15 Small Business Tips to Become a Networking Pro

15 Small Business Tips to
Become a Networking Pro
©2013 LinkedIn Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

Having the right connections
can create big opportunities

From building new partnerships

But finding business
contacts can be tough

But finding business
contacts can be tough
Who do I connect with?
When do I engage with them?
How do I engage with them?
How do I find them?
How can they help me?

So where do you start?

First things first,
you need to be credible
Optimize your profile
"  "

Put a face to the name
Members with profile photos are more than 7x
more likely to be found in searches

Create a crisp, punchy headline
Highlight what makes you different, speak directly to your
audience, and use keywords to be found in LinkedIn search

Tell the full
story of you
Showcase your professional
career, growth, and
accomplishments in the
Summary and Experience
sections of your profile

Let your network
speak for you
Make your profile come to
life with Endorsements and
Recommendations from
colleagues, employers,
and customers

With an all-star LinkedIn profile,
you’re ready to be found
"  "

But being found takes time

You need contacts
now

It’s time to put
your network to use
Find contacts on LinkedIn
"  "

Define your goal
Determine the core attributes of the people you’re searching for.
For example, 5+ years marketing experience and currently working
in the software industry.

Search on LinkedIn
Search using keywords that illustrate what
type of connection you’re looking for

Search on LinkedIn
Narrow down your results with search facets

Access LinkedIn
Groups
Join groups that relate to your
networking goals, and identify
thought leaders through post
and engagement activity

Focus on quality,
not quantity
The value of your LinkedIn
network comes from the
connections who want to
help your succeed, such as
fellow alumni

Think long term
Although a connection may
not have have direct or
immediate relevance for you,
they could help you access
key business contacts in the
future

Identify the
‘network hubs’
Evaluate your connections
and view their network
snapshot to see who can
help you access contacts
with specific skills, in
particular industries, or at
companies of interest

Leave the
office
Get out of the building and
network in person – it’s hard to
beat old fashioned handshakes.
Remember to close the loop after
meeting new contacts by reaching
out on LinkedIn.
Online works well, but don’t
forget to…

You’ve done your research and
found the right people
"  "

Now it’s time to reach out
Engage on LinkedIn
"  "

Participate in
LinkedIn Groups
Legitimize yourself as a
potential business contact –
share your knowledge with
influencers on LinkedIn Groups

Get a warm introduction
Leverage your network and get introduced
to potential business contacts through mutual connections

Send a message
Reach out to anyone on LinkedIn with InMail. Break the ice by
complimenting their work or stating your intentions.

You’ve engaged contacts,
demonstrated value,
and started the conversation
" "

Now you’re
networking like a pro

Find out more:
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15 Small Business Tips to Become a Networking Pro

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