How LinkedIn is Like a School Dance: 5 Do’s and Don’ts

Social etiquette matters. Do you remember those first school dances when you weren’t sure what to do? You wanted to connect with someone and dance, but weren’t sure how to just walk up to someone and start a conversation. What should you say? What would be inappropriate?

LinkedIn follows a different social rulebook than Facebook, Twitter or most other social media platforms. Think of LinkedIn as a business event, not a backyard pool party. It has the potential to bring you connections and business you’d never have otherwise. LinkedIn can also be monumentally frustrating and feel like a huge waste of time. You can spend a lot of time congratulating strangers on their birthdays or new jobs, but have few meaningful conversations that result in genuine leads or valuable contacts.

But whether your LinkedIn network is a business bonanza or a total bust is up to you. A great general rule of thumb is to treat everyone like your boss’s boss. Don’t post anything you wouldn’t want her to see.

5 Top LinkedIn Do’s

1. Personalize Each Connection Request

In all likelihood, the people you’d be most interested in connecting with won’t respond to a connection request without a personal message. Mention people you both know or say why a connection with you would be worthwhile (but don’t just namedrop for its own sake). Taking the time to do this will make you stand out and pay big dividends over time. Never blanket connect.

2. Update Your Profile and Picture

This is your first impression; make it a good one. Use a current, professional headshot, not a cutesy picture with your dog. Unless you run a pet grooming service, save that one for Facebook. Review your profile and add current info, including a description of what you actually do, not just a job title.

3. Select Groups Carefully

Pick relevant groups and contribute to the discussions with well-thought-out, pertinent comments. Don’t talk politics or religion or get into any mean-spirited arguments. Abandon any groups that aren’t working for you.

4. Seek and Give Genuine Endorsements

Pursue testimonials and endorsements for your real skills. Recommend others with meaningful endorsements.

5. Stay Active, but Not Spammy

One good, business-related post a day (or even less often) is enough. You don’t want to spam your contacts. Share your work, achievements, and any new projects you’re working on.

5 Top LinkedIn Don’ts

1. Don’t Name-Drop

Just because you’re connected to someone doesn’t mean they really know you. Don’t use their name to boost your credibility without their knowledge. It’s likely to backfire, and then you’ll end up looking a lot worse than if you hadn’t mentioned them at all.

2. Don’t Over-Promote Yourself

Yes, LinkedIn is about business, but shameless self-promotion will turn people off. Everything you post should have some value to others, otherwise what is their incentive to engage? Don’t hog discussions. Again, ask yourself, would your boss’s boss approve?

3. Don’t Try to Impress With Vague Verbiage No One Understands

Clear, simple language is best. Don’t use hyper-business-speak such as “authoritatively empowering visionary strategies.” Pro tip: no one is going to care if they can’t understand what it is you do in plain English.

4. Don’t Ignore New Connections

Send a personal welcome message whenever someone joins your network. It’s the first step in building a real relationship. Even if they’re just a lowly intern, you never know who’s going to have good ideas or great connections online or in the real world.

5. Don’t Let Messages Sit Unanswered

It’s no different than email. You can probably wait a day or so to respond, but any longer is rude.

Bonus Tip: Become a Business Matchmaker

Introduce people in your network to each other. Over time, you’ll receive introductions in return. This personal touch is an excellent way to build relationships and expand your network. LinkedIn takes work, but can be extremely effective. Before you know it, you’ll consider the platform one of your most valuable professional assets.

Finally, if you’re looking for help with your business or agency’s social media, BXP Creative offers strategic social media management. We’d love to provide a free consultation and discuss your digital marketing goals.