Tips for Building Relationships with Genuine Comments

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

Networking changed my life. It helped me secure my first big consulting deal that let me quit my full-time job. Here's how to build relationships on LinkedIn (the right way): Networking can either make or break your career. Do it wrong: You’ll ruin your reputation. Do it right: You’ll have people speaking well of you when you’re not around. Here’s how to network like a pro: 1) Be genuine People can sense fakeness from a mile away. Instead, speak with them to get to know them. Not just because you want something. Besides… There’s no point in building relationships with people you don’t like. 2) Be a friend We want to feel cared for. Reach out once every 3 months to see how they’re doing. • Offer help • Schedule a coffee chat • Ask about their recent trip Don’t build connections. Build friendships. 3) Change your intent Turn your “I want this” mindset into a “I want to help” mindset. Start conversations without trying to sell something. But because you want to help them. Stop asking. Start giving. 4) Think long term It doesn't matter if they can’t help you now. In the long run… …you’ll be able to reach out when you need it. Be there for them now. They’ll be there for you later. That’s a real relationship. 5) Don’t ask for immediate favors This is where most screw up. They’ve barely met someone and immediately: • Ask for a job • Request a resume review • Or want some other big favor You wouldn’t do this to a stranger on the street. Why do it on LinkedIn? 6) Be mutually beneficial Start by building foundations. When/if it makes sense, think of how you can collaborate. Just like in business… This isn’t a one-way street. I help you. You help me. That’s how the world works. 7) Create on LinkedIn You never know who’s watching. Share your thoughts on the feed daily. And give people a glimpse into what you’re doing. You may not realize it… But others are going through the same as you. One of them might just come back with a life-changing opportunity. P.s. - What's one more tip you'd recommend for people networking on LinkedIn? Thanks for reading. Enjoyed this post? Follow Jordan Nelson And share it with your audience.

Want to build meaningful connections with potential clients from a comment? Then stop commenting like everyone else. Our comments shouldn’t blend in. They should position you as a solution they didn’t know they needed if you're using LinkedIn to find potential clients... I recently hired 2 freelancers from LinkedIn because of how they showed up in my comment section and were consistent. Their comments were not generic and they actually brought new insight into the themes shared. Here’s my take... Stop doing this: -Mass-commenting with the same “So inspiring!” -Dropping vague praise like “Love this, thanks for sharing!” -Sounding more like a bot than a brand Let’s fix that: 🔥 What to do instead: 🔍 Shortlist your dream clients → Follow small businesses, founders, creatives you'd actually love to support → Study their content, tone, and audience 💬 A/B test your comment styles → Try personal anecdotes vs. quick tips → See what sparks convo vs. what gets crickets → Treat comments like content: test, learn, repeat 👀 Make it about them, not you → “This framework is 🔥 reminds me how one client cut email time by 40% with a similar setup.” → Subtle flex > desperate pitch 📥 Use comments to warm up, not sell → When they notice your insight consistently, the DM will hit different The shift that gets you noticed. -You built relationships -You posted (and commented) with purpose -You got seen by the right people ✨ Comments are your soft intro. Make ‘em count. — Monica ✌🏼❤️ #VirtualAssistant #LinkedInForVAs #BibbidiBobbidiBooked #SelfMadeSelfPaid #BookedPaidAndNeverPlayed

The Power of Networking: Documenting Conversations for Meaningful Connections Dear LinkedIn Community, Networking is essential for entrepreneurs, leaders, and professionals alike. At Bottleneck Distant Assistants, we understand the importance of effective networking, including the often-overlooked practice of documenting conversations. (fyi - this is an area I need to focus on doing a better job at myself). Why is good note-taking crucial? 1. Memory Aid: Notes remind us to recall important details about the people we meet, ensuring we don't forget key points discussed. 2. Personalization: Referencing specific details from conversations in follow-up messages demonstrates attentiveness and genuine interest, fostering stronger connections. 3. Building Trust: Accurate note-taking shows that we value our contacts' words, building trust and credibility. After a 1-on-1 call, here's how to continue building relationships: 1. Send a Personalized Email: Within 24-48 hours, thank the individual for their time, reiterate key points, and show appreciation for the conversation. 2. Connect on LinkedIn: Send a personalized connection request referencing your discussion to strengthen the connection. 3. Offer Value: Provide resources, make introductions, or offer expertise to demonstrate value to your contact. 4. Schedule a Follow-Up Meeting: Propose a follow-up to delve deeper into topics discussed, indicating your commitment to the relationship. 5. Stay Consistent: Regular communication, sharing updates, and offering support will nurture the relationship over time. Networking isn't just about contacts; it's about cultivating meaningful connections. By documenting conversations and following up thoughtfully, we can lay the foundation for lasting professional relationships. Let's network with purpose, intention, and authenticity. I want to send a special shout out to Steve Jefferys for the great conversation and reminding how important having authentic dialog really is. #networking #buildingrelationships

Build a network you can count on! H7 Network has taught me the value of platform. We always talk about "Having an audience, not being in the audience". Here are some tips mindset we frame for our networking community. Connect: Building a genuine connection with the person you're meeting. This could involve a warm greeting, a brief mention of common interests or acquaintances, or simply showing interest in their background. Be approachable and open-minded. Approach the meeting with a mindset of learning from the other person and valuing their perspective. Serve: Before diving into your own needs or goals, ask questions and actively listen to understand the other person's needs and goals. Offer help or support without expecting immediate reciprocity. Generosity and willingness to assist others can foster positive relationships in networking. Ask: After establishing a connection and demonstrating your willingness to be of service, you can then ask for what you need or desire. Be clear and concise in your request. Tailor your request to align with the relationship you've built. If you've already offered help or support, it's more likely the other person will reciprocate. Follow Up: After the meeting, follow up with a thank-you note or message to express your appreciation for their time and the insights gained. This reinforces the positive impression you've made. If you've offered assistance, follow through on your promises promptly. This demonstrates reliability and trustworthiness. Be Genuine: Authenticity is key. Be yourself and don't pretend to be someone you're not. Authenticity builds trust and makes networking interactions more meaningful. Avoid appearing transactional. Networking is about building relationships, not just about what you can get from others. Respect Time: Be mindful of the other person's time during the meeting. Keep the conversation on track and avoid monopolizing the discussion. If you have a specific time limit for the meeting, make that clear from the outset. Prepare Elevator Pitch: Have a concise and engaging elevator pitch ready that introduces yourself and your interests. This can help in the initial phase of the conversation. Listen Actively: Pay close attention to what the other person is saying. This not only shows respect but also allows you to identify opportunities where you can be of service or where your needs align. Stay Professional: Maintain a professional demeanor throughout the meeting. This includes dressing appropriately, using proper language, and being courteous. Reflect and Learn: After the networking meeting, take some time to reflect on what went well and what could have been improved. Continuously learn from your experiences to refine your networking skills. Remember, networking is a long-term endeavor, and building genuine relationships takes time and effort. "Connect, Serve, Ask" is a framework that can help you approach networking meetings with a balanced and effective strategy.

I landed back in Los Angeles after a 4-day legal convention in Vegas and realized something: People are great at networking in the moment, but struggle to follow-up and keep relationships after an event like a major convention. To make sure all of the connections you made are sustained long-term, here's a step-by-step guide to effectively follow up post-convention: 📝 Personalized Note Writing: Always begin with a personalized note. Thank your new contacts for their time and highlight specific topics or moments you shared. A handwritten note can make a deep impression in today's digital world, signaling thoughtfulness and genuine interest. 📲 Organize Contact Details: Compile a database of the addresses, emails, and other contact details you've gathered. Tools like Microsoft Excel or CRM platforms like Salesforce or HubSpot can be great for this. This not only helps with immediate follow-up but aids in long-term relationship management. 🤳🏻 Engage on Social Media:   Connect with your new contacts on platforms like LinkedIn, YouTube, IG, Facebook and TikTok. Engage with their posts to foster online rapport, but ensure your interactions are meaningful. 📩 Newsletters:   If you have a newsletter, consider adding your new contacts to the mailing list (with their consent). This keeps them updated on your activities, insights, and the latest happenings in the legal field. 🔄 Share Your Work: If you've written books, articles, or other publications, share them. It not only positions you as an expert but provides value to your contacts. ✅ Regular Check-ins:   Set reminders to touch base periodically. You could share relevant articles, wish them on holidays, or update them about significant milestones in your career. 👏🏼 Tips and Insights: Offer helpful tips or insights from the convention or from your experience. It’s a non-invasive way to remind them of the value you bring to the table. 🤝 Long-Term Relationship Building Relationships are not about transactions but genuine connections. Ensure your interactions are not always business-focused. Learn about their interests, congratulate them on personal achievements, and be there during challenging times. 📚 Recommend Books: If you've come across insightful books (including ones you've written), recommend them. It's a subtle way to showcase your expertise and share knowledge. 🎉 Events and Reunions: Consider organizing or attending reunion events for convention attendees. It's a way to rekindle connections and stay updated on each other’s progress. Remember: post-convention networking is an art. It requires genuine interest, persistence, and patience. By investing time and effort into nurturing these relationships, you'll not only grow your network but also enrich your professional journey. Remember, it's not about how many contacts you have, but the depth and quality of those connections. #networking #lawyer #success #relationshipbuilding

Building a relationship > Blindly networking Quality is always better than quantity while networking. And how do you focus on quality? ✨ - Carefully pick the people you reach out to. - When they add you to your network, follow up with them. - Introduce yourself. Share how they can add value to your career. - Be very specific on what topic you need help on. - When you ask, think of the things you can give to them. - If you’re scheduling a call, set a clear agenda for the call. - After the call, make sure you send a thank you message. - Follow up every 3-6 months with updates. And, do you know how you can stand out? Give before you ask! 💡 When I was meeting a Senior PM who also happened to be content creator, I offered to design her LinkedIn banner. She did not expect this and I bet she still remembers me. 💡 One of the Group PMs I was meeting was starting out with content on Youtube so when we met we talked about product management but when he asked about content creation - I shared my content creation experience with him. Most of the times we think we won’t be able to add value to someone senior to us. But all of us have unique capabilities that can add value to others. So focus on adding 10 people to you network who will vouch for you uncountable times instead of 100 people who will not add any value. Hope this helps! In the next post, let’s talk about things to do on a networking call. #career #students #networking #linkedin

I’m an introvert.  Socially awkward.  And I hate small talk. I will feel stressed for weeks before attending a conference even though I already know half the people attending! I also hate the word networking. Networking implies I have to ask for help, engage in small talk (which I’m terrible at), and ask questions that feel forced and self-serving. No wonder it has that icky feeling. But, let me tell you what I have found I love: - Supporting other people.  - Cheering them on.  - Encouraging them.  - Sharing what I know with them.  - Adding my own thoughts to the conversation.  - Learning something new from other people. I easily do this on LinkedIn every day by simply commenting on other people’s posts. My network consists of colleagues in my industry (other career experts) and job seekers (the people I serve). That kindness of supporting their content increases their visibility on the platform and my visibility on the platform. It benefits us both. And, when you repeatedly show up, people start recognizing your name and your face. They appreciate your support of their work. Eventually, they will reciprocate and support what you post. I can’t tell you how many colleague relationships I’ve developed this way with people I would have otherwise never met. All of this comes from simple kindness. Taking 10 minutes of my day to say, “I see you, I value your work, and I appreciate what you’re doing.” If commenting seems overwhelming, start small. Find 3–5 experts in your field, and comment on their posts 3 days a week. Keep this up until you’re comfortable expanding your circle. #LinkedInTopVoices #networking #careers

How does networking turn into a job opportunity? We've all heard it before - networking is crucial for career growth and finding new job opportunities. But how do you tap into your network authentically without coming across as simply using connections? Truthfully build relationships that are built on mutual understanding and value exchange. Networking was never a one-way street and should be done with long-term intentions. Here are a few things I did that allowed me to turn relationships into career opportunities: 1. Provide Value First - Before asking for ANYTHING, see how you can help. This can be done through sharing industry insights, personal contacts, or sharing your expertise on a subject matter pro bono. 2. Express Authentic Interest - It's obvious when you're faking it! Learn their goals, interests, and pain points and ask thoughtful questions to have real conversations about more than just work. 3. Stay Top-of-Mind - Share updates on projects you're working on, milestones you've hit, or just check in periodically. This allows you to stay present in conversation. 4. Pay it Forward - Make intros between connections who could benefit each other, without the expectancy of something in return. Adopt the habit of giving just to give! These tips have allowed me to turn my network into my career superpower, supporting personal and professional goals. Drop some of your tips for building genuine relationships in the comments. #Networking #BlackLinkedIn

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