Four Networking Etiquette Tips
LinkedIn reported that 73 percent of its members use the platform for networking with other professionals . Become part of a conversation and engage with others , but keep these pointers in mind when you do :
1 . Personalize your connection request . One of the biggest mistakes professionals make on LinkedIn is not taking the time to personalize their request . They click “ Connect ” and send out the generic invite that says “ I ’ d like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn .”
Let ’ s say you reach out to a spa director you don ’ t know ( or don ’ t know well ), take an extra moment to personalize your request and let him / her know why you ’ re reaching out . Perhaps you both have a colleague , a personal interest or a university in common . This is the beginning of developing a relationship so take advantage of the opportunity to start a conversation .
2 . After your request has been accepted , ditch the pitch . In other words , your next message to that person should not be a sales pitch . Use the opportunity to share something about yourself , but ask how you might be of assistance to your new connection . Remember , LinkedIn is about building and nurturing the KLT Factor ( i . e ., Know , Like and Trust ) first .
Provide value to the people you reach out to . Send them a link to an article you think may be of interest , either personally or professionally . When I saw that one of my connections ( who was also a prospect ) liked running and had family in Colorado , I sent him a link to a running event that was taking place in Colorado — no pitch , just something of interest to him that helped me nurture the relationship .
3 . Don ’ t ignore an invitation from someone you don ’ t know . When you receive an invite from someone you don ’ t recognize , take a moment to visit their profile first . Perhaps this person could be a referral resource , a vendor or potential customer .
If they ’ ve made the mistake of sending you a generic
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