LinkedIn is a great way to gain a professional edge as a business owner. Using the platform effectively allows you to connect not only with potential clients by expanding your reach within a business community; it is also a great way to make powerful connections and partners in your industry. I have connected with people who have helped to grow my client list significantly through referrals and partnerships with others in my industry. LinkedIn is a great way to start exploring networking online for those who may not have the time to invest in networking events. Like all social media platforms, however, there are ways to use your platform effectively and ways to miss the mark. Here are 7 ways you can use to network more effectively on LinkedIn. Source credit to SpeakersTrainersDirectory.com

1. 7
Ways to
Network
Effectively on

2. LinkedIn has changed
professional networking forever.

3. It is a virtual, global,
professional networking
event that is going on 24/7.

4. It accelerates and scales
the relationship-building
process like never before.

5. Your goal withLinkedIn
networking is simple.
NETWORK
SMARTER:
Help the members of your
network get what they
need and want.

6. Your role is to go into LinkedIn and
search for opportunities to guide
and serve your network members.

7. What dothey need?
What do they want?
Who do they need to know?
What will make them
look goodto their networks?

8. Use these 7 strategies to
start networking smarter!
(and stop working so hard to promote your business!)

9. 1
Get Them in
Your 1st-
Degree
Network

10. Higher-quality networking
is more achievable with your
1st-degree network.

11. When you invite a new person into
your 1st-degree network, you gain
more information about them.

12. The more you know, the easier it
is to connect them with the right
people and opportunities.

13. Engage in one-to-one dialogue with
1st-degree connections through
LinkedIn messaging.

14. 2
Be a
Giver on
LinkedIn

15. Rule of Reciprocity
When you genuinely give to
others to help them solve a
problem, improve, getsmarter, or
expand their network on LinkedIn,
it will comebackto you.

16. There is a catch:
You must be genuine and
authentic in your giving.

17. You must sincerely feel it and
mean it. You also must expect
nothing in return.

18. As a giver, you will spend
your time on activities such as
promoting, acknowledging,
thanking, endorsing,
congratulating, sharing,
asking, conversing,
introducing, referring, and
connecting others.

19. 3
Leverage
the 80/20
Pareto
Principle

20. 20%
of your
80
Actions
Time
Network
of your
RESULTS
will
produce

21. Focus on the right people
(Most Valuable Connections)
with the rightactions.

22. By using the 80/20 rule, you will
narrow your networkingfocus.

23. This will save you time, effort, and
energy, and help you achieve
your desired results more
quickly.

24. 4
Gather
Intelligence
About Your
Network

25. The power of your network is
only as strong as your
knowledge about the people
within your network.

26. Find commonconnection points
for starting conversations,
nurturing relationships, and
serving the people youare
connected to.

27. You also have to showcase the
things you care about and enjoy on
social networks, including LinkedIn.

28. Share as much information
about yourself as you are
comfortable with.

29. Engage
in“Five-Minute”
LinkedI
n
Favor
s

30. Quick but meaningful actions
can increase your influence
with others.

31. Help yournetwork members
with small favors, in small
increments of time.

32. Small digital favors for others can
differentiate you and position you as
a valuable resource to yournetwork.

33. Connect people
Share a valuable resource
Provide feedback orassistance
Post an answeror
recommendation

34. Notice
(and Act) on
the Little
Thing
s

35. LinkedIn makes it easy for you to
stay updated on some of the little
things happening with your
network.

36. Small gestures of acknowledgement
give you the opportunity to stay top
of mind with yourconnections.

37. LinkedIn Updates e-mail
Receive a customized daily
e-mail about birthdays,work
anniversaries, job changes, or“in
the news” appearances

38. LinkedIn Connected app
Send short, personalized
messages to your
connections

39. 7
Develo
p
Strategic
Partnerships

40. A strategic partneris
someone who is already in front
of your target market providing a
noncompeting service.

41. Promote
Introduce
Endorse
Recommend
Your Partner

42. To open up strategic partnering
opportunities, clearly communicate
on your LinkedIn profile exactly
what you doand whom you help.