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Do I Really Add Value to My LinkedIn Network?

 

As I hit 11,000 LinkedIn Connections a few weeks ago, I wonder if people really “see” me?

 

No matter how many connections you have, you might be asking the same question.

 

I want to share a bit of my LinkedIn Journey.

 

LinkedIn is great when I reach out to people one-on-one to connect. I have received insights about organizations (and job applications), I have found people and companies to partner with, I have found a new role for myself, I have found other people new careers, I have found countless local in-person networking opportunities and the list goes on.

 

Conclusion: I love LinkedIn and it is NOT overrated! You just need to try it for yourself!

 

Here are a few of my LinkedIn best practices that I try to live by:

 

• I try to create and share good quality content in the posts I send out to the LinkedIn Universe
• I try to post in the LinkedIn groups that I have joined
• I log in most days of the work week and stay up-to-date on congratulating my network for the new roles and promotions they receive (yes, all 11,000 of my connections…LinkedIn makes it super easy to make someone’s day, you should really try it)
• I respond back to requests for assistance/advice from people I do not know

 

The above strategy only takes a few minutes a day and my LinkedIn ROI has increased exponentially since adopting the above best practices. I try to connect with my online network and make the interactions more personal, because I know there is a real live human behind that profile picture. Most of the time, the interaction is brief, and that’s OK.

 

Since I have received so much value from LinkedIn over the last few years, I recently decided to start writing articles and sharing original content on LinkedIn as well (this is my 2nd LinkedIn article).

 

I also talk about the Power of LinkedIn when I speak to people in-person. I connect to both people in-person and online, crazy right?? It really is about who you know and Proximity is Power.

 

For anyone that is rolling their eyes right now and doubting the value of LinkedIn, here is a message I received just a few weeks ago from someone in my network that just took a new role as a Vice President. I took the time to talk to her (in real life) about the Power of LinkedIn:

 

Me: Congrats on the new role!

 

VP: Thanks, Ann. You actually played a role in helping me find this company. Even though I wasn’t using your services at the time in 2017, you graciously spoke with me and we talked about using the power of LinkedIn. I took your advice and found this company shortly thereafter. So, thank you for your kindness.

 

For anyone that that doesn’t think LinkedIn has an ROI, I want to share another message I received in the last few weeks from someone I recently connected with on LinkedIn:

 

You are truly an inspiration to all of us #InspirationalLeader

 

Seriously, this is priceless! This made my day and this confirms I am being seen and I do add value to my network. 

 

Are you adding value to your network?

 

Summary: Add value to others and treat them the way you want to be treated and you might just get really awesome messages like these.

 

P.S. You also have to use LinkedIn!

 

I would love to hear how LinkedIn has made a positive impact in your life and/or career, so please post in the comments below.

 

Now I am off and running to add more valuable content to the LinkedIn Universe…stay tuned.

 

About the Author: Ann Jones is a life and career coach with 25+ years of experience helping professionals create fulfillment. Learn more about Ann's background.

 

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Related Reading: How to Find Your Next Job by Networking - Learn specific networking strategies that turn professional connections into career opportunities.