Whether you’re actively searching for a new job or simply managing your career while happily employed, building and maintaining your LinkedIn network is one of the smartest moves you can make.
Here’s what effective networking looks like:
- Stay in regular contact with your inner circle of connections
- Periodically reach out to people in your broader network
- Keep adding new people to expand your reach
There’s ongoing debate in the careers world about whether you should limit your LinkedIn connections to a manageable number. After all, how can you possibly maintain meaningful relationships with more than 500 people?
However, I recommend against putting artificial limits on your connections.
The more LinkedIn connections you have, the wider your net for new opportunities. You’ll stay visible to more people, which means better opportunities are more likely to find their way to you.
Plus, having more connections means more people will engage with your content when you post updates, articles, or comments. This amplifies your personal brand and helps spread awareness of what makes you unique.
There’s also a practical benefit: once you hit 500+ connections, LinkedIn’s algorithm gives your profile higher visibility in search results, making you easier to find.
Why So Many People Reach Out on LinkedIn
Chances are, many people in your network are already following these networking principles. They’re actively working their connections and staying in touch with you regularly.
Unfortunately, not everyone approaches networking skillfully.
Many of the senior executives I work with tell me they’re frustrated by constant requests for advice, quick favors, leads, or “just a few minutes” of their time from people they barely know or have never met.
These executives are in high demand. They’re often decision makers at the top of their organizations, exactly the people that job seekers and others want to reach. Their time is incredibly valuable.
Because they’re so sought after, many hesitate to build a strong online presence or engage actively on social platforms.
Several of my clients have told me that while they understand the importance of having a LinkedIn presence, they worry about opening themselves up to even more requests for their precious time.
I Face the Same Challenge
I’m in a similar position. After about 25 years in the careers industry with a strong LinkedIn presence and social media following, I’ve become fairly well known in my field.
People I’ve never met, spoken with, or even heard of reach out to me constantly. Most of the time, they want something from me, so I’ve learned to be selective about how I respond.
Sometimes I don’t respond at all. Other times I’ll politely explain that I can’t respond to every request I receive. And occasionally, I’m excited to connect with someone new, help them out, or explore potential collaboration.
Don’t misunderstand me. I’ve gladly mentored and collaborated with many people over the years, just as others have helped me. But I simply can’t accommodate every request or spare 15 minutes for everyone who asks.
How NOT to Network with Me on LinkedIn
Here are the approaches that immediately turn me off:
In LinkedIn connection invitations:
- Using LinkedIn’s generic “I’d like to add you to my professional network” message with no personal touch
- “Will you review my profile and give me feedback?”
- “My resume isn’t getting results. I’ve attached it here. Can you tell me what’s wrong?”
- “I’m looking for an XYZ position in the ABC industry. Can you introduce me to someone who can help?”
- “I see you’re a recruiter. Can you help me find a job?” (I’m not a recruiter, and my profile doesn’t say I am)
Via LinkedIn messages from industry colleagues I’ve never communicated with:
- “Please help promote my new book/product”
- “Can we schedule time to discuss how you built your business using social media?”
- “I’m starting my own career services business. Can you share how you did it?”
What Went Wrong?
Their first communication was a request for a favor from someone they don’t know at all, or barely know. They skipped the relationship building part of networking. They didn’t give me any reason to want to connect with them.
Maybe they only wanted that one favor and weren’t interested in building a real professional relationship. But from my perspective, I could be setting myself up for a one sided relationship where someone constantly asks for help without offering anything in return.
Here’s another red flag: Unless I already know someone well, I immediately check their LinkedIn profile when they reach out.
If their profile is barely filled out and tells me almost nothing about them, I’ll probably decline whatever they’re asking for.
This is especially true when someone claims to be a LinkedIn expert. How can they position themselves as knowledgeable about LinkedIn when they haven’t bothered to create a complete profile?
How to Make Positive Connections on LinkedIn
Don’t just tell me how I can help you. Show me how we can help each other.
Give me a compelling reason to want to connect with you and get to know you better. Explain how you learned about me, why you want to connect, and why building a relationship with you might benefit me too.
When reaching out to me or anyone you plan to ask a favor from, don’t make your first message the request. Invest time in building the relationship before expecting something in return. Good networking requires balance and mutual benefit.
And obviously, don’t expect networking success on LinkedIn if you don’t have a solid profile. Get that foundation in place first.
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