Many LinkedIn users have admitted they don’t keep in touch with the connections they accepted into their networks. So, what is the point of gathering hundreds of connections that you rarely if ever stay in touch with?
According to the author David Nour, of ‘Relationship Economics’, who said “for far too long networking has been considered a quick path to meet new contacts. When done intelligently, it can open doors to new clients, jobs, investors, and global resources to help you solve challenges or benefit from new opportunities.”
I continue to ask people why they send and accept random connections without much thought of purpose.
Relational Laziness
One thing I have deduced from working with people on their LinkedIn marketing the past 15 years is many have ‘relational laziness’ where it’s just easier to accept and connection request and move on rather than investing the time, effort and resources needed to nurture the business relationship.
When business partners or clients feel neglected or undervalued, they are less likely to continue working with or referring others to the business. This can lead to lost opportunities, decreased revenue, and a damaged reputation.
On the other hand, when a business relationship is nurtured through regular communication, mutual support, and a genuine interest in the success of the other party, it can result in increased trust, loyalty, and collaboration. This can lead to long-term partnerships, repeat business, and a positive reputation.
Therefore, it’s important to avoid relational laziness by regularly engaging with business partners and clients, showing appreciation for their contributions, and seeking ways to add value to their business. By investing in the relationship, a business can build trust and loyalty, leading to long-term success.
Use the network you already have!
Search existing connections that currently meet your search criteria:
My Network Tab then manage my network, click on search filters and select the filters that will narrow down the search you want.
Some of the newest filters available now include: hashtag topics, current and past companies
Client and Center of Influence Search
LinkedIn is the most ideal of social platforms to tap into the networks of the people you know with the goal of gaining a warm introduction. Remember the ‘ol six degrees of separation theory that says you are separated by six people or less to who you want to know or connect with? So, ask yourself “Who do my connections know that could get me closer to who I want to meet?”
In the example below, you will see where you click on the hyperlinked 500+connections of someone in your network that is a first-degree connection.
(1st-degree connections – People you’re directly connected to because you’ve accepted their invitation to connect, or they’ve accepted your invitation. You’ll see a 1st degree icon next to their name in search results and on their profile. )
You can then filter those connections by their 1st, 2nd or 3rd degree. I think the magic is in the 2nd degree connections because there are probably more people you don’t know that could be good introductions for you.
Here are some steps you can follow to ask for a warm introduction.
- Reach out to the person who can make the introduction: Send them a message on LinkedIn and let them know that you are interested in meeting the person you have identified. Be sure to explain why you think this person would be a valuable connection for you.
- Ask for the warm introduction: Once you have explained the value of the introduction, ask if the person would be willing to make the introduction for you. Be clear that you are looking for a warm introduction, which means that they will reach out to the person on your behalf and make a personal introduction.
- Provide any necessary information: If the person agrees to make the introduction, be sure to provide them with any necessary information, such as your background, interests, and why you are interested in meeting the person.
- Follow up: Once the introduction has been made, be sure to follow up promptly and thank both parties for the introduction. You should also make an effort to build a relationship with the person you have been introduced to, as this will help to strengthen the connection over time.
Conclusion
Before you continue to add more people to your LinkedIn network, review the network you already have. According to David Burkus, author of ‘Friend of a Friend’ your ‘dormant ties’ or those you haven’t connected with in 2-3 years offer significant opportunity and are worth the effort in reconnecting with.
Who have you not been in contact with for a while that once you considered a strong connection?
Additionally, pay attention to those people who are considered 3rd degree connections, this is the group who David Burkus calls ‘weak ties’ because they operate in different circles than your first degree connections, this also means there are different opportunities that could open up with these people.
How will you reconnect with the LinkedIn network you already have? Leave me a comment below, I’d love to hear from you.
Need a LinkedIn Marketing Strategy?
Schedule a call with me to discuss. Click Here
OR – REGISTER for our online course – “How to Leverage the LinkedIn Connections You Already Have”
This training is really a rapid growth system that guides you on how to evaluate the people in your network that would be most valuable to your long-term success and the numerous opportunities to leverage those relationships to meet your goals faster and easier.
