Advanced LinkedIn Networking 👥 

So… as Arnie Says I’m back! After some struggles in hospital with a bug that got caught in my eye which teared my cornea 🫣 hopefully you all missed my training mailers?!

THIS WEEK! I ask…
Are you struggling to turn LinkedIn connections into real opportunities? Wondering how to go beyond surface-level networking and actually convert conversations into business results? 

This advanced LinkedIn networking strategy helps you build authentic relationships, boost engagement, and turn your professional presence into consistent growth for your brand or business.

Lay The Relational Groundwork For Successful LinkedIn Networking Efforts 📈

When you've identified someone you want to connect with, my recommends following them first as a low-pressure way to get on their radar.

After following, engage thoughtfully with their content. Don't just comment "great post" or use AI-generated generic responses. Instead, add value to the conversation by sharing your perspective or related experiences.

Before sending a connection request, do some research. The person's "About" section is a goldmine of information about their background, interests, and goals. I also recommend tools like the Chrome extension Crystal, which predicts personality types based on LinkedIn profiles using the DISC model. This insight helps you tailor your networking approach to match their communication style.

How & When To Craft A Personalised Connection Request 🤔

When you're ready to send a connection request, make it specific and personal. I outline three tiers of personalisation:

• Bottom tier: "Hey Mike, I love what you're doing with your business. I would love to connect and learn more." This generic approach might look automated.

• Middle tier: "I love your podcast."

• Top tier: "I loved in X episode when you were interviewing X and when you talked about X."

The more specific your request, the more likely it will be accepted.

Timing matters, too. Spend a week or two following and commenting on their posts before reaching out.

The First Touchpoint After You Connect 🫂

Once your connection request is accepted, avoid these two common mistakes:

1. The immediate sales pitch: Never send a sales pitch minutes, hours, or even days after connecting. This approach rarely works and damages your credibility. We all bloody hate those cold inmails instantly after a request selling you something, we’re straight on the Backfoot!

2. The empty thank you: Simply saying "Thanks for accepting my connection request" puts the burden on the other person to continue the conversation. Instead, include a question o topic to discuss that moves the conversation forward.

Ask Engaging Questions 🫶🏻 

Rather than a sales pitch or empty thank you, ask an interesting question about something specific you noticed in their content. This opening gives them a clear path to continue the conversation without putting pressure on them to come up with topics to discuss.

I also suggest fun questions like "What's your go-to coffee shop order?" which not only creates engagement but can also provide insights into the person's personality. Someone who orders black coffee might be no-nonsense and analytical, while someone who orders complex custom drinks might prefer more personalised communication.

The Second Touchpoint After You Connect 🥈

To maintain the relationship, continue engaging with their content by liking, commenting, and sharing when relevant.

I also recommend setting calendar reminders for follow-ups two to three weeks after connecting and says using voice notes or video messages adds a personal touch because it lets someone hear your voice or see your face.

Your message can be as simple as, "Hey, I just want to see how your week is going." You can also reference a specific post they shared or a milestone they achieved. For example: "Hey, so-and-so, I saw your post on X. It was so good. I'm just checking in to see how things are going on your end."

The key is maintaining authentic engagement, almost like how a friend might show up. What do you want out of a friend? You want a friend who shows up in your comments, likes your content, and watches your stories.

Set Up A Virtual Coffee Chat ☕️

This call should be a no-agenda, no-pitch conversation with an agreed-upon 15-minute time limit and purpose: to let both parties learn more about each other as people, not to do business.

Try something like: "It's a fifteen-minute call, and I do stick to the fifteen minutes... I would love to hear more about your work on X." This specificity makes the invitation more appealing and less threatening.

Converting LinkedIn Connections 🤝🏻

When the relationship has developed enough, use the MICK framework for natural conversions that don't feel rushed or pushy:

1. Make It Mutual: Set the tone by establishing that the conversation is about exchanging value, not just one person taking. Say something like, "If you're open to it, I'd love to swap insights and hear more about what you're building."

2. Invite, Don't Impose: Extend an offer without expectations, like suggesting a virtual coffee chat. This gives the other person the freedom to accept or decline without pressure.

3. Clarify the Vibe: Be transparent about what you're bringing to the table or what you're looking for. Specify that it's a casual 15-minute chat and say something like, "I'd like to explore how I can support your work."

4. Keep the Door Open: Whether they accept or decline, leave a positive impression. Respond graciously to rejection with something like, "If now is not the time, no worries at all. Glad that we connected."

So, that’s it for this week’s LinkedIn advanced networking learning. Tune in next week for more free training!

Q&A

• So, are you ready to harness the power of using LinkedIn for your business?

• Do you have any pain points I can help you with smoothing out regarding social media?

• Which tips do you think you could utilise the most from, and how would it impact your business?

Whenever you’re ready, here’s how I can help you:

1. Book a {10 MINUTE} Business Power Call with me, to arrange working together to make your social media videos stand out online as I tweak your approach, and analyse how to improve your current video, business strategy or marketing.

2. Don’t have time to create great content or marketing yourself? Focus on your business, whilst we focus on creating the content and marketing that you’ve always dreamed of. Get in touch to find out more.

Until next Friday, love to you all!

My Partner Services
Sky Adsmart  | Cheekymonkey Marketing  |

Fire an email back to me at [email protected] and let’s keep the chat going 👌🏻