Networking In The Digital Age

You're doing LinkedIn all wrong. I see professionals making basic etiquette mistakes every day, from CEOs to fresh graduates. These errors aren't just embarrassing - they're costing you valuable connections and opportunities. Let me share the essential dos and don'ts for LinkedIn success, based on my experience helping over 50+ professionals build their presence: ⿡ Profile Picture ✅ DO: Use a clear, professional headshot ❌ DON'T: Use vacation photos, group pictures, or worse - no picture at all ⿢ Connection Requests ✅ DO: Add a personalized note explaining why you want to connect ❌ DON'T: Send blank invites to strangers hoping they'll accept ⿣ Content Sharing ✅ DO: Share valuable insights from your experience ❌ DON'T: Treat LinkedIn like Facebook with personal updates ⿤ Engagement ✅ DO: Comment thoughtfully on posts that interest you ❌ DON'T: Leave generic responses like "Great post." or "Nice." ⿥ Network Building ✅ DO: Focus on quality connections in your industry ❌ DON'T: Try to reach 30,000 connections without purpose The most common mistakes I see daily: • Sending promotional messages right after connecting • Writing "Following" or "Interested" on job posts • Sharing motivational quotes without context • Using inappropriate hashtags • Posting political content According to LinkedIn's own data, profiles with proper etiquette get 40% more opportunities and 3x more response rates. Yet, I still see professionals struggling with these basics. They wonder why their network isn't growing or why they're not getting the opportunities they want. The truth is: LinkedIn isn't just another social media platform - it's your professional identity online. So I ask you: Are you ready to take your LinkedIn presence seriously? If you want to learn more about proper LinkedIn etiquette, drop a "Yes" in the comments. Let's make your LinkedIn profile work for you. #LinkedIntips #Personalbranding #Networking #Jobseekers

Networking on LinkedIn is honestly not that hard. People have just made it sound like a full-time job. You do not need fancy automation tools. You do not need to send 100 connection requests a week. And no, you definitely do not need to start your DMs with ‘Hope you’re doing well.’ After spending 4+ years on this platform, here’s the exact framework I’ve seen work over and over again. Step 1: Make people curious enough to click Before you even think of networking, fix your profile. Because the moment your name pops up under someone’s post, in their notifications, or inside their inbox, they click. And in those 5–7 seconds, they’re asking: Who is this? What does he do? Why should I remember him? If your profile feels generic, confusing, or like it’s trying to impress everybody, The relationship ends before it begins. Step 2: Stop ‘adding’ people; start choosing them. This is not Pokémon. You do not need 30,000 random connections. Pick 10 people every week you genuinely want in your ecosystem. Founders, creators, marketers, investors. People whose work actually interests you. Networking becomes powerful when it becomes intentional. Step 3: Show up before you show up. This is where most people get it completely wrong. They send the request first. I’d do the opposite. Spend a few days engaging with their content. Not “Great post 👏” Please no!! Add something like a perspective, a disagreement, a relatable experience, or a sharper thought. Make your name familiar before your request lands. Because familiarity beats cold outreach almost every time. Step 4 Your connection request should feel human. No blank requests. No: “I’d love to add you to my professional network.” Nobody has ever felt special reading that. Mention something specific. A post they wrote, a business move they made, or an opinion they shared. Make it obvious you noticed them before you needed them. Step 5: Don’t sell in the first conversation. This is where people ruin all the good work. One accepted request, and boom. Pitch deck, Calendly link, “We help businesses scale…” Woah! Relax Captain. At this point, you should ask better questions, be curious, and start conversations, not sales funnels. Step 6: Stay visible long enough to become memorable. This is where real networking actually starts. Comment consistently, post your own thoughts, join conversations, and support people publicly. Because people rarely do business with strangers. They do business with names they’ve seen enough times to trust. And that’s the real game.

Here’s the truth most people miss about LinkedIn 👇 LinkedIn is not social media in the way Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook are. It’s a professional networking platform. And the moment you treat it like a content stage instead of a relationship engine, your results stall. Likes don’t pay invoices. Followers don’t book calls. Conversations do. If you want to get more from your LinkedIn experience and attract the right clients, you need to play the platform for what it is, not what it looks like. Here are 𝟱 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗮 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗲𝗱𝗜𝗻 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗱𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 👇 𝟭. 𝗢𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆, 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗽𝗼𝗽𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 Your profile is not a bio. It’s a positioning document. Make it immediately clear who you help, what problem you solve, and why someone should trust you. If a potential client lands on your profile, they should know within 10 seconds if you’re relevant. 𝟮. 𝗕𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 Random connections dilute your network. Strong networks compound. Connect with people you could genuinely do business with, partner with, or learn from. Quality beats volume every time. 𝟯. 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀, 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺 The best LinkedIn posts invite dialogue. They share insight, challenge thinking, and give people something to respond to. If your post doesn’t open the door to a conversation, it’s just noise. 𝟰. 𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗗𝗠𝘀 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹-𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗻𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 No pitch slapping. No scripts. Approach messages like you would a conversation at an event. Curious, respectful, human. Relationships first. Business follows. 𝟱. 𝗕𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗲𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 Trust is built through repetition. Not necessarily posting daily. But showing up regularly with a clear point of view, relevant insight, and steady engagement with your network. LinkedIn rewards professionals who understand one thing: 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺 𝗿𝘂𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀, 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵. If you build genuine connections and position yourself clearly, the right clients don’t need convincing. They already trust you. Curious, which of these do you feel you’re underusing right now? 👀

Many people asked me how to build a strong network on LinkedIn.   When you start building a network on LinkedIn, People will tell you:   “Just connect with everyone - The more connections, the better…”   This is the old-school approach.   Your LinkedIn network should be a mix of:   • Professional experience • Industry knowledge • Valuable content • Personalized messages • Meaningful relationships   Here’s how you can make that happen:   1. Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile ↳ Use a professional photo and headline ↳ Write a compelling summary ↳ Highlight your skills and experience ↳ Keep your profile updated   2. Engage Actively ↳ Comment on posts ↳ Join groups ↳ Participate in discussions ↳ Like and share content   3. Create and Share Valuable Content ↳ Post regularly ↳ Share industry insights ↳ Write articles ↳ Use multimedia   4. Personalize Your Connection Requests ↳ Mention how you know them ↳ Explain why you want to connect ↳ Be polite and professional ↳ Follow up with a message   5. Nurture Your Relationships ↳ Stay in touch ↳ Offer help when you can ↳ Congratulate them on achievements ↳ Meet in person if possible   The more clutter we see on LinkedIn, The more we will crave genuine connections.   Build a network that is a POWERFUL ASSET. Once you have a strong network, leverage it.   Focus on quality, not quantity. Opportunities will follow.   Let that sink in. P.S. What's the best advice you've received about building a LinkedIn network?

I tested 𝟭𝟬𝟬+ 𝗻𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗴𝗲𝘀 (During my last job search and as a career coach). These 𝟱 get the highest response rates, especially from hiring managers👇 1. The Profile Viewer Message Check who viewed your LinkedIn profile. They’re already aware of you, don’t let that warm lead go cold. Try this: "Hey [Name], I noticed you stopped by my profile, appreciate you taking a look! Curious, was there something specific that caught your eye, or are you open to conversations around [industry/topic you're exploring]?" 👉 Tip: Warm > Cold. Always start with people who’ve already shown interest. 2. Acknowledge + Ask Find something unique about their background or a recent post, and ask a question. "Hi [Name], I saw your talk on [topic], your insight on [specific point] stuck with me. How did you land your current role at [Company]?" People love talking about themselves, especially when you show genuine interest. 3. Value First Offer a useful insight, article, or trend that aligns with their work. No ask, just value. "Hey [Name], I saw your post about [topic]. Just came across this article, it touches on a similar trend. Thought you might find it interesting." Position yourself as thoughtful, not transactional. 4. Mutual Connection Approach Bridge a real mutual connection or shared experience. "Hi [Name], I noticed we both worked with [Person] / went to [School] / worked in [Company or Industry]. I'd love to learn more about your path, especially how you made the transition to [Role/Company]." Relatability opens doors faster than credentials. 5. Compliment + Curiosity Start with a specific compliment, then open the door. "Hi [Name], really enjoyed your article on [topic], especially your point about [detail]. Are you open to connecting with people exploring similar roles in [industry]?" It’s respectful, direct, and makes it easy for them to respond. Reminder: You don’t need to spam 100 strangers. Start with 10 meaningful messages a week. Track responses. Iterate on what works. Focus on warm leads, shared interests, and genuine curiosity. What template would you like to see next? If you're ready to level up, let’s position you for the roles you actually want. ➕Follow Jaret André for more daily data job search tips.

Most people waste time on LinkedIn. Here’s how to network like a pro. Networking isn’t just clicking “connect” and moving on. It’s a skill. And if you master it, LinkedIn becomes a goldmine. Every person you connect with could bring new opportunities. But adding random people? Useless. You need meaningful connections. Here’s how to do it right: ✅ Be Selective Don’t connect with everyone. Find people in your field or who inspire you. Quality over quantity. ✅ Send a Personal Note A generic request gets ignored. Mention a shared interest or why you admire them. ✅ Engage with Their Content Like. Comment. Ask questions. Show genuine interest. They’ll notice. ✅ Follow Up Check in. Share value. Congratulate them. A single message can spark a long-term connection. ✅ Give Before You Take Networking isn’t begging for favors. Offer support, share insights, and be helpful. People remember those who bring value. LinkedIn isn’t about collecting contacts. It’s about building relationships. Master this, and doors will open. P.S. Do you think coffee chats help in business networking? --- Hey, I’m Musadhiq your LinkedIn growth strategist

🤝 Networking feels awkward? You’re not alone. If the idea of reaching out to someone for “networking” makes you cringe, you’re not the only one. Many of us associate networking with forced small talk, sales pitches, or feeling like we’re asking for favours. But here’s the truth: Networking doesn’t have to feel transactional. When done right, it’s about building authentic, mutually beneficial connections that can open doors and provide value to both parties. Here’s how to make networking feel natural and effective: 1️⃣ Start with Common Ground When reaching out, mention something you genuinely admire or have in common. This could be their work on a specific project, attending the same school, or even shared connections. 👉 Example: “Hi [Name], I recently read about your work on [specific project], and I found it fascinating! As someone interested in [related topic], I’d love to hear about your approach.” 2️⃣ Shift the Mindset from “Getting” to “Giving” Instead of asking for favours, think about how you can offer value. Sharing helpful insights, articles, or even thoughtful comments on LinkedIn posts can create goodwill and start a genuine conversation. 👉 Example: Commenting on their post: “I really appreciate your take on [topic]. It reminded me of [specific example/experience], and I’m excited to apply this in my own work!” 3️⃣ Ask for Advice, Not Favours People love to share their expertise, and asking for advice shows respect for their knowledge. It’s a low-pressure way to connect while learning something valuable. 👉 Example: “Hi [Name], I’m exploring opportunities in [industry/role], and your career journey is inspiring. Would you be open to a quick chat to share advice on [specific topic]?” 4️⃣ Follow Up with Gratitude Networking doesn’t end after one conversation. Send a thank-you note, share how their advice helped, or engage with their updates online to maintain the connection. 👉 Example: “Thank you for taking the time to chat with me! Your advice on [topic] was so helpful—I’ve already started applying it and am seeing progress. Let’s stay in touch!” 💡 Final Thought: Networking isn’t about collecting connections; it’s about building relationships. Approach each interaction with curiosity, authenticity, and a genuine desire to add value, and you’ll find it feels much less awkward—and a lot more rewarding. How do you make networking feel natural? Let’s share ideas below! 💬👇 #NetworkingTips #CareerGrowth #ProfessionalConnections #JobSearch

In today's interconnected world, virtual networking has become an essential tool for professionals seeking to expand their horizons and forge meaningful connections. As we navigate through digital spaces, the ability to make a great first impression is more important than ever. So, how can you ensure that you leave a lasting impact in the virtual realm? Let's delve into some strategies that can elevate your professionalism and make you stand out in virtual networking events. Before diving into any virtual networking event, take the time to curate your digital persona. This encompasses everything from your profile picture to your bio and even your background. In virtual networking, active engagement is key to making a memorable first impression. Take the initiative to introduce yourself to others in the event, utilizing features such as chat boxes or breakout rooms to initiate conversations. Remember to actively listen to what others have to say, offering meaningful contributions and fostering authentic connections. One of the most effective ways to make a great first impression in virtual networking is by showcasing your expertise. Share valuable insights, industry knowledge, or relevant experiences that highlight your unique perspective and capabilities. The true value of virtual networking lies in the follow-up. After the event, take the time to follow up with individuals you connected with, whether it's through a personalized email, LinkedIn message, or virtual coffee chat. Lastly, remember mastering the art of virtual networking requires a combination of preparation, engagement, expertise, and follow-up. By implementing these strategies, you can make a great first impression that resonates with your audience and sets the stage for fruitful relationships and professional growth. So, the next time you find yourself in a virtual networking event, seize the opportunity to showcase your professionalism and leave a lasting impact. Your future self will thank you for it. #virtualnetworking #professionalism #networkingtips #expertiseshowcase #careergrowth #businessnetworking National University of Singapore

Great to be back London Business School this time delivering virtually. Virtual doesn’t mean distant. But it does demand intention. Some hasty soft furnishing improvisation to get the camera at eye level and pushed back to allow natural movement and gestures. Connection starts with presence. If you want engagement through a screen, you have to work harder than you would in the room. A few non-negotiables for speakers and leaders presenting virtually: • Multiple screens - (my preference) One for content, one for faces, chat and polls. If you’re not collecting input, you’re broadcasting, not engaging. • Eye contact Camera placement matters. It’s the difference between talking at people and communicating with them. • Body language & gestures Hands, posture, movement, and facial expression create meaning and energy. If the audience can’t see you gesture, they can’t feel your emphasis. • Energy creation Tone, pace, variation, and intentional pauses matter as much online as on stage. • Confidence in delivery Clarity plus calm presence builds trust fast even through a lens. Virtual audiences don’t lack attention. They lack connection. That’s on us as speakers and leaders to create it. Different medium. Same responsibility. Inspire people to lean in!

Networking isn’t about selling. Here’s my 1 mindset shift that changed everything. I used to think networking was about business. • Hop on a call. • Make your pitch. • Hope something clicks. But the more I did it, the more I realized That’s the worst way to network. By the end of last year, I made a shift. I stopped treating LinkedIn ONLY like a sales funnel. And started using it for what it was meant for networking. ❌ No hidden agenda. ❌ No forced pitches. ✅ Just real conversations with real people. And you know what happened? I met founders, investors, and operators. People doing incredible work. People I never would have connected with otherwise. Last week, I had a call with Manmoy Maji. We started talking about fintech. Ended up discussing the future of India’s startup ecosystem. 30 minutes flew by, and neither of us realized how quickly that happened! So here’s my advice: Book a call with someone. Not to pitch. Not to sell. Just to talk. Because when you focus on learning instead of selling, you don’t just build connections. You build relationships. And in business, that’s what really moves the needle. —— ✍ Question: What’s the most valuable relationship you’ve built just by reaching out?