Networking

How To Develop A Strong Network On LinkedIn

How To Develop A Strong Network On LinkedIn

You’ve always been told, “More is better,” when it comes to LinkedIn. You strive for more recommendations, more endorsements, and more connections. But is more really better? When it comes to your LinkedIn connections, having lots of people in your network is always going to be helpful. In fact, when you reach 500 connections, you become viewed as a power user of LinkedIn. That said, if you systematically send out invitation blasts, you might get restricted by LinkedIn. “LinkedIn can tell when someone is trying to game the system,” said J.T. O’Donnell, LinkedIn Influencer and founder of CAREEREALISM.com. In addition, if you’re getting a lot of rejections, you might get flagged as a spammer. This will also get you restricted. Not cool! So, how can you develop a strong network on LinkedIn? Instead of risking it, J.T. suggests you do the following:


  • Do your homework
  • Make a Bucket List of companies that excite you
  • Send out 5-10 well-crafted and customized requests to people in those companies
This will help you build a strong, quality network. “I’d rather see you find people you want to connect with, craft requests, and, when they accept the request, do something with it,” said J.T. “Don’t just forget about them.” Here’s how you can build a relationships via LinkedIn:
  • Follow up with them
  • Send them an article
  • Put them in your rotation of people you want to touch base with
  • Eventually ask them for an informational interview
  • Get to know them
“You don’t want to be passive in your network,” she said. “A smaller, stronger network is going to be equally as effective as a big, open one where you have no relationships.” The key is continuing to practice this strategy. Over a year, think about the network you could have! You will have a large, quality network of people. What’s better than that? “If you’ve developed a strong and healthy network, and you keep doing it…. The sky is the limit for you,” she said.

Related Posts

Top 10 People You Must Have In Your Network To Find A Job3 Reasons Networking Is A Job Search Priority4 Essentials For Networking With Strangers On LinkedInPhoto Credit: Shutterstock
Featured