The Art of Networking: Building Meaningful Relationships on LinkedIn and Beyond
Are you trying to network through LinkedIn and cold emails, but finding your response rate disappointingly low? You’re not alone. Effective networking is about building relationships, not just diving in with a request to be considered for a job. It’s about establishing rapport and trust, and this, takes time and patience.
I had mixed feelings about networking when I first started attending events. The thought of walking into a room full of strangers, trying to infiltrate various little groups, and instigating a conversation made my stomach turn.
I needed to shift my perspective otherwise networking was just going to be a source of anxiety and trepidation. I recognised the value, I knew networking was impactful for knowledge sharing, industry expertise, contacts and opportunities, but that initial, walking in the door bit, was like a road block to me. I needed to pivot my mindset away from expecting to walk away with new business and consider how I could offer value to others in a non-reciprocal way. This helped in removing a weighted expectation from my shoulders. By changing my focus, I removed the fear of failure and what felt like a forced transactional encounter. This created a space for more authentic conversations. When new connections walked away feeling informed, supported, or inspired, I became someone they returned to. The key was to give without expecting anything in return.
As well as this mindset change, I also brought a friend or colleague with me to help alleviate the solo nerves and it also helped to have a few conversation icebreakers in my back pocket. Check these out for some helpful inspiration: 30 Brilliant Networking Conversation Starters and 17 Great Conversation Starters to Help Break the Ice at Networking Events.
Here are some tips to enhance your networking efforts:
Target the Right People: Focus on peers or individuals a level above or below your position, rather than solely on senior titles.
Personalise Connection Requests: Attach a short, thoughtful note with your connection requests to make a positive first impression.
Craft Specific Emails: When emailing someone, be specific about what they do that inspires you. Reference a quote or a specific moment their work impacted you. This type of engagement is more likely to garner a response.
Ask Targeted Questions: Be very specific with any questions—ask something that can't be easily found through a Google search.
Be Concise and Compelling: Ensure your emails are concise and engaging, with a strong subject line to grab attention.
Be Respectful of Time: Not everyone is open to a virtual or physical call. Be targeted and thoughtful if you request 15 minutes of someone’s time. Many people prefer messaging where they can consider your query and tailor their response.
Follow Up Politely: If you don’t receive a response, follow up a week or two later with a gentle nudge. People get busy, and a polite reminder can bring your email back to their attention.
Leverage Existing Connections: Utilise the connections you already have. Ask if they can introduce you to someone specific, and explain why you want the introduction. This targeted approach helps them craft a supportive connection request.
Seek Professional Guidance: Engage with a career consultant or mentor for added support, advice, and guidance.
Optimise Your LinkedIn Profile: Keep your LinkedIn profile up to date and curated for the opportunities you’re seeking.
Research Job Roles: Leverage the terminology and descriptions used in job specifications, where aligned with your experience, mirror these in your profile and communications. This will help Recruiters align your skills and experience to their needs and increase their likelihood of accepting your connection requests.
Add Value in Engagements: When engaging with someone’s posts, to stand out ensure you add value—either entertain, inform, or inspire.
Post Informative Content: Share content related to your profession and tag relevant companies and individuals you quote. Establishing yourself as a thought leader builds your credibility.
Join and Engage in Communities: Find a community and genuinely become part of it. Building the best connections and relationships often happens within these groups.
Explore Alternative Networking Platforms: Try platforms like Lunchclub, CoffeeMug, and Meetup. For those in Ireland, consider Network Ireland and Grow Remote.
By implementing these strategies, you’ll build stronger, more meaningful connections and enhance your networking success.
If you have any networking strategies that you feel have been successful for you, please share in the comments section to help others.
Happy networking!
