We all go to networking events because we are told to. The hunt for jobs and internships is competitive and we are wired to believe that a little bit of networking can go a long way toward helping us score that dream position. We show up to every career day, job fair, and resume writing workshop we can make time for. We collect business cards, send follow-up emails and LinkedIn invites. But do these behaviors help us establish strong connections?
I’m sure many of you took advantage of the opportunity to attend the LinkedIn day here at Bryant last week. While a shiny new profile with all the right words may look great, LinkedIn is about establishing connections. We reached out to Mari Anne Snow, CEO of SophiaThink, a management consultant firm, for some advice on building your LinkedIn network. Here are some tips for taking your profile to the next level:
Have a purpose
- “I never attend an event without a purpose. I always know why I’m going and what I hope to gain,” says Snow. She encourages college students to think long and hard about why they are attending that career fair or networking dinner. If you are only there to collect business cards, neither you nor the person across the table is gaining value from the interaction. “You want someone to look at your business card and remember why they have it,” advises Snow. The same is true of interaction on LinkedIn. “Make sure you know why you are sending someone an invite to connect. Know why the connection will add value to your professional network.”
Know your story
- What makes you, you? Know where you are in life and know where you are going. “When someone asks you what you are looking for in a job, you should be able to provide a focused, articulate response,” says Snow. Don’t just ramble without a sense of direction. While your resume tells a lot about you, you must learn how to paint a picture of yourself from your list of internships and accomplishments.
Know your value proposition
- Once you realize who you are and what your story is, ask yourself: what is it that I bring to the table that distinguishes me from others? Think beyond a list of skills, tasks, and projects. Learn how to quantify your experience and give it value. Are you fun? Energetic? Motivated? Are you the person to count on in a pinch? “You have to be interesting,” Snow says. “People like to be connected to interesting people.” Once you understand what makes you unique, what makes you valuable – be sure to convey that through your LinkedIn profile.
Take a stand and articulate
- “Once you figure out what your story is, and you know what you can offer, be sure that you can articulate it when someone asks you. The ability to articulate something clearly is an immediate differentiator. The people you speak with really do want to help you, but you need to give them something to hold on to,” reminds Snow, “make it easy for people to help you.” Be sure to remember this when you are communicating with others on LinkedIn, especially in groups.
Think
- Put some thought behind your connections and understand the value. Do you know why you are reaching out to someone? If you are just trying to shoot for a higher number of connections, you’re missing out. “LinkedIn is a meaningful community, don’t forget that. To make the most of that community, always think about what you can do to help the people in your network. Give beforeyou get, always be on the look-out for ways to add value to your network.” reminds Snow. You want to be realizing value from a contact while also being able to offer them something in return. Each invitation you accept should add value to your personal profile and you should add value to theirs.
If you’re looking to make the most of LinkedIn, remember to keep Snow’s tips in mind!
Mari Anne Snow is an organizational development and change management professional with over 20 years experience utilizing technology to support non-disruptive change. She is CEO of SophiaThink, a management consulting firm that helps clients develop high performing virtual teams using new technologies. Mari Anne is an Adjunct Professor at Bentley University; on the Board of Directors of WEST, a non-profit dedicated to the advancement of women in science and technology; and a contributor to Data Guidance, an international privacy publication. She is also the resident social media guru for Patricia Raskin’s radio show – Positive Business on Rhode Island’s WPRV AM790.
Sophia Link Blog: http://www.sophiathinkblog.com/