Stop Obsessing About Your LinkedIn Network Size
How many connections or followers do you have? We're completely obsessed with our popularity, our following, our influence.
Social selling experts emphasize the importance of growing ENOUGH of an organic social presence before expecting revenue, new clients, or that next opportunity.
We're taught to focus on the numbers, add more connections, grow as quickly as we can... and once we've laid the foundation, THEN we can experience business success on LinkedIn.
I get it. This makes complete logical sense from the perspective of "build it, and they will come."
But, how long are you going to spend on your LinkedIn foundation before you become profitable? Months. Quarters. Years.
What if all it took was a simple formula to revamp your LinkedIn profile, plus a framework to start building your network strategically?
It really can be that simple.
In this episode of Mondays with Mindi, we talk about how we can stop obsessing about our LinkedIn network size -- and why this obsession is causing us to procrastinate on growing our businesses and cultivating relationships with the people who can become our next customers, partners, and advocates.
Many of my students and clients come to me with a sense of exasperation because they’ve spent months (and often YEARS) building up a social presence and trying to add new connections who are relevant.
But they still have little to show for it!
When you ask them if they’d be open to messaging someone they don’t know about joining their podcast as a guest or for a call to exchange ideas or explore synergy, they tense up!
They get this terrified look in their eye…
They’ll say things like, “It’s a complete longshot, she’ll never respond to my message…”
I’ll coach them to “just hit send” on that message and see what happens. You’d be surprised how small your network can be AND still get the attention of those perfect fit prospects, or dreamy podcast guests, or would-love-to-collaborate-with business partners!
Why is it that we lack the confidence to reach out to people UNLESS we have this “mythical number” of LinkedIn connections?
And what is that number anyway?!
Relationships Matter More Than Follower Numbers
We are all striving to show up as the best versions of ourselves on LinkedIn.
Our culture teaches us that you have to spend nearly two decades in school before you’re deemed “an expert” in a traditional sense.
How is that mindset working out for this next generation? Those Gen Z’ers are teaching us that you don’t need ANYONE’s stamp of approval to make a difference, to make an impact, to become an expert in whatever form that takes.
According to a recent survey conducted by EY Ripples and JA Worldwide of 6,000 people born between 1997 and 2007, 53% hope to run their own business within the next ten years. That proportion increases to 65% for those who have already entered the workforce.
The way we think about expertise being linked to credentials and external signs of “success” (dare I say # of followers?) are going away.
Instead, we’re now focusing on the relationships we build with one another, which do not require a large number of other friends or followers to validate us.
The people you want to connect with -- they’re not obsessed with your following, your number of connections, or how many viral posts you have right now.
They don’t care about those numbers.
They are looking for someone who can help them solve their problem.
That’s you, isn’t it?!
As a member of a number of entrepreneurial communities, I get to work with and collaborate with dozens of people each week.
One of the common themes I see come up over and over again:
“How can I better attract the people I can help? I understand them, but how do I get my messaging right, so THEY can see that I can work with them to help them work through ____ (fill in the blank.)”
I hear you. I feel your frustration. I see you thrash to find the right words.
And, so take a little pressure off yourself to “grow those numbers."
Why not try focusing on your messaging instead?
Your Message Matters More Than Your Following
If the people we want to help and work with do not care much about the numbers of our network, what do they care about?
Our message.
Making it so crystal clear that they go “you’re in my head!”
When we can convey that we understand at a deeper level exactly what they’re struggling with, how they’re feeling, and that we’ve worked with people just like them -- that’s really all they need to know.
If you have what they’re looking for and can explain it in a way that communicates to both their left and right brain, they’ll trust you.
So stop worrying about how fast your network is growing, and start thinking about the message you’re communicating.
What do you stand for?
What are your values?
What does your personal life look like?
How does that tie into your business and professional life?
Are you modeling what success could look like for them?
When people can see the possibility for their own success by watching/observing the way YOU do business, the way do you life, you’ll attract them without having to try too hard.
The numbers will take care of themselves!
But -- this is a choice you will have to make for yourself.
Sometimes, the pull of the numbers is just too strong and addictive. Seeing those numbers deviate from their upward trajectory (or even go down initially when you hone your message!) can be disheartening at times.
You can continue trying to build up your network artificially with the wrong people or just the “cheerleaders” who make you feel good about yourself in the moment but never want to work with or collaborate with you.
The funny part is that when you take this counterintuitive approach, you will one day notice that your numbers start increasing effortlessly and having this snowball effect -- more customers popping out of the woodwork and more collaborators wanting to work with you.
If you’re ready to ditch that stressful obsession with your network size, let’s talk about how to hone your message instead.
3 Tips To Start Crafting an Irresistible Message
How do you create a message that resonates with the right people on LinkedIn?
Let’s discuss a few sections that actually matter and what to pay attention to FIRST, especially if you’re revisiting LinkedIn as a viable channel for your business or career.
#1 - Your LinkedIn Headline
If you’ve followed any of my videos or content, you’ve likely heard me talk about the headline as your first impression.
You may not get it right the first time, but you can always change this down the road.
Focus on this headline formula of:
Who You Are + Whom You Help + How You Help + Results You Generate
If you’re not yet satisfied with your headline, spend a bit more time tweaking it to ensure you get the right message across that ATTRACTS the right people and REPELS the wrong people.
#2 - Your About Section
If you don’t have one yet, or if it’s just a copy from a bio or executive summary on a resume, you need to get this section dialed in. You’d be surprised how many people don’t have one at all!
Make a note to come back to your About section once you’ve made the adjustment to your headline. START this section with a compelling question that your target audience asks a lot. END this section with one way for people to learn more or connect with you.
I also have a plug-and-play templated formula that can help you knock this section out -- so check out the link in the comments!
#3 - Your Visual Message
What is the visual message people are picking up on when they land on your LinkedIn profile? Do you feel like the visuals you’re using on your profile “flow” and grab the attention of the right people, or does it feel like a hodge podge of a scrapbook you tried to throw together?
Words matter. Then again, a picture is worth a thousand words.
Consider adding some visual elements to your profile, like videos of you “in action” or some lifestyle images of you doing what you love, maybe some branding colors/themes leading to your portfolio of work -- get creative, have a little bit of fun!
Tying this all together, your goal is to create meaningful 1:1 connections with your LinkedIn network around your areas of passion and expertise using your messaging, not just trying to get MORE people inside your network for the sake of MORE.
My challenge for you -- take a look at your LinkedIn profile and pick ONE thing related to your message that you can make clearer, more easily understood, and more relatable to your people.
If you’re looking for that extra edge to get you started on the right path with your LinkedIn profile and growing your network strategically, get on my waitlist for The LinkedIn Accelerator where I’ll be doing a free kickoff training to help you flesh out your LinkedIn strategy.
