“Most professionals get few IF ANY opportunities from LinkedIn and it just becomes yet another social media time suck!  Quit wasting your time and turn LinkedIn into a powerful prospecting engine.” - Robert Johnson

LinkedIn or Linked Out

Effectively Setting Up and Growing Your LinkedIn Network in 2024: A 6-Week Strategy and Checklist

Here are the latest LinkedIn statistics (as of April 2024) and a checklist to help you optimize your LinkedIn profile and network growth strategy.

LinkedIn Statistics (April 2024):

• Over 1 billion users worldwide

• More than 67 million registered companies

• 40% of users access LinkedIn daily

• 65 million people use LinkedIn to search for jobs every week

• Over 75% of users are based outside the United States

Why Use LinkedIn?

• Expand your professional network

• Generate leads and build brand awareness

• Establish professional credibility

• Conduct market research and connect with industry experts

• Stay updated on industry trends

Checklist: 6-Week LinkedIn Growth Plan (Less than 1 hour per week)

Week 1: Initial Setup

• Complete your profile

• Upload a professional headshot.

• Craft a compelling headline (120 characters) that highlights the specific problem you solve for your ideal clients. (e.g., Helping agents and advisors who sometimes struggle to grow sales, create proven systems to generate an additional 6-figures while also giving up the grind.)

• Write a clear and concise summary (2,000 characters) showcasing your value proposition and target audience.

• Add your work experience and education (include relevant keywords in your job descriptions and education experience).

• Create a compelling header image with a specific call to action for your Ideal Clients. (Canva.com) Here's mine. You can click on it to check out my profile.

  

• Build your initial connections (20)

• Start with people you already know (colleagues, classmates, etc.).

• Connect with your email contacts.

• Join 5 relevant groups

• Search for groups related to your industry or interests.

• Actively participate in discussions and share valuable insights.

Week 2: Refine Your Profile and Start Engaging

• Accept connection requests and personalize your response message.

• Follow 2-3 competitors to stay updated on industry trends.

• WEEKLY:  Write 2-3 recommendations for existing connections

• WEEKLY:  Share an article or post valuable content relevant to your audience.

• Connect with 20 additional professionals.

Week 3: Optimize Your Summary and Showcase Expertise

• Refine your summary section with keywords focused on the problems you solve.

• Write a compelling 30-second "prospecting message" that highlights your value.

• Write recommendations for connections you've interacted with.

• Join 5 more relevant groups.

Week 4: Target Ideal Clients and Build Authority

• Add a volunteer section to your profile (optional).

• Join 5 additional relevant groups.

• Identify and connect with 20 ideal clients.

• Search for people by title, company, or keywords.

• Personalize your connection request message. (e.g., Mention shared connections or highlight how you can add value to their network.)

Week 5: Share Content and Stay Active

• Add a relevant document, article, or infographic to your profile.

• Connect with 20 more professionals.

• Accept connection requests and respond to messages promptly.

• Write recommendations for connections you've interacted with.

• Post a status update sharing valuable insights or industry news.

Week 6: Continue Building Relationships and Adding Value

• Continue searching for ideal clients and professional connections.

• Connect with 20 more ideal prospects.

• Write recommendations for connections you've interacted with.

• Request a recommendation from a connection with a personalized message.

Long-Term LinkedIn Strategy

• Focus on creating high-quality content and consistently post valuable information.

• Engage with your network daily: Respond to messages, participate in discussions, and share relevant content.

• Schedule regular reviews of your profile and update it with new information or achievements.

Pro-Tips - Ask Me How

• Always have something to promote:  monthly or more frequently host a webinar, seminar, golf tournament OR promote a referral partner who is.  LinkedIn loves events and will share them with everyone you invite provided they have not turned off notifications for events.

• Leverage tools like automation VERY carefully.

• Use AI tools to effortlessly turn your content into marketing masterpieces

• Outsource various functions of your marketing system including basic LinkedIn tasks to a virtual assistant.

By following these steps and remaining consistent with your activity, you can build a strong LinkedIn presence that attracts new connections, generates leads, and positions you as an expert in your field.