speaker 02

  Okay, headline optimized. Now, the work experience section, it shouldn't just be a copy paste from your resume, you said.

• 3:44Speaker 03

  Right. List your responsibilities, sure, but the real impact comes from focusing on your accomplishments. What did you achieve? What were the results?

• 3:52Speaker 02

  So less managed projects and more.

• 3:54Speaker 03

  More like successfully delivered 10 key projects resulting in a 15% increase in efficiency. Or managed budgets averaging $6, consistently coming in Y percent under. Numbers grab attention. They provide proof.

• 4:07Speaker 02

  Concrete results.

• 4:08Speaker 03

  That's true.

• 4:09Speaker 02

  And the about section, the summary.

• 4:11Speaker 03

  This is your narrative, your chance to, you know, add some personality, connect the dots, briefly mention your core experience, highlight key skills. Technical skills are great here. Maybe talk about your current focus, what you're passionate about. If you're open to opportunities, you can subtly mention that, too.

• 4:27Speaker 02

  It adds context beyond just the bullet points.

• 4:30Speaker 03

  Exactly. It helps people understand your journey, your aspirations. A good summary often leads to more meaningful connection requests.

• 4:39Speaker 02

  Okay. And one last quick thing here. Customize your LinkedIn URL, that unique link.

• 4:43Speaker 03

  Yes, especially if you have a common name. It looks cleaner, makes it easier for people to find you directly. Just a small professional touch.

• 4:50Speaker 02

  Right. So fundamental takeaway.

• 4:53Speaker 03

  Mm-hmm.

• 4:53Speaker 02

  Get that profile looking sharp before you start actively reaching out.

• 4:57Speaker 03

  Absolutely. Foundation first.

• 4:59Speaker 02

  Okay, foundation is solid. Now, how do we actually build the network? Expand those connections effectively.

• 5:04Speaker 03

  Well, remember, it's not just about the number of connections. It's about building actual relationships. Start with who you know. Your warm network. Sync your phone contacts. Check out the people you may know feature. You'll likely find old colleagues, classmates, people you met ages ago.

• 5:21Speaker 02

  That makes sense. Start with the low-hanging fruit. But what about reaching out cold to people you don't know? That's where it feels a bit awkward sometimes.

• 5:29Speaker 03

  It can, but it's crucial. The key is a targeted approach. Don't just randomly connect. Identify who you actually want to connect with. Is it recruiters in your specific industry? Hiring managers at companies you admire? Maybe people doing interesting work you want to learn from? Industry influencers.

• 5:46Speaker 02

  And then the connection request itself. That generic, "I'd like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn" message.

• 5:52Speaker 03

  Yeah, just don't use that.

• 5:54Speaker 02

  Uh-huh.

• 5:55Speaker 03

  It screams low effort. It often gets ignored.

• 5:57Speaker 02

  So personalization is absolutely critical.

• 6:00Speaker 03

  Hugely. It shows you've taken, you know, even just 30 seconds to look at their profile and have a genuine reason to connect. The acceptance rate shoots way up. Like, three or four times higher, based on what we see.

• 6:10Speaker 02

  Okay, so what makes a good personalized note?

• 6:12Speaker 03

  Keep it brief. Two or three sentences, max. Mentioning a mutual connection is always strong. "Hi, Name. I saw we're both connected with mutual connections name and thought it would be great to connect." Instant bridge.

• 6:24Speaker 02

  Or referencing something specific.

• 6:26Speaker 03

  Definitely. "Hi, Name. I really enjoyed your recent post about topic, especially your point on specific detail. Would love to connect." Shows you're paying attention.

• 6:36Speaker 02

  Or maybe interest in their company or role.

• 6:38Speaker 03

  Yep. "Hi, Name. I'm really interested in the work company is doing in field. I'd appreciate the chance to connect and potentially learn from your experience there. Simple, direct, shows genuine interest."

• 6:50Speaker 02

  And always use that add a note button when you hit connect. Don't skip it.

• 6:53Speaker 03

  Always. Every single time for cold outreach.

• 6:56Speaker 02

  Okay. When should you not connect? Is there a line?

• 7:00Speaker 03

  Well, avoid just blasting out hundreds of generic invites. That looks like spamming. And it can actually hurt your account's reputation on the platform. Be selective.

• 7:09Speaker 02

  And what about when you receive requests from strangers?

• 7:12Speaker 03

  Take a quick look at their profile. Any shared connections? Relevant industry? If it looks totally random or like a sales pitch, you might ignore it. That "I don't know this person" button.

• 7:24Speaker 02

  Mm-hmm.

• 7:24Speaker 03

  Use it sparingly. It's really meant for actual spam or scams because clicking it can negatively affect the sender. So unless it's clearly dodgy, maybe just ignore it if it's not relevant.

• 7:35Speaker 02

  Okay. So you're making connections, your network's growing. What next? Just let it sit there?

• 7:40Speaker 03

  No, definitely not. Connecting is just step one. Now you need to engage. Nurture those connections.

• 7:46Speaker 02

  Gosh.

• 7:46Speaker 03

  Actively participate. Like posts from people in your network. Leave thoughtful comments. Not just "great post", but something that adds to the conversation. Share articles or posts you find interesting and relevant to your network.

• 7:58Speaker 02

  Yeah.

• 7:58Speaker 03

  This keeps you visible, shows you're engaged, and demonstrates your own interests and expertise.

• 8:02Speaker 02

  And what about creating your own stuff? Posting your own updates or articles?

• 8:05Speaker 03

  Absolutely. Sharing your own insights, maybe experiences from your work, industry observations. It positions you as knowledgeable. It doesn't have to be, you know, a massive thesis. Even a short post, a relevant question, a helpful tip. Consistency is probably more important than length or frequency.

• 8:23Speaker 02

  That sounds like a good way for maybe more introverted people to build visibility, too.

• 8:27Speaker 03

  It really is. You can showcase your expertise without needing to be the loudest person in the virtual room.

• 8:34Speaker 02

  Good point. What about LinkedIn groups? Are they still relevant?

• 8:37Speaker 03

  They can be, yes. Especially niche groups focused on your specific industry, skills, or interests. It's a way to connect with a really targeted audience, join discussions, ask specific questions, and share your knowledge in a more focused community. Find active, well-moderated groups.

• 8:53Speaker 02

  Okay. Now, something you mentioned earlier, informational interviews. Can we unpack that? What exactly are they?

• 8:58Speaker 03

  So an informational interview is basically just a chat. An informal conversation where you're reaching out to someone to learn about their job, their company, their industry. The key thing is you are not directly asking for a job in that meeting. You're gathering information, seeking advice.

• 9:13Speaker 02

  Right, information gathering, not job soliciting. How do you actually get someone to agree to one?

• 9:20Speaker 03

  Leverage your network first. Looks your first degree connections or maybe second degree connections where you have a mutual contact. Find people in roles or companies that interest you. Then send a brief polite personalized message.

• 9:34Speaker 02

  Like what?

• 9:34Speaker 03

  Something along the lines of, hi name, I'm currently exploring career paths in field and I really admire the work you've done at company. Would you perhaps be open to a brief 15, 20 minute virtual coffee chat sometime in the coming weeks? I'd love to hear about your experience. Keep it easy for them to say yes.

• 9:50Speaker 02

  And if they agree, what should you ask? You don't want to waste their time.

• 9:53Speaker 03

  Prepare some questions in advance. Ask about their typical day, what they enjoy most about their role, what the biggest challenges are. Ask about career progression in their field, maybe advice they have for someone like you, trends they're seeing. And always ask, is there anyone else you think it would be helpful for me to speak with?

• 10:10Speaker 02

  Good one. Expand the network further.

• 10:13Speaker 03

  Exactly. And remember to listen more than you talk. It's about learning from them.

• 10:17Speaker 02

  And follow up is crucial here, I imagine.

• 10:20Speaker 03

  Absolutely essential. Send a thank you note within 24 hours. Personalize it, mention something specific you learned or found valuable. And if they gave you advice or suggested another contact, act on it. And maybe even circle back later to let them know how it went. That really strengthens the connection.

• 10:36Speaker 02

  Okay, that makes a lot of sense. Let's shift gears slightly to networking, specifically when you are actively job searching. Are there different tactics?

• 10:43Speaker 03

  Yeah, you might adjust your focus a bit. Think about two types. Peer networking and reach networking. Peer networking is connecting with others at your level. You can share leads, insights, support each other. Reach networking is targeting recruiters, hiring managers, people in positions to potentially hire you. You need both.

• 11:03Speaker 02

  And we mentioned this before, but it bears repeating network before you desperately need something.

• 11:08Speaker 03

  Oh, absolutely. Building relationships takes time. If your first interaction with someone is asking for a job, it's less likely to succeed than if you've already established some rapport. Recruiters are maybe the exception as it's their job, but generally nurture first.

• 11:23Speaker 02

  How do you effectively find recruiters on LinkedIn? It seems like there are so many.

• 11:28Speaker 03

  Use the search function strategically. Search recruiter, but add keywords for your industry like tech recruiter, healthcare recruiter, target companies, maybe location. Look for those mutual connections. Again, an introduction is always warmer. And use LinkedIn search filters to narrow things down by company, location, et cetera.

• 11:45Speaker 02

  Okay. And if you see a specific job posted that looks perfect, is it okay to reach out directly?

• 11:50Speaker 03

  Yes, often it is, alongside the formal application. Find the likely hiring manager or a relevant recruiter. Send a concise message. Say, "I saw the posting for the job title role, and I've just submitted my application. My background and mention one, two key relevant skills experiences seems like a strong match. I'd welcome the chance to discuss further." Keep it brief and targeted to the role.

• 12:13Speaker 02

  And referrals, we hear companies love referrals. How does networking help there?

• 12:17Speaker 03

  It's huge. Referrals often get priority review. Faster hiring, better retention sometimes. By building genuine connections with people inside your target companies, you might eventually be in a position where someone is happy to refer you when a suitable role opens up. But again, it comes from relationship building, not just asking strangers for referrals.

• 12:37Speaker 02

  Right. And a quick practical tip? People are busy. Don't be afraid to follow up politely if you don't hear back.

• 12:43Speaker 03

  Definitely. Wait a reasonable amount of time, maybe a week or so, then send a gentle nudge. "Just wanted to gently follow up on my previous message." Polite persistence is key.

• 12:52Speaker 02

  Okay, great advice. As we start to wrap up, let's quickly touch on some LinkedIn etiquette, the basic do's and don'ts.

• 13:00Speaker 03

  Okay, quickly. Maintain professionalism. Keep your posts and comments generally work-related or industry-focused. Avoid overly personal stuff or spam.

• 13:09Speaker 02

  Personalized messages, we've hit that hard.

• 13:11Speaker 03

  Yes. Show you did your homework. Mention how you found them or why you're reaching out specifically.

• 13:16Speaker 02

  Tagging people in posts.

• 13:18Speaker 03

  Be mindful. Only tag people if the post is directly relevant to them or you genuinely want their input. Don't just tag influencers for visibility.

• 13:27Speaker 02

  Okay. Congratulating people on new jobs or promotions.

• 13:30Speaker 03

  Do it. A genuine personalized message means more than the default congrats.

• 13:35Speaker 02

  Handling negative comments if they appear on your posts.

• 13:38Speaker 03

  Professionally. Don't get defensive. Address valid points calmly. Or sometimes it's best just to ignore or delete outright trolling.

• 13:46Speaker 02

  Endorsements and recommendations.

• 13:47Speaker 03

  Endorsements are quick clicks for skills. You can gently prompt close colleagues. Recommendations or written testimonials much more powerful. Ask former managers or happy clients he had a good relationship with. Offer to reciprocate. And again, that I don't know this person, do it judiciously.

• 14:06Speaker 02

  Great summary. So really, bringing it all together, effective LinkedIn networking isn't about just racking up numbers. It's building that strong profile foundation, connecting strategically and personally, engaging consistently, sharing value, and just being a good professional contact. It's about genuine, long-term relationships.

• 14:23Speaker 03

  Exactly. And when you approach it like that, using these strategies, you really can tap into those hidden opportunities, boost your visibility, and build a network that truly supports your career growth. And importantly, you can do it without feeling awkward or like you're forcing connections. It becomes more natural.

• 14:40Speaker 02

  So here's a final thought for you, the listener. What's one small thing, one actionable step you can take on LinkedIn, maybe even today? Could it be updating the headline with some better keywords? Sending just one personalized connection request to someone at a company you admire? Engaging thoughtfully on one post? How might that small, single action start building momentum towards your bigger professional goals?

• 15:04Speaker 03

  We covered a lot of ground in this deep dive. Hopefully, it's given you some clear ideas. There's always more to learn, of course. But we really encourage you to get in there, try some of these things out, and see the possibilities for yourself. What other questions does this bring up for you about using LinkedIn effectively? Keep exploring.

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