Unlike other social media platforms where the modes of communications are more casual, Linkedin has a different set of rules that you need to keep in mind before getting started.
In this blog we’ll explore these rules of linkedin etiquettes and how they can help you build a professional presence and network on Linkedin.
1. Be Professional and Polite:
When interacting with others on LinkedIn through comments or direct messages maintain a professional tone. Avoid using slang or informal language, and be mindful of grammar and spelling errors.
Treat others with respect, even if you have differing opinions, and avoid engaging in heated debates or controversial topics that may damage your professional reputation.
2. Respect Privacy and Boundaries:
Maintain privacy and boundaries between your connections. Avoid sharing or reposting their content without their permission.
Similarly, if someone declines your connection request or doesn’t respond to your message, refrain from persistently reaching out or becoming pushy.
3. Follow Up and Follow Through:
When engaging with connections or potential collaborators, make it a point to follow up and follow through on your commitments.
Respond to messages and inquiries in a timely manner, honor any promises or commitments you make, and maintain professionalism and reliability throughout your interactions.
4. Avoid Excessive Self-Promotion:
While it’s important to showcase your expertise and achievements on LinkedIn, avoid excessive self-promotion. It may come across as spammy or pushy.
Create a balance between sharing valuable content and highlighting your accomplishments, ensuring that your posts and activities benefit your network as a whole.
5. Be Mindful of Tagging and Mentioning Others:
When tagging or mentioning others in your own or someone else’s posts or comments, be considerate and ensure it adds value to the conversation.
Avoid excessive tagging or mentioning without a clear purpose, as it may be seen as intrusive or unnecessary.
6. Avoid Overwhelming Connections with Sales Pitches:
While LinkedIn is a platform for professional networking, avoid bombarding your connections with unsolicited and unwarranted sales pitches or excessive promotional messages.
Focus on building your brand first and building a network for it over time. Provide value and establish trust before introducing any sales-related discussions.
7. Show Gratitude and Acknowledge Others:
Express gratitude and appreciation to those who have supported you on LinkedIn. When someone endorses your skills, writes a recommendation, or shares your content, take the time to acknowledge and thank them.
It fosters goodwill and strengthens your professional relationships.
8. Nurture Relationships:
Building a network on LinkedIn is not just about accumulating connections; it’s about cultivating meaningful professional relationships. Take the time to nurture your connections by regularly engaging with their content, congratulating them on achievements, and sending occasional messages to check in or offer assistance.
Remember, networking is a two-way street, so be willing to offer support and help others when you can. Connect with people that resonate with your brand and your profession.
9. Provide Value through Recommendations and Endorsements:
One of the ways to strengthen your professional relationships on LinkedIn is by providing genuine recommendations and endorsements. If you have worked with someone or have firsthand experience with their skills, take the time to write a thoughtful recommendation or endorse their relevant skills.
This gesture of support adds credibility and helps foster a reciprocal relationship.
10. Personalize Connection Requests:
When sending connection requests, take a moment to personalize your message. Instead of using the default text, mention a specific reason why you want to connect with them or talk about a common point of interest.
This personalized approach shows genuine effort and increases the chances of getting accepted.
11. Engage with Relevant Content:
LinkedIn is a content-driven platform where professionals share insights, articles, and industry news. Engage with this content by liking, commenting, and sharing posts that resonate with you and your brand.
Thoughtful engagement helps you build rapport, contribute to conversations, and expand your network organically.
Conclusion:
In this blog we talked about LinkedIn’s unspoken rules on engagement and communication.
We talked about being professional and polite, respecting boundaries, following up and following through, avoiding excessive self promotion, showing gratitude and acknowledgment and much more.
Use these tips to create an effective system to build your professional LinkedIn network .
