Content creation | Engagement
Network Like a Pro Using these 5 Tips
100% Guaranteed Results
Networking is a skill that you must know in the present time. This is because it opens the door of opportunities for you like you get recommendations or referrals and learning from mentors.
Abdulsalam Makinde who is one of my active readers, commented on my post “5 Things I wish I knew Earlier in my Writing Career” and asked me to write some networking tips in a post.
Thanks to him.
To be honest, I had no tips. I analysed my behavior on different platforms like Medium and LinkedIn. What I do? How do I network? How am I getting results without any tricks and hacks? Everything!
Then, I came up with 5 tips that can make you a good networker. You will gradually become “Someone(you) I know who is an expert in this (your service)” in someone else’s DM.
Let’s dive into the information.
The Right Way of Networking
Know Who to Network with
Before you try different things, you should first know who are the people you want to network with. Let me explain what I mean by an example.
If you are a Content Writer, you will be first networking with your fellow writers, then content creators and ideal clients. If you are connecting with, say Software engineers, building a network with them will not get you leads.
Therefore, you should have a clarity about the industry in which you want to build connections.
Personalized Invites
If any platform like LinkedIn supports sending personalized invitations to the people you want to connect with, you must use that.
Why?
Personalized invites help you in standing out of the crowd. The person you want to send a connect request might receive dozens in a day. When you are attaching a personalized note with your request, you are giving him a reason why you want to connect. Then, he is more likely to accept your request and may come in your DMs.
Be Present in their Dms and Comments
Yes, your job is not finished after sending a request. Once recipient, accept your request, You should start meaningful conversations with him.
You can ask about his journey, How he started? Mistakes he made? How he got his first gig? Any tip for you? and whatever you want to ask.
Whenever they post something, do not hesitate to appreciate it and leave a genuine comment (Not like good post, thanks for sharing etc.). Be creative.
Engage with Your Regular Audience
When your connections write any comment for you on any platform, respond to them.
Do not make the mistake of just liking the comment and not replying. Appreciate their efforts.
In addition to this, interact with their posts too. This will convert them into your engaging audience who will always support your posts.
Bonus Tip for LinkedIn
This tip is for inbound leads. If you are looking for jobs on LinkedIn, do not apply with the “Easy Apply” option. Instead, see who is hiring for job. Connect with that person directly.
You can send a personalized invite like this —
Hey [Name]
I am a ____ (your profession) and I just came across your profile.
I want to connect with you to build my network with amazing people.
By looking at your profile, I felt that you might need my services. In that case, I would be happy to work with you.
Thank you.
Regards
Your Name
Now, let me tell you the benefit of doing so —
- One, your profile stands out.
- Two, you are not directly telling them you are interested in their job post. Instead, you have a long-term plan of getting gigs.
If they are impressed by your profile, they will definitely tell you about the lead. Then, you have a higher chance of getting selected as you already got that person into your connection. You are not lost in those hundreds of applicants who applied for the job.
Final Words
Follow these tips and execute them.
Be consistent in networking and gradually, you will be known for your services. You then, will get a good chance to build your personal brand.
Inbound leads will be yours as well.
Thanks for reading and take care :)
