How to Network on LinkedIn Without Feeling Awkward

By: Emma Heim

Have you ever looked at someone’s LinkedIn and thought, “How do I even begin to talk to them?” Networking on LinkedIn can feel weird or intimidating, but it does not need to be. With a little planning and confidence, you can use LinkedIn to meet people who can help you grow, learn, or even get unique opportunities. My blog takes a step-by-step approach to how to network on LinkedIn without feeling awkward. Follow along, and let’s improve our LinkedIn presence together!

So let us begin, what is LinkedIn? I could imagine that you already know what LinkedIn is, but in case you do not, I think it is important to take the time and explain what the platform is intended and used for. LinkedIn is a professional networking site designed to help individuals build connections, showcase their skills, and engage with career-related content. To me, it is my newest favorite social media app. Think of it as a digital space where you can find your resume, portfolio, and professional experiences. 

The platform allows users to highlight their work experience, share achievements, join industry-specific communities, and connect with professionals from around the world. Whether you’re someone looking for a job, hoping to expand your network, or simply want to know some updates in your industry and trends in your field of study, LinkedIn serves as a social media app where sharing your life meets career growth and professional development. Taking the time to understand its purpose sets the foundation for using it effectively and making the most out of the opportunities it offers.

Now let’s go back to the steps. Let’s call this first step making your profile ready. Before you talk to people, you need to make sure your homepage is solid. Think of it as your all about you profile. Think about what you would want people to find as a first impression of you and your professional world. What I did was focus in on using a friendly and clear photo of myself. Giving some personality. 

Next, I would focus on a headline that shows who you are and what you care about. Mine is “| Social Media Coordinator at ROI Marketing & Create Design | Public Relations | Storyteller | Dedicated to Connecting People and Spreading Joy.” It includes my current job, my major, and a little about my dedication to storytelling and connecting with people. Next, in your about section, focus on what it is about yourself that makes you a professional in your hopeful career. Focus on what you’re studying, what you’re passionate about, and what you are hoping to learn. My bio talks about what I am involved in, what I am passionate about, and what I am looking to do. Warning, it is very long. I need to update it to be short and sweet.

Next, add your experiences and make sure your education section is filled out. I would add any relevant experiences. I have everything from jobs, internships, leadership, and organizations I am a part of on my campus. Education, I focused on my college education, and what I am currently in school for. Taking the time to focus on your home page will make people more comfortable connecting with you. When your profile is more complete, you are more likely to get opportunities. A complete profile equals a stronger online resume. 

Now for step two. Find the right people to connect with. You do not need to connect with everyone, just the people who make sense for you. Think about people who are already doing what you want to do. Use LinkedIn’s search tool to filter in schools you want to attend, companies you want to work for, and industries you want to specialize in. Also, think of what people you already have something in common with, maybe the same university, organization, or both love the same skill. Having something in common can make a connection simpler and easier to relate to and talk about. 

Your next step would be sending a friendly and personalized connection request. When you click connect, do not leave the message blank. Write a short personalized note to make you stand out. 

Take time to introduce yourself, mention something about the person you’re trying to connect with, and say you’re interested in learning, not just looking for a job. 

Next, start a simple conversation. Once they accept your connection, do not just leave it at thanks for connecting. Make a follow-up message and tell them why you wanted to connect with them. For me, someone who is interested in PR and media, maybe I would say. Thanks for accepting! I’d love to hear: what’s one thing you wish you knew when you were starting in PR or media? Or comment on something they posted. I enjoyed x post for x reason and found it very helpful for my goals and interests. Keep your message short and friendly, but be detailed and show that you are really interested. 

Now step five, stay in touch. Networking is not just about what you get; it is also about being friendly, helpful, and genuine. If you see something that might help them, share it! Engage with their posts, like and comment thoughtfully. Do not only reach out when you need something. This is a human, not a transaction. Take the time to build that relationship. 

Next step have a goal and keep it realistic. It helps to know why you are networking so you do not get lost. What are you hoping for? Do not expect someone to instantly offer you a job. This is unrealistic. Think of the goal you have for yourself. To grow, learn, and connect. Set small steps for yourself. Connect with one new person a week, next comment on their posts, and interact so they see you. Catch their eye. 

My last step would be to be yourself, do not worry about perfection. Networking is not about being flawless or being the best of the best. It just has to be real. Use your voice, your passion for your industry or future career, and let that show in how you talk. When you post on your feed, take that time to highlight your individuality and personality. It is okay to feel nervous; everyone has to start somewhere.  

So there you have it. A simple step-by-step guide to networking on LinkedIn without feeling awkward. Start by polishing your profile, connect thoughtfully, send a friendly note, have real conversations, give value, and stay true to yourself. Use your background and your interests to leverage yourself as an individual. It is a people’s game; the more time you take to get to know someone and find similarities, the more you have the chance to connect and get opportunities. It is just like meeting someone in person. This time, though, it is professionally on LinkedIn!

Connect with me on LinkedIn! https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-heim-ba52a92a9/ 

REFERENCES:

chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://content.linkedin.com/content/dam/me/linkedinforgood/en-us/resources/youth/HANDOUT—How-to-Network-for-Students.pdf

https://expandi.io/blog/how-to-network-on-linkedin/

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-networking-why-so-important-robert-ford-r9j2c

https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesagencycouncil/2022/06/10/linkedin-are-you-taking-advantage-of-the-worlds-largest-professional-network