Quick, Easy Tips for Staying In Touch With Your Network
Let's face it, sometimes the idea of networking can feel intimidating, awkward or even inauthentic. The good news is that it doesn't have to be hard work or something you dread. We've got some tips for using LinkedIn to keep in touch with your network in just minutes:
Deciding who to network with
Networking isn't always about meeting new people. Reconnecting with your existing connections and taking the time to nurture those relationships ongoing is a great way to build a community of people who are more inclined to help when you need it, and vice versa.
Where to start? Use LinkedIn Search to uncover previous coworkers or alumni that might be worth reaching out to. Use the filters to search connections that you used to work with, went to the same school, or live in the same city as you.
Ways to break the ice
Nearly 40% of professionals say they find it hard to stay in touch with their network. Why? The majority of professionals say they either don't have the time or that they aren't sure how to break the ice and reach out.
A quick way to engage with your network is to keep an eye on your LinkedIn Feed to see what your connections are chatting about. It only takes a few minutes to add a comment with your thoughts if a connection is looking for advice or shared an interesting article on a topic you care about. On the flip side, when you're posting an update or sharing an article, try asking a question to invite others to weigh in with their thoughts.
Staying on top of networking opportunities
This month we refreshed the "Who's Viewed Your Profile" page with a new look and brought back functionalities that provide a quick snapshot into who has visited your profile over time. Whether it’s because they noticed you changed jobs, saw something you posted in their feed, or they generally wanted to know more about your professional life, someone viewing your profile is a great indicator that they could be open to reconnecting.
Use these insights as an “in” to reach out. For example, if you notice someone from a company you're interested in has viewed your profile, send them a message to ask about their role or invite them to coffee. Pro tip: prioritize reaching out to folks you are already connected with, and make sure you personalize any message you send to members outside your network.
With LinkedIn Premium, you have the added benefit of looking back at all the people who have viewed your profile over the past 90 days. This means more chances to reach out to folks, and gives you the assurance you won’t miss an opportunity to connect or reconnect with someone.
You can find the “Who’s Viewed Your Profile” page by clicking on the number of recent profile views highlighted on the far left section of your LinkedIn Feed or in “Your Dashboard” on your profile page.