For too many people, LinkedIn is a not-very-efficient way of storing contact details. Not only do they not do anything with the hundreds or thousands of contacts they’ve accumulated over the years (unless they’re looking for a job) – they probably don’t even remember who some of those contacts are.
So how can you put some order into your LinkedIn contacts list – and also take the very first step to build up closer relationships with people who might turn out to be valuable clients?
The answer is not to ignore new connections.
1. If your LinkedIn profile is integrated with your email contacts, you will be able to tag your new contact’s profile so you remember how you met. You can also add notes and reminders to contact them again, when you’ve planned to meet and anything else that you might find helpful in your future relationship.
2. Send them a follow-up email – personalised of course – thanking them for the connection and letting them know about additional resources you can offer them. Be helpful – and you will stand out from the crowd!
Danny Bermant, director of Brainstorm Digital, is author of 7 Mistakes Companies Make on LinkedIn – and How to Avoid Them.
If you liked this post, you might be interested in:
- 3 horrors you should avoid on LinkedIn
- If you don’t have a LinkedIn company page, nobody knows about your business
- Why you should never send blank connection requests on LinkedIn
