This is a long post because it combines two related but separate topics. The common element is LinkedIn. You’ve probably got a profile there and hopefully it is up to date and providing value to you either through networking or knowledge sharing. The two topics on my radar today are how to grow a network of value, and then how to tell good advice from bad advice on LinkedIn. Feel free to share your tips as well.
LinkedIn is not just another social media platform; it’s a valuable tool for professional growth. But, having a large network doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a useful one. Quality, as they say, trumps quantity. In the words of business author Tom Peters, “Your network is your net worth.” Make it count. Here are some tips that will help guide you through the process of cultivating a LinkedIn network that adds genuine value to your professional journey.
1. Define Your Objectives – Before you start connecting, ask yourself why you’re doing it. Are you looking for job opportunities? Networking within your industry? Seeking mentors? Knowing your objectives will help you target the right people and create more impactful interactions.
2. Be Selective – It’s tempting to accept every connection request, but it may not serve your long-term goals. Don’t be afraid to be selective. Choose connections who align with your objectives and have the potential to add value to your network.
3. Personalize Connection Requests – A generic message rarely captures attention. Personalize your connection requests by mentioning common interests, goals, or why you admire their work. This not only increases the chances of acceptance but also sets the stage for meaningful conversations.
4. Engage, Don’t Just Observe – Having someone in your network isn’t the end; it’s the beginning of a professional relationship. Engage with your connections by liking, sharing, or commenting on their posts. Better yet, start a conversation by sending them a message or sharing something that might interest them.
5. Leverage Recommendations and Endorsements – A network isn’t just about taking; it’s about giving as well. Writing a recommendation or endorsing skills for a connection not only strengthens your relationship but also encourages a culture of reciprocity within your network.
6. Keep It Updated – Your LinkedIn profile is your online resume. Keep it updated to reflect your latest skills, projects, and experiences. An outdated profile can send the wrong message to potential connections.
7. Quality Conversations Over Quantity – A useful network is built on strong relationships, not numbers. Take the time to have meaningful conversations. Instead of spreading yourself thin, focus on deepening a few connections that align closely with your objectives.
8. Perform Regular Audits – Your needs and objectives will evolve, and so should your network. Periodically review your connections to ensure they still align with your goals. Don’t hesitate to disconnect from people who no longer fit your evolving professional landscape. I do this on the regular basis to ensure that my network is still relevant but also to cull people who post bad advice or opinions (see more about that in the second half of this post)
Building a LinkedIn network is more than just a numbers game. It’s about creating a community that supports your professional goals and enriches your career. By focusing on quality over quantity and committing to regular engagement, you’ll cultivate a network that’s not just large, but valuable and meaningful.
But now that you have built a great network on LinkedIn, how do you tell the difference between good advice and bad advice? LinkedIn is a treasure trove of professional advice, networking opportunities, and job listings. However, as with any platform, the advice on LinkedIn varies in quality. Here are some tips to help you sift through the noise.
9. Check the Source – Who’s giving the advice? Look at their credentials and experience. Did they suddenly become an expert in a field they don’t have a lot of experience in? Is the advice coming from someone who’s established in the field you’re interested in? The higher the credibility, the more weight you should give to their words.
10. Context Matters – Advice that worked for one person may not be applicable to your situation. Consider your circumstances and goals before applying advice blindly. Good advice often comes with a proper context to help you understand its limitations.
11. Test the Waters – Before implementing any advice on a large scale, run a small experiment to see if it’s effective. If it doesn’t produce positive results or feels wrong, it might be bad advice.
12. Consult Multiple Sources – Don’t rely solely on one source or opinion. Seek advice from multiple experts and compare their recommendations. If you find a consensus, that’s usually a good sign.
13. Beware of Extremes – Steer clear of advice that’s overly dramatic or absolute. Statements like “This is the ONLY way”, or “ALL managers are . . .” or “I’ve had 30 years experience and so my view point is the only correct one”, are often a red flag. The world is rarely that black and white.
14. Gut Check – Your intuition is valuable. If advice doesn’t feel right, there’s probably a reason why. Listen to your gut when it comes to accepting or rejecting advice.
15. Cross-Reference with Trusted Material – If you’re not sure about the advice you’re seeing, compare it with information from trusted publications, academic journals, or well-known experts in the field.
16. Time-Tested Wisdom vs Trendy Buzzwords – Good advice usually stands the test of time. Be cautious of advice that leans too heavily on buzzwords or current trends. If it sounds like a fad, tread carefully.
17. Get Second Opinions – Don’t hesitate to consult with mentors, colleagues, or friends who understand your field and can provide additional perspectives.
18. Keep Learning – The more knowledgeable you are in your field, the easier it is to discern good advice from bad. Keep learning, stay curious, and don’t forget to apply critical thinking.
Knowing how to tell good advice from bad on LinkedIn can save you time, effort, and potential career missteps. So the next time you come across some “life-changing” advice, use these tips to evaluate its worthiness.
Overall, its worth building a LinkedIn network, actively contributing to the knowledge, and in todays world you probably don’t have a choice because it is common for people to look for your LinkedIn profile within minutes of meeting you, or hearing about you.
