I\u2019m a huge believer in the power of social media to evolve your network, and build a strong social voice. As with most things these days, I believe that you need a multi-pronged approach to either promoting your brand (or roles) or as a candidate searching for a new position \/ assignment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re seeking a job, this article will show you how you can present yourself as a valued connection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s important to ALWAYS have an up to date LinkedIn profile whether you are in a role or seeking a new role \/ assignment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Do your research<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n When you\u2019re starting your search for a new role within a business, review the profiles of those within the organisation, their career progression, values (from any content \/ posts) and areas of focus etc.so in part this also supports with an organisations EVP. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Keywords<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n LinkedIn is all about SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) and there are tricks that mean you can come up higher in searches. Here at Frazer Jones we can provide you with this 1:1 advice, ultimately you need to ensure that you are using keywords in your LinkedIn profile that would drive a hiring manager to your profile page, it\u2019s good to use the automated LinkedIn keyword suggestions for your profile title for example, HR Director, Head of Talent, HR Business Partner etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tell your story<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Your LinkedIn profile should complement but not replicate your CV, by providing context to your roles and the deliverables \/ achievements that a potential employer won\u2019t know is key. Once you are happy with how your profile represents you, it\u2019s time to start taking your proactivity to the next level. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Part of building your network is to give you wider access to others profiles on LinkedIn enabling you to reach more 3rd stage connections for example. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Seek out your peers<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Whilst many of us focus on trying to network with senior individuals, it\u2019s also important to build your network out of peers (internally and externally). <\/p>\n\n\n\n Firstly, they may share posts for roles within their own business as well as grow in seniority with you, which could clearly connect you with opportunities down the line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n How to connect<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are going to start connecting with people unsurprisingly, response rates differ by the seniority of the recipient. Its therefore key for you to have a strong reason for them to accept your connection. Be it mentioning a mutual connection or a reason that as a job seeker that you can solve any perceived \u2018pain\u2019 that their organisation may have i.e. what solutions that your skillset can bring to them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you decide to take that connection to the next level then put some consideration into the message that you send. Most of us will have been on the receiving end of sales pitches and quickly online \u2018conversations\u2019 can become hugely transactional. This instantly switches many people off. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Short and sweet<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Nobody has the patience or desire to read long messages that look and feel spammy, especially if it\u2019s the first time they\u2019re hearing from you. Also, make them relevant to that recipient. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Keep it brief<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n What are the points you want to convey? Your entire message should be easy to read on a phone screen. InMail analysis found that messages under 100 words perform best, and response rates decrease significantly as word count increases beyond 500 words.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tone matters<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The content and tone of the message really matters. Especially at the moment, nobody wants to be \u2018sold to\u2019 at a time when they are likely to be making some challenging decisions about their business. Keep it friendly but professional, maybe even referencing that mutual connection again. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The best way to build a relationship is by supporting others and \u2018paying it forward\u2019 but this only really works when that desire to help is genuine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Demonstrate value<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Not only does it feel good to support others, but it also gives a sense of values. This could also be your \u2018in\u2019 on that first message. It also sets the stage for you to ask them something of your connections in the future. You don\u2019t have to offer to help in every circumstance, but make yourself available and also respond to others requests where you can. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Connecting<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The most important thing about a network is that you don\u2019t neglect the people you already know. Your network is rooted in existing, real-life relationships, so put effort into re-connecting where you cannot just when you are \u2018in need\u2019. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Once connected to your target audience and you\u2019re maintaining regular contact you need to keep showing why you are a valued connection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What engages your network?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Consistency of output is key here, as is relevancy of what you are producing. Always think about who you are, as well as what you stand for. Alongside what you share \u2013 is this really of interest to your network?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Relevant and topical<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Whenever I\u2019m reading, talking or watching, I\u2019m frequently asking myself or suggesting to others \u201cis there a blog to be had here?\u201d. Likewise, as well as writing your own blogs, it is smart to curate others work and share thought leaders content with your network, clearly crediting them along the way with your own commentary on the articles \/ blogs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Just remember to write about what is interesting to your audience, not just what\u2019s interesting to you. I see no relevance to posts on \u2018I went here\u2019, \u2018I met\u2026\u2019 – I\u2019d say that this is more Facebook material, because as the reader, it offers no value add to me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Overall, Social media opens up incredible possibilities for strengthening your professional network. But be sure that it is a genuine extension of how you interact with others in \u2018the real world\u2019. Finding common ground, then build trust and with that should come long-term relationships, rather than one-time transactions.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" I\u2019m a huge believer in the power of social media to evolve your network, and build a strong social voice. As with most things these days, I believe that you need a multi-pronged approach to either promoting your brand (or roles) or as a candidate searching for a new position \/ assignment. If you\u2019re seeking […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":201,"featured_media":818,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"templates\/post-original.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_cn_metabox_post_checkbox_dont_send_once":false,"_cn_metabox_post_checkbox_dont_send_ever":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[25,51],"tags":[],"hd_author":[],"class_list":["post-817","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-career-advice","category-career-progression"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nBuilding your network<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Writing the first message<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Reciprocity <\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Be knowledgable<\/h5>\n\n\n\n