Networking Tips: How to Find Leads on LinkedIn Naturally

With more than 500 million users, LinkedIn certainly looks like a pot of gold just waiting to be harvested. Who doesn’t want to make the best of finding leads on LinkedIn and then being able to sell products to all these people?

However, trying to sell on LinkedIn is not a very effective way to use it. A far more powerful and effective approach is to focus on increasing connections and growing relationships with people.

Tips on how to find new leads on LinkedIn

Here are some tips for networking naturally so that you don’t’ come across like a ‘used car salesman’.

1.   Do your research first. Look around on Google for company websites that may be of benefit to get to know. Don’t bombard every employee that works there for introductions. Spamming people doesn’t make the right start. However, by doing your research first, you’ll get a good understanding of where to get started. 

2.   Personalize your messages. When you choose to send connection requests, use the opportunity to create a personal message. Remind them how you met or who introduced you. Prospective connections will read and pay attention to your personal message more than an automated message.

3.   Ask for personal introductions.  It’s not considered polite to stalk the LinkedIn connection list of your connections. Instead of saying ‘we both know Bob Smith’ ask directly for an introduction. However, do make a bit of an effort to befriend people before you ask for introductions.

4.    Build the relationship before asking for a sale. Don’t send a sales pitch as soon as you get the new connection request. Not only will it send out a message that the person will want to cringe over for being spammy, but they are likely to ignore it. Just send them a ‘hello, nice to meet you’ style message instead. Then spend time publishing consistent and valuable material on your feed and like other valuable info that you find on their feeds.

5.    Keep your profile up to date. Your profile will always be checked before somebody decides to connect with you. So keep this information current and with relevant keywords and power words where relevant. Be sure to get your LinkedIn profile to the ‘all star’ level of completion. You can do this by completing as many sections as you can. Remember that LinkedIn is a version of a search engine. Make the best use of the sections to add keywords without over-stuffing. For example, use the job history or experience area to add more keywords that will complement what you already have in your summary. 

Here’s another piece of information for you on how to get the best from LinkedIn:

5 Things That Will Help You to Find New Clients on LinkedIn

In summary:

When you’re on a mission to find leads on LinkedIn, it’s about making the right approach. There’s a big difference between introducing yourself and explaining what you have to offer rather than going for the sales pitch. Craft your introduction carefully, and you won’t come across as a salesperson desperate for a sale. 

Hire me to help you with your LinkedIn profile

If you’re looking for help with writing your LinkedIn profile, I offer this service either directly through my website for £45/$55 or through People Per Hour, where you can read my reviews. I’ve already helped over 300 people find new jobs and get more contacts with an optimised LinkedIn profile. I also provide branding, marketing and content creation services and courses.

Alternatively, you might be interested in my Biz Growth Plan Course that is open a couple of times a year. You can register your interest here. I’ll stay in touch with you about dates.