LinkedIn: Building your network for professional success

LinkedIn can be an incredibly powerful tool to grow your professional connections and gain exposure to potential clients.

As a broker, there are many reasons why putting time into expanding your digital network on LinkedIn is extremely worthwhile. With more LinkedIn connections you:

• Increase your visibility in the industry leading to increased client acquisition opportunities as more individuals and businesses will be aware of your services;

• Can continue to stay updated on industry developments, and emerging trends so that you can adapt to the evolving credit insurance landscape; and

• Are more likely to receive referral business as satisfied clients and trusted connections are more likely to refer their own networks to you when they require credit insurance.

So given the doors your LinkedIn network can open, how can you build a strong network?

Here are our five top tips:

1. Optimise your profile: Ensuring your profile is complete and is an accurate representation of you professionally is the foundation to being able to grow a larger, and relevant network on LinkedIn. 

2. Engage consistently: Regularly sharing valuable content, commenting on posts, and participating in relevant groups are great ways to increase your visibility and attract new connections. To get started make sure to follow some industry thought leaders or relevant accounts who post regularly and start to engage with their content. Remember that people are more likely to see your profile if you are commenting on or sharing content rather than just reacting to the post.

3. Personalise connection requests: Instead of sending out generic connection requests personalise each one with a brief message explaining why you want to connect. By putting a little bit of time into your request you are showing that you are a sincere account, and the likelihood of the request being accepted will increase.

4. Create original content: You are the industry expert! Share your own insights, experiences and expertise by creating your own posts on LinkedIn. Whether you choose to write an article, share a case study, or post pictures these posts will establish that you are a thought leader. Plus, by posting valuable content you’ll attract new connections who will want to learn from you.

5. Don’t limit your networking to just on-screen: Your networking doesn’t need to only be from online interactions. Attend industry events, conferences and networking opportunities to meet other like-minded professionals in person. Just be sure to follow up any good conversations with a LinkedIn connection request – ideally within 24 hours so that the individual will recognise you and your profile.