LinkedIn’s Top Networking Tips for Women

Women have been fighting for equal rights for many years and to celebrate their success, and in honor of International Woman’s Day, LinkedIn has released some networking tips for women around the globe. It is important for women to feel empowered in the world of work and networking is a huge part of that.

Some women are already fully confident and know how to be successful. However, for the women that are unsure and are looking to improve their skills, here are our top tips:

LinkedIn’s top tips:

1. It’s not all about face time: If you’re nervous about one-on-one networking, head online first. Industry forums, social networks, and even emails are great first steps on the road to a useful contact.
2. Take it one step at a time: Rome wasn’t built in a day and you won’t amass a huge network of contacts overnight. We’ve found that just nine minutes a day is all it takes to make a big impact on the size and quality of your LinkedIn network.
3. Do your research: The internet is a mine of information, and finding you have something in common with people you’re about to meet is gold dust. A quick online search can tell you that you went to the same university or have a connection in common.
4. Help them to help you: In the world of networking, it’s as important to be found to find others. Having an up-to-date LinkedIn profile that includes a picture makes you much more likely to be approached by new connections.
5. Be prepared: A networker’s worst nightmare is the awkward silence. Jot down a few conversation starters so you have something to fall back on if you run out of things to say.
6. End as you mean to go on: You may only have one chance to make a good first impression, but you can undo all your good work if you make a bad exit. Say a proper “goodbye” and follow up the next day to make sure your new contact remembers you for the right reasons.

4 best-connected women:

It’s now time to hand over to the 4 best-connected women on LinkedIn for their best networking tips:

Jean Fenwick, Managing Director at Fenwick Consulting:

Create and participate in relevant LinkedIn Groups. This is a great way to raise one’s profile and to be seen as an industry expert with your followers. Add value to the relationship by sharing links to relevant industry news and ask questions/invite comments on topics to encourage engagement.  A good example of this is Fenwick Consulting’s LinkedIn Group – Scottish Supply Chain Professionals which now has almost 1000 followers.

Abigail Stevens, Managing Director at Think Global Recruitment:

Think about how you want to be perceived, your identity and make sure all social and other media represents this at all times.  The easiest way to do this is to think how all stakeholders, clients, candidates, existing and potential team members and even their families, would like you to look if they are going to trust you with their or their families’ company development or career progression.  Make sure both your written and visual appearance portrays this.  Highlight your strengths and experience, don’t just presume people know what you do. Sing about your achievements. Try and be a little unique in this.  A tag line can be good to ensure people remember you.