How to Connect on LinkedIn Naturally

We're all told #networking is essential, that most jobs are never advertised publicly and instead are filled through connections and referrals. But what if you're an introvert, neurodiverse, or find networking awkward and transactional? It can feel overwhelming, adding unnecessary stress to an already stressful job or job search. LinkedIn addresses many concerns to build connections without the usual networking anxieties. Here's how: 🔭 Step 1: Find your "expanders" Search using keywords to find people with the positions or lives you aspire to. These are your "expanders" - individuals who inspire you and embody your goals. You can't hit a target you can't see! ❓ Step 2: Reach out with curiosity Instead of asking for a favor, immediately spark a conversation. Ask to learn more about their career path or current role. This demonstrates genuine interest and sets the foundation for a strong relationship. 👂🏾 Step 3: Listen and be present In your conversation, truly listen and express genuine curiosity and interest. This will answer your questions, spark new ones, and build a deeper connection. 🔌 Step 4: Stay connected and nourish the relationship Share relevant articles, resources, or updates about your journey. This demonstrates that you value the connection and keep the conversation flowing. Networking doesn't have to be forced or stressful. 🔊 My Story: Four years ago, I was interested in living a hybrid life in the US and Ghana. Through LinkedIn, I found Jeph, whose profile resonated with my goals. We connected via DM by expressing curiosity and listening to each other's stories. Over time, this genuine curiosity blossomed into a strong friendship. By sharing ideas and updates on our career journeys, I've learned invaluable insights into setting up a business in Ghana. This knowledge has helped me progress towards my initial goal to live and work in Ghana and the US, and it's no coincidence that I was already scheduled to be in Ghana in December, thus being able to attend Jeph's wedding (pic attached)! Networking is about building a community, not just collecting connections. Through focusing on genuine curiosity and connection, I overcame my reservations about networking and cultivated meaningful relationships that have taught me so much in my career and #personalgrowth . #networking #linkedin #introvert #neurodiversity #careergoals #community

True fact: I had no clue about relationship building. Especially one that is organic and effective. Miraculously lucky for me, mentors like Ramit Sethi, Seth Godin, and others taught me things I didn't even know I should know. One of those insanely powerful philosophies is natural networking. After: • Taking 50+ industry leaders & creators for coffee • Building a community of 77k on LinkedIn • Teaching and testing with my mentees... I want to share with you my Mentor Talks strategy. A 5-step strategy to network organically, effectively, and in a way that leaves both parties feeling great. Step 1: Networking Account Philosophy Treat networking like a bank account. Make deposits before requesting a withdrawal. • Engage with posts • Send relevant articles • Share work with context • Highlight similarities • Ask for nothing at first H/T to the Gottman Institute, whose relationship account inspired this for me. Step 2: Select Target People Think in 3 segments: • 50%: Peers • 30%: Decision Makers • 20%: Moonshots This gives you the maximum probability surface area. While giving kismet a chance with a moonshot. Step 3:  Ask for a Mentor Talk Not a favor. Not a job. A conversation. First: • Become familiar • Engage 2–3 times • If there's a connection, then ask Then: • Make it easy to say yes • Be specific • Ask for a short coffee chat • Share a calendar link Step 4: Impress In The Chat The secret? Ask better questions. Pre-chat: • Research recent projects • Create questions that go deeper • Audit questions till you are left with the best ones During the chat: • 2:1 ratio — 2 questions for every 1 story you share • Listen. Paraphrase. Let silences breathe • Be prepared to share your goals with confidence H/T to Ramit Sethi for these strategies. Step 5: Follow up and close the loop Most people skip this. But it builds trust. • Share what you applied • Send a quick update • Offer help or relevant info • Respectfully keep in touch 💡Pro Tips: 1. Give people an out to be respectful 2. Say NRN if there is no action needed 3. If you fear networking, start by building a sandbox. Take friends out for a coffee chat first. My mentee began this way and ended up speaking with leaders from Meta, Google, and other notable companies. __ This strategy works. I've tested it myself, and taught it to professionals from 20+ years of experience to early career folks. It builds real relationships. With zero desperation. And maximum upside. Test it out for yourself. Give yourself a few tries. Respect your and people's time. Good luck 🚀 PS. Liked the cheatsheet and want to download my best cheatsheets (all complimentary)? Instructions to access here:  https://lnkd.in/gR4PkwhX

Connecting with people on LinkedIn and immediately making a request is rude. Try this instead. Here’s modern advice on job hunting:  Go to LinkedIn.  Connect with recruiters. Connect with hiring managers.  Get the job you want. Now, does that actually work?  And how quickly? And how often? Here's the reality. Doing that in person would seem rude. Imagine a stranger walking up to you.  And they ask for 50 dollars. You’d look at them from head to toe.  And say no, then walk away. How is doing that on LinkedIn different? Now, think about how your make friends. I mean, in real life: You show up somewhere.  They show up somewhere.  You might say, “Hey, I’ve seen you around.” “What’s your name?” They might say, “Hey, I’ve seen you too.” “My name is …” The next time, you see each other. You gravitate toward each other. And you hang out. Then, you might meet somewhere else. Soon, you know each other’s life story.  Then, you know each other tastes in food.  Or in music.  Or in movies. Eventually, they hear about a job.  They think of you, because they like you.  And they refer you.    With that in mind, do this instead. 👉Click follow first.  👉Whenever they post (if they post), react.  👉Comment on their posts.  👉Use the RAQ framework:  - Recognize - Appreciate - Question 👉See if they engage in the comments.  👉Do that for a few weeks.  👉Then send a direct message.  👉Suggest a hang out on a video call.   👉Don’t ask for anything.  👉Just see if you vibe.  👉Then continue to foster that relationship. I know that takes a long time.  You might need a job now.  That’s okay, network later. If you need a job now, network later.  When you get a job, then network.  Follow the steps above. And that’s why, I tell people to network.  But I teach them how to network. And I remind them to think long-term.  Think long-term investment.  That perspective matters. . . . #jobhunting #jobseeking #networking

Do You Want to Make Meaningful LinkedIn Connections? We all know the importance of networking on LinkedIn, but have you ever found yourself really wanting someone to accept your connection request? Building meaningful connections is very important, and here's an approach that I've found effective in these few months. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭: Before hitting "𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭," engage with their content. Like, comment, and if possible, share their posts with your thoughts to genuinely connect with their ideas. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬: Commenting is a fantastic way to start/connect. Share your thoughts, ask questions, or simply show your appreciation for their content. 𝐀 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐞: Now, when you send that connection request, add a personal note. Express why you want to connect. Mention that you've been following their content and find it inspiring/useful. 𝐍𝐮𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: If they accept, keep the momentum going. Engage with their posts and build a real relationship over time. And remember, not everyone accepts your request, but that should not stop us from trying! Over the past three months, I've been amazed at the connections I've made. These have been some of the best days of my life so far! I never thought it was possible, but I've come to understand that it can be done with time, genuine interest, and effort. The connections I've made are not just professional contacts; they are friends now. LinkedIn is more than just a platform; it's a network of potential collaborators, mentors, and friends. Networking is a process, it can't be done overnight! So, how do you approach making connections here? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments! #linkedin #connections #jobsearch #dataanalysis #networking