You notice that there are a couple of different types of connectors on LinkedIn, right? Random Connectors and Intentional Connectors are two I blogged about last week. They each have their place in LinkedIn and sometimes, depending on what we need to do, we may be a bit of both. That can work, but for the most part, choose to be one and be good doing it.
There is a third type of connector. A super connector. These may be the people who are really out there networking, speaking, writing and gathering. One of their main objectives is to network and connect people—and for a few of them, it’s all they do. The difference in this kind of ‘connector’ is that they are not building a large network just to build it, nor are they growing an intentionally small, strategic network. They are establishing a network for the purpose of actively connecting the people in it, although obviously there is personal benefit there as well.
Do you want to be a LinkedIn super connector? If so, consider doing some of the following:
- Map out a strategy. What outcome are you working toward? New business, speaking opportunities, talent, a new job?
- Introduce people and start in LinkedIn so you have context for one another.
- Join Groups and start participating so more people see you.
- Like, comment and share content from LinkedIn Today and from your connections.
- Make sure you are connected to others who have a large network.
- Jumpstart your network by networking in person and using LinkedIn as a follow up. Remember, it’s a great platform for keeping in touch.
- Follow LinkedIn influencers. Consider following some of these marketing influencers.
- Upgrade your account and take advantage of OpenLink. OpenLink messages are free InMail messages that can be sent to any OpenLink Network member, even if they are outside of your network. Anyone on LinkedIn can send an OpenLink message to these Premium members without an introduction or paying for an InMail. All LinkedIn members can see the full profiles of OpenLink members. In order to be an OpenLink member, you must have a Premium account. Take a minute and watch the video, click here or on the image below.
If you are going to be a super connector, consider:
- Being a good social citizen, be interesting.
- Asking a question or two.
- Consider—and limit—the frequency of your rants, posts etc. What you say has to be valuable.
- Be authentic.
- Build a smaller network of trusted connections inside your larger network.
- Understand what you are doing.
Decide who you want to be in LinkedIn. Random connector, intentional connector or super connector. Want to read an interesting article on a super connector? Click here.
Which are you? Let us know.
