Taking Names and Conquering LinkedIn

The path to getting 501+ LinkedIn connections isn't a difficult one. You just have to know where to look and how to network.

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For many people on LinkedIn, one of the biggest challenges they have is figuring out how to get to 501 connections, because that’s what LinkedIn says makes you an “all-star.” So, how do you get there?

The first step is to look in your own backyard. Who do you know that you went to school with? That you worked with in the past? Maybe your backyard includes friends that you do business with or a distinct networking group. Go through all of your contact lists and send personalized LinkedIn invitations that state the specificity of your connection to them (e.g. “We both went to UMass Amherst!”) and your intention of being a resource for them. Create a template for those people so you can copy and paste it instead of writing it out each time.

Once they accept your invitation, send a “thank you” message with a call to action. For example, after you thank them and let them know that you’d love to be a resource for them, include a way for them to subscribe to your newsletter or any type of communication that you want to share. The point is to give before you ask and make sure you acknowledge that they’ve accepted your invitation. If they look like someone you really do want to know, pick up the phone and take it to the next level.

It’s not hard to build that list of connections. Pay attention to who you want to connect with. See if they are connected with anyone else that you should know, too. Think about the people you worked with at prior jobs, or the people in networking groups that you’ve met with in the past. Look at that pile of business cards on your desk. If you happen to be out and about—maybe at a networking event, maybe not—and you meet someone you hit it off with, ask them if they’re on LinkedIn. If they are, send them an invitation!

It’s so easy to connect with people who will actually help you grow your business and you can be a resource for. Remember, if you’re not LinkedIn, you will be left out.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call me or send me an email. I look forward to hearing how you built your network.