LinkedIn Etiquette: 4 Best Practices you Should Know

You have a solid LinkedIn profile set up (even with a photo you like). You have a base of connections that you continue to expand upon, but you may ask yourself the  question: How do I use my LinkedIn presence to generate high quality contacts and leads for my business network?   

1. Adding New Contacts

With right and wrong ways and many nuances in building your network of LinkedIn connections, enhancing your professional online presence is a challenging task, especially while networking with new contacts who aren’t in your inner circle. How do you show that you bring value as a connection for someone else? Try using your invitation to connect as an opportunity to learn more about their professional interests.

2. Personalize Your Connection Invitations

Not everyone will accept a generic invitation from you. Some see them as e-noise in their inbox. A personalized note with the invite to connect always makes more sense, especially if you do not interact with the person on a regular basis. Including a note that shows a mutual interest or possible networking opportunities adds value when your invitation is accepted. New online connections are fun when you make them more meaningful than a standard LinkedIn template invite.

Sending an invitation to someone that you already know is a good opportunity to begin a conversation and learn what their business needs are.  Likewise, when you accept an invitation, send a quick note of  thanks to your new connection. Never miss an opportunity for a quick catch-up!

3. Sending Notes to your Current Contacts

Be sure to send only relevant and timely notes to your contacts. For example, liking and congratulating someone on a new job is great. But if they have been in the position for years and are just now making a profile update, it’s just not the same concept! Be sure to read their content so that your comments make sense.

4. Endorsements

Endorsements? You may wonder when the best time to endorse someone is. Consider endorsing someone if you’ve worked with them in a particular area and you recognize them to be an expert or thought leader in that given field. Only endorse others if you have personal experience of their expertise in an area.

Today, online networking via LinkedIn is just as important as connecting with professionals out and about at business events and client meetings in person. Continue to keep your online presence clean by following these four best practices on LinkedIn.

Do you have a few LinkedIn best practices that you’d like to share? Comment below!