LinkedIn Q & A [Part 1 of 7]: The Number One Rule For LinkedIn Users

In recent weeks I’ve had flurry of questions about using LinkedIn.

So over the next week I plan to post the 7 most common questions I’ve been asked along with my typical reply.

Here’s the first question and answer:

Question 1: “I’m just getting into LinkedIn – what would you say is your number one rule or principle for using LinkedIn?”

Answer: Focus on helping others, not just growing your network or ‘getting stuff’

The currency of networking is generosity – i.e. helping others.

And that’s what your focus should be when doing any kind of networking – being helpful and valuable to your network of contacts instead of simply trying to ‘get stuff’ from them – e.g. job leads, contacts or potential customers for your products and services.

LinkedIn is simply a networking tool – a technology platform to connect with your professional network.

And so the principle of being generous applies to your interactions on LinkedIn too. So if you’re new to LinkedIn,  don’t worry too much about how to do stuff – just keep asking  yourself “how can I help my contacts?” and  “how can I be of value to them?” and you’ll figure out everything else as you go along.

Just remember: We reep what we sow. So focus on cultivating a strong LinkedIn network by focussing on what you put into to it-  and in time all the support, contacts and leads will come to you (very often from different sources).

So what’s your number 1 LinkedIn rule or principle? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments box below.

Look out for the answer to Question 2 tomorrow:

Question 2: “What’s a good number of contacts to have on LinkedIn? How do I quickly increase the number of connections I have?

By Sital Ruparelia

Comments

[Flatshare]

Great post! I have been blogging for a few months and am excited to start using some of these tips and techniques. Thanks!

[Imran M. Ismail]

I believe rule one is a golden rule of networking. I would like to reiterate/rephrase Zig Zigler's philosophy of life - If you help other people to achieve what they want in their life, then you will get what you want in your life.
Eagerly looking forward to 6 other rules. Thanks.

[Beth Robinson]

That's a great one, but I think I would have put it at number 2, even though it's satisfying philosophically to have it at number 1.

My number 1 would be to make sure people can figure out who you are. You can help all you want, but if someone clicks through to your profile and finds it nearly empty, with no photo, a bare bones current job title, and no other info about you, they're (or at least I would be) going to be hesitant about contacting you and taking that connection further.

[Sital]

thanks for all your comments

Beth - very valid point. After the 7 days I plan to post a summary of further suggestions that people come up with in the comments box's - and so will add your point (with attribution) in that list. thanks again

[BG]

I like the advice, but please review your spelling and grammar in the article above :) (reep, focussing, 'into to' as examples)

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