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LEVEL UP YOUR LinkedIn CONNECTIONS
1. Start with Genuine Engagement Like, comment, and share posts thoughtfully. Real conversations begin when you show genuine interest in others’ work and achievements.
2. Personalise Your Messages Avoid generic“ Hi, let’ s connect” notes. Mention shared interests, recent posts, or mutual connections to make your outreach more meaningful.
3. Move Beyond the Platform When the time feels right, invite connections for a quick coffee, video call, or event meetup. Stronger relationships are built offline.
4. Give Before You Ask Offer help, insights, or introductions without expecting immediate returns. Trust grows when you contribute value first.
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Hanie Razaif-Bohlender, a career coach and member of the School of Business Industry Advisory Board, shares her insights on how building genuine relationships can transform professional growth.
In today’ s fast-evolving professional landscape, networking is not just about finding your next job. It is about opening new doors, staying ahead of industry trends, and building a lifetime of learning opportunities. In an increasingly digital world, real human connections remain at the heart of every opportunity. Why networking matters:
“ Today, more than ever, networking matters because at the heart of every opportunity is human connection,”
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How digital platforms have changed the game: The digital age has transformed how we network, but it has not replaced the need for real connection.“ In today’ s crowded, noisy world, a like or a DM is not enough,” explains Hanie. While digital platforms are excellent for starting conversations, sustaining meaningful connections still requires effort. Whenever possible, move the interaction offline. Meet for coffee, jump on a video call, or arrange an in-person catch-up. Real trust grows through real conversations.
A story of trust without ever meeting in person: Hanie’ s own experience is a testament to the power of authentic digital networking. Years ago, she connected with a professional in Brunei through LinkedIn, without ever meeting face-to-face. Over time, mutual respect and trust developed through consistent and genuine engagement. Eventually, that connection led to a trusted referral, another professional seeking a career pivot.“ All of us, in a way, put our reputations on the line based purely on the trust we built over time,” Hanie reflects. It is a powerful reminder that relationships, not résumés, build lasting opportunities.
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BRIEFINGS |
LINKEDIN FAST FACTS
6people are hired every minute. LinkedIn moves fast.
Posts with images double engagement. Visuals grab attention.
35.5mil were hired through contacts. Networking pays
> 100mil messages are sent daily. Join the party! |
shares Hanie, who has been a career coach for the last two decades. In a world that is moving faster and becoming more digital each day, real engagement— showing up, listening, and genuinely connecting— makes all the difference. Skills and qualifications can open the door, but it is often the relationships you nurture that bring you into rooms you did not even know existed.
Common pitfalls young professionals should avoid: One common mistake is rushing. According to Hanie, young professionals often jump into conversations with excitement, focusing too much on pitching themselves rather than taking time to read the room.“ They may overlook non-verbal cues, misread the situation, and miss the chance to build a genuine connection first,” she says. Networking, at its core, should feel natural, like building a friendship, not making a transaction.
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“ Skills open doors. Relationships keep you in the room.”
HANIE RAZAIF-BOHLENDER
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