This post is inspired by a question by Kathleen Erickson posted on Linkedin
Here's below what she had asked that prompted me for this write up on the subject.
How do you cultivate your LinkedIn Network? Do you simply add and never cultivate or are you an active cultivator, cutting out the inactive channels and pursuing instead what is productive, interesting and beneficial?
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Below is what i think about the subject of discussion
I believe it’s imperative for successful networking to cultivate your network. I’d rather put cultivating as knowing your network (for easier understanding).
It about quality than quantity (may differ for some of us), one could keep adding bulk connection but end up wasting time however on the other hand, one could spend a little more time studying about the new connections and who knows you could come across your new client, employee, employer or partner.
It about quality than quantity (may differ for some of us), one could keep adding bulk connection but end up wasting time however on the other hand, one could spend a little more time studying about the new connections and who knows you could come across your new client, employee, employer or partner.
Tips to cultivate your Online Network
Introduce yourself and what you do – Once you’ve added a new connection, it’ll be a good idea to let them know about you and what you do. You could prepare a standard document what clearly states a brief about you and your work. It’s always better to use a language most of us understand. Too much use of industry jargons won’t be recommended as the best way to communicate.
What’s networking for you? – It would be a good idea to set the expectation right. You could do this by sharing the reasons for your interest of connecting with people. Is it for knowledge enhancement, or are you a solution provider, recruiter or looking for a job, etc etc.
Ask about them – once you are done with sharing your story it the right time to ask them there story. As an individual you’d have your own set of questions and agenda, make them clear right here. Make sure you communicate it clearly and record the inflow of information.
Classify – categorization helps in communication. This way you would know who-to-approach-when. Targeted communication is concrete and further it helps yield positive results. This way you’d know who to connect when you require support in a particular subject.
Be Reachable – if you are a sales person I don’t need to tell you this, for everyone else all I can say is that you are not a valuable connection if you can’t be reached easily when they need you.
Connect – after you’ve done all the above, connect will naturally happen and you and your connections would know how could you be of help mutually.
After all, it’s about giving, giving and seeking a little help.
Happy Networking!
Best Regards,
Ankur Sethi
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