A small wish/hope/prediction for 2012. That this will be the year that Linkedin finally gets the attention it deserves.
More than 120 million professionals are already there on Linkedin. But, many users create a profile on Linkedin and leave it to fester in squalor. This usually happens because Linkedin newbies often feel left out and isolated, and feel unable to connect with more seasoned professionals within the network.
Befriending on Linkedin is not as casual and nonchalant as on Facebook. And for good reason. Linkedin is a community of professionals who get together to bring about positive changes in their career. However, if you can portray yourself in a positive and professional manner, there is no reason why you won't be a superconnector on Linkedin.
Start with your Profile
Professionals, executives and recruiters who chance upon your profile will need to garner as much information as possible, regarding your professional career. So complete your profile and keep it updated with any recent career developments. This includes a professional head-shot as a profile picture as well. While you do pile up information, make sure your profile appears interesting as well. After all your profile helps a potention contact make up their mind whether its worth the effort connecting with you.
Groups of your Choice
Once you have updated your profile, research for a few Linkedin groups in your industry, or area of interest. Groups are like watering holes, where you will be able to like-minded professionals working in your field. Now, contribute freely to topics circulating in these groups. Feel free to add your comments regularly. However, do not appear too self-promoting. The point is to add value, not marketing yourself.
Answer like a Pro
Another great way to build connections will be by responding to queries posted on the Linkedin Answers section. Super-connectors receive most of their contact invitations by answering questions posted by other users. Answering questions conveys your helpful intent, while establishing your position as an industry expert. Moreover, the way you respond to these comments convey your personal opinion, professionalism, and insight into others' issues.
The Art of Invitation
When sending over a Linkedin invite, never go for the standard per-filled message. It's just boring, lazy and unprofessional. Do not randomly send invitations to people you hardly even know of. Instead, find other members active in your Linkedin groups. Send them over invites, providing them a context of your acquiantance. Also give them a compellingh reason why the boith of you should stay in touch. When the other person accepts your invitation, send over a short thank you message.
Asking for an Introduction
In Linkedin, you might not be able to connect directly with whomever you wish to. But you will notice that a few of your contacts might be connected to this person. In this case, do not be shy of asking for an introduction. However, make sure that you sound polite and professional. When requesting for an invitation, attach a note to your existing contact, and the potential connection, explaining why you will like to connect with him/her.