Make Connections with LinkedIn

Once you build your profile, the next step with LinkedIn is to make connections. A connection means you and someone else have connected together, which can lead to networking and new client opportunities.

As your connections grow you can see statistically how many people you could be reaching who are only two or three degrees away from you. See the snapshot below:

Import Contacts

The first place to make connections is by importing your contacts. LinkedIn makes it easy if you’re using a popular program like Microsoft Outlook. Just click on “Contacts” in your left sidebar and then you’ll see on the right side of your page a link (in white text) named “Add Connections”.

After you click “Add Connections” you will see on the right side of the page two choices: check webmail contacts or check Outlook contacts. Select the appropriate one for you and LinkedIn will automatically upload your contacts into your account. Once your contacts are uploaded you can see which ones are already a member of LinkedIn because an icon will appear to the right side of their listing.

First, I suggest you invite people to connect with you who are already members of LinkedIn, then once you made some connections, revisit your “Imported Contacts” folder and invite people who are not members of LinkedIn.

Personalize Your Invitation

When you invite someone to connect, LinkedIn gives you a basic invitation. See snapshot below:

Don’t send the “default” note LinkedIn gives you because you want to give people a better reason to connect. For instance, if you are inviting past clients to connect, send a note that would be more meaningful like:

“Hi,

As one of my clients, I’d like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn.

I’m using LinkedIn as another resource to keep my clients up-to-date about real estate. I’ll be sharing tips and ideas for families to build more wealth through home ownership. Also, you can visit my blog at ….

Your Name”

As you can see, you want to give people a reason to connect with you and the “personal note” gives you this opportunity.

Make Connections a Habit

Making connections with LinkedIn should become one of your daily habits. Each week you want to see your connections grow because it leads to opportunities.

As you are acquiring more buyers and sellers, make it part of your standard process to ask if they are members of LinkedIn. If they are you can connect right away. If they are not, you could be adding value to the relationship by introducing a great resource they aren’t currently using.

If your client is responsible for growing revenue, LinkedIn is the place for networking. If your client is unhappy with their employment, LinkedIn is the place to find new opportunities.

Overall, the heart of LinkedIn is about connections. Think of it as a database and the bigger it grows the more it will provide opportunities for you.