Easy 15 Minute Networking Strategy For LinkedIn
What is the biggest problem with most social media engagement?
It’s MINDLESS!
Social media networks are tools we can use to connect with others, engage in valuable conversations, find clients, and even land a job!
So why is it that most people end up spending the majority of their time on social media scrolling through content feeds that they could give a shit about… literally?
Beyond just the dopamine rush of the little red notifications, the Instagram models with flossy thongs, and targeted ad after targeted ad that makes it seem like advertisers have access to your thoughts — it’s our own personal responsibilities to choose how we spend our time on these social sites.
For most professionals, LinkedIn offers the best opportunity to focus on intentional engagement — and I promise, whether you want to connect with like-minded people, find more clients, or find your next job — I’m going to show you how you can replace 15 minutes of your mindless 💩 scrolling on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter — and apply an easy networking tip to help you build valuable relationships.
So get off the can, boot up your computer, and fire up your LinkedIn credentials.
Ready?
Why Intentional Engagement?
A mindset focused on intentional engagement flips how most people use social media on its head. Instead of aimlessly scrolling, you take specific measures to engage with content and communities that give you the greatest chance of connecting with the right people and reaching your goals. You set time limits and create boundaries for yourself that help you prevent the problem in the first place.
But, before we jump into the strategy I’m going to teach you about today, the first thing you must do is become aware. You need to be radically honest with yourself about how you’re currently using your time on social media.
Create Clear Networking Goals
Let’s talk specifically about finding a remote job. If that’s your goal, then the networking you do should be aligned to finding three types of people online:
People who do what you want to do: They already have the role or work on the team or within the company you're interested in. Those who can help guide you through informational interviews, connection points, sponsorship internally.
People who want you to do it for them: They are a decision-maker or stakeholder in you getting hired, and by getting the job, you'd be making their life easier. They could be hiring managers, recruiters, or people that directly have influence.
Indirect mentors: Those who may be able to educate or influence from a different industry, type of role, or company. These are people who can help provide guidance in your journey and potentially even connections. Your goal is to figure out what value you can provide them.
Once you’ve identified the target personas or types of people that you want to connect with, you also need to understand how you can provide value to them. Think of these three ways to provide value:
Ideas: What ideas do you have about their company, role, industry that could be HELPFUL (be empathetic)?
Information: What information can you pass along that’s ACTUALLY valuable?
Introductions: Who do you know that could potentially provide this person VALUE?
With these in hand, you’re ready to execute what I call the 5x5x5 Networking Method.
The 5x5x5 LinkedIn Networking Method
The problem: Networking can seem like a HUGE undertaking, especially for a job search. Many of us wish we'd expanded our network before we needed to, but a lot of times it's just not the focus.
The solution: The 5 x 5 x 5 Method on LinkedIn.
Your networking needs to be consistent, yet manageable. With 5x5x5, we take a small amount of effort each day, with targeted and intentional structure, and compound the effects over time.
Find a time during the day that you can segment about 15 minutes of focused energy. Make it the same time every day and block it in your calendar. The goal is consistency, not perfection.
First 5: Leave 5 Targeted Comments
Target company social profiles, groups, people
Focus on relevance, target personas, and intention
Strong people in your network
Others can see your comments, make them thoughtful
Show off your expertise and be part of the conversation
Second 5: Connect with 5 Targeted People
Add people in relevant groups/communities you join (target personas)
Search hashtags and add people talking about [keyword]
Comment on interesting and relevant articles and posts - immediately add them and ‘add note’
Add those working at companies you’re interested in
Add those doing the job you want to be doing, or those in a position to hire a job
Third 5: Unfollow or Mute 5 People
Your feed is a direct reflection of you
Start unfollowing irrelevant people
By taking out less relevant ‘fluff’ from your timelines you can more easily see the good stuff
It will help your mental health
Go with your gut, intuition right away
The Result
You’re no longer a stranger (subconscious programming) to your target personas
You show off your expertise
You create an “in” for the DM’s
You get in the habit of networking and cleaning your feed
You expand your ability to see other profiles, gain more weak ties
In the beginning, these tasks may take more than 5 minutes each. But day after day, as you start to get in the flow of how to do it quickly, you can get each "5" down to 5 minutes of effort, making it a 5x5x5 by 5 Method! Implement the 5x5x5 in your daily routine.
You may start by blocking off about 30 minutes at the same time each day to do it, but it’s something that even beyond a job searching exercise can help you build your network for the rest of your life!
Want More?
Download the FREE LinkedIn Networking Quick Guide!
This actionable guide includes:
5 Networking Mistakes to avoid being awkward or annoying on LinkedIn.
Customizable Scripts and Templates to make networking fun & intuitive.
Where to Find the Right Connections and how to provide value to them immediately.
Top Engagement Strategies to build trust and relatability with your target audience.
How to Build a Platform and "LinkedIn Landing Page" attract more opportunities.