networking advice

How To Connect With People on LinkedIn: 10 LinkedIn Connection Tips

November 24, 2020 by Markitors

It’s safe to say that leading with a sales-based connection message won’t get you many accepted requests. Especially if your personalized message points out that the person has “areas to improve.”

It’s also a given that a personalized message should be included in connection requests to give them a reason for why they should accept a request. Random connections don’t necessarily lead to impactful relationships.

How should you connect with people on LinkedIn? We asked business professionals for their best LinkedIn connection tips to help you build your network.

Here are 10 LinkedIn connection tips:

Don’t Pitch
Connect Prior to Meeting
Reply to Interesting Connection Requests
Leverage Student Status and Alumni Community
Mention Common Grounds
Never Imply a Nonexistent Past Relationship
Address “Why?”
Similar Industry
Value Alignment

Don’t Pitch Quite Yet

Make it all about them and do not use this first outreach as a sales effort. When you approach a new contact on LinkedIn, reference their background, research, expertise, etc. Let them know your interest in the subject matter and that you would like to connect to keep current on the topics they care about. Introduce yourself in the context of their interests.

Marti Konstant, Workplace Futurist

Connect Prior to Meeting

While it might be considered “creepy” to immediately request someone on Facebook right after you meet them, it is not the same with LinkedIn. The rule I have when connecting with professional contacts I meet or are referred to by others is to add those people right away! As a recruiting and staffing professional, I meet so many people from so many industries. When I meet someone at an event, no matter how many times I remind myself not to forget their name, I always do. I make LinkedIn connections right away so I don’t forget their information or miss out on opportunities with that contact.

Ryan Nouis, TruPath

Reply to Interesting Connection Requests

It seems like too many people request or accept a connection request without an exchange. One rule that seems to go far in developing relationships is to reply with a simple, “Thank you for the connection!” to select inbound requests. By initiating the conversation, you can learn more about the person behind the profile.

Vicky Franko, Insura

Endorse Skills

You should endorse them for their skills—people love this! If you are connecting with like-minded professionals, go for the skills in your field. If you are connecting with a recruiter, go for something that they specialize in, so on and so forth. The same goes if you are a sales professional and are prospecting, go with the reason why you’re reaching out. Most times, they’d have had a few highly endorsed skills already, you just have to click the big “+” button. Doing this sends them notifications and increases your chance of getting recognized and getting a reply—regardless of your reasoning for sending that connection request.

Hung Nguyen, Smallpdf

Leverage Student Status and Alumni Community

If you are currently a student, use it to your advantage! The great thing about being a student is that professionals in your industry are more than willing to help out, especially if they are alumni. Start by going to your university or college’s LinkedIn page and navigating to the alumni page. Type in keywords related to your interests or studies and start reaching out to professionals that you’d like to connect with! In my connection request, my one rule is to include my student status and explain why I am passionate about my field. If I am connecting with an alumni, I always include a P.S. and nod to Arizona State (ex: P.S. Forks Up!).

Thylan Le, Markitors

Mention Common Ground

Make your messages personalized to each connection. If you are connecting with someone new make sure to mention something you have in common or be specific about why you are reaching out. The person is more likely to respond if you personalize the message instead of just sending the connection request without a note.

Dana Felix, HR Analyst

Never Imply a Nonexistent Past Relationship

The number one rule that I have when asking for a connection in LinkedIn is to never imply a preexisting relationship that does not exist. There is a natural progression that relationships take that must be respected. The most valuable resource a person can give you is access to their network and that should be treated as sacred. If you cannot make that request without a clear value proposition to that person, go back to the drawing board.

Lukas Ruebbelke, Briebug

Why?

What is the “why” for connecting with me? I am more likely to engage with someone that helps me understand what made them select me in the first place. It also makes that first inMail seem less cold.

Steven Brown, DP Electric Inc

Similar Industry

If a person is in a similar industry, I will typically approve the connection. You never know when you may be able to network with someone, or collaborate on a project. Many accept all invitations just to boost their connections. However, if you\’ve been on LinkedIn for a week, you should easily be able to spot a sales or marketing pitch, disguised as a connection invite.

Andrea Loubier, Mailbird

Value Alignment

While it’s not a hard and fast rule, I do try to assess based on a person’s profile if there is a value alignment either by perusing their activity or reviewing what they highlight in their profile. If it does not seem like a values match, typically, I will decline a connection request. I also suggest trying to follow someone first before connecting. It may be that the connection at first glance seems favorable, but over time, questionable. Following the person first provides an appropriate distance so you can assess further before fully engaging this person in your professional circle, particularly if you have only met online.

Nadine Mullings, Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation

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How do you build connections? 9 ways to grow your network

September 22, 2020 by Markitors

For many, the term networking comes across as a generic and ingenious way of advancing one’s career. That is because too many professionals approach it in the wrong way! Growing your network is not about having the most connections on LinkedIn as much as it is about developing strong relationships with people who share the same interests and goals as you. The ultimate goal is to create meaningful connections with people who won’t hesitate to say your name in a room full of opportunities.

But how do you find those people? And how do you approach them in a meaningful way? We’re glad you asked! In fact, we asked the same question to nine extremely well-connected business leaders. To learn the tips to their effortless approach, read on!

“I’ve Never Met a Stranger”

The best way to grow your network is to be approachable and easy to reach. Take the time to respond to messages, and when possible schedule quick 15-minute virtual coffee meetings. I always remember one of my Dad’s favorite sayings, “I’ve never met a stranger.”

Nicole Spracale, Coaching and Consulting

Attend Online Events

The best way to build connections and grow your network during these changing times is to attend online events. This is a great time to attend virtual events that take place anywhere across the globe and explore new industries that you otherwise may not have invested time in being plugged into. Initiate 1:1 meetings from these larger events and go deeper with a small number of people for mutually beneficial connections.

Stephanie Thoma, Networking Career Coach

Connect Based on Common Interests

Approach networking as you would making new friends. Don’t try to ask for favors or grand gestures the first time you reach out. Connect with them based on common interests or industries and get to know the person before you begin making professional inquiries or requests.

Vanessa Molica, The Lash Professional

The Network Effect

The best way to build connections and grow my network is to ask people in my existing network. The term, “the network effect,” exists for a reason. I’ve found that if I can get a few introductions from friends and colleagues, those introductions lead to more introductions, and so on. Plus, these relationships hit the ground running because they’re from warm referrals instead of cold outreach.

James Pollard, The Advisor Coach LLC

Company Retreats

Lake Rabun offers company retreats that are an excellent way to build and maintain relationships with people in your same industry. While the pandemic is in full swing, virtual company retreats have become the new normal, but once things subside, retreats are always an easy way to make new connections and see new faces in the industry.

Gwen North, Lake Rabun Hotel

A Friend of a Friend

A friend of a friend is a powerful tool. Become acquainted with your friends’ coworkers and other friends to build a series of connections that you can reach out to if you ever need it. These connections become second degree, which means you don’t know them through your own experience but you have a common friend and get to know each other through them. These connections can be just as influential.

Ryan Nouis, TruPath

Don’t Be Afraid to Shoot Your Shot

Social networking sites are a fantastic way to meet new people! The key to finding success on them is to never be afraid to shoot your shot. If you come across someone interesting that you would like to connect with, send them a message. The worst-case scenario is that they don’t reply, but the best case is that you hit it off and develop a great connection that can open doors for you down the road.

Nikitha Lokareddy, Markitors

Offer a Consultation to Introduce Yourself

I have seen people offer a service for free such as a 15-minute consultation to introduce themselves. I think this way of connection is helpful for building trust. Others have asked who our clientele is, so they can refer them to us. I think that offering something without expecting anything in return is the key to good networking.

Sara Yusupov, iHeartRadio

Integrate Networking Into Your Business Plan

Make networking a regular part of your business plan, and spend time on this every week. Seek out colleagues in similar businesses, professional associations, community associations, and other networks for new connections, and ask your connections for suggestions. LinkedIn and other networks are great for this!

Colleen McManus, Senior Consultant

10 LinkedIn Connect Message Tips To Build Relationships

September 22, 2020 by Markitors

When crafting the perfect LinkedIn Connection Request, the last thing you want to do is come across boring and spammy. Chances are the person you are reaching out to has an inbox full of requests, and “I’d like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn” is not going to cut it. You have to customize your message to truly stand out and invite the individual to not only accept your request but check out your profile as well!

Now, that is much easier said than done! That is why we reached out to 10 business leaders with the busiest LinkedIn notifications in the game. Below, you can find their advice on how to always get your invitations accepted.

It’s Your Elevator Pitch

Think of your connection message as an elevator pitch, because that’s what it is, essentially. Develop two or three key points to mention that describe who you are and why you wanted to connect. Don’t overwhelm your potential connection with a long pitch requesting they do something for you. Keep it short and sweet!

Court Will, Will & Will

Show Interest in Their Profile

LinkedIn messages need to feel genuine. If you can avoid it, do not use the automatically generated responses they give you –it looks disingenuous and unprofessional. Instead, take a moment to analyze the person’s profile that you are messaging and compliment something about their career or a place they have worked in the message. This shows that you took the time to look at their profile and you have an interest in them as a professional. They will likely be more receptive to your message if you show genuine interest.

Peter Babichenko, Sahara Case

Keep it Short

Don’t attempt to send a novel to someone who does not yet have any connection to you. They may even be under the impression that your message is spam or a sales pitch and ignore it. Use their name, where you know them from or how you found them and that you’d like to build a connection.

Jon Schneider, Recruiterie

Personalize It!

Make your message as personal as possible! If you have met the individual before, remind them of where you met or how much you enjoyed chatting about whatever topic you discussed. If you haven’t met them before, explain why you are interested in connecting with them. This will make them more likely to accept your request and reply to your message!

Nikitha Lokareddy, Markitors

Make Your Point While Being Friendly

Keep your connection message short, to the point and friendly. My network exceeds 10000 connections and was built with a simple request to members in a synergistic profession. “Hi John, we share contacts and interests, let’s connect!” When I wanted to connect to a prospect that is c-level, I changed it a little to “Hi John, I do this and this when companies need this. I’d love to connect and possibly work together in the future, lets connect!”

Tony Baumer, Old Grey Tiger Consulting

Don’t Always Have Expectations

My first tip is, if you aren’t connecting on LinkedIn you are doing it wrong. My second tip is, if you are sending canned messages, you are also doing it wrong. My third tip when crafting a LinkedIn message is, come from a place of honesty and sincerity and don’t always have expectations. For example, I truly care about connecting with you and sincerely want to learn more about you and your business!

Erika Acorn, Tempe Chamber

Give the Person a Reason to Connect

Always remember to focus on the other person, not you. Too many people talk about themselves in the LinkedIn connection request and wonder why it gets ignored or denied. People want to know what’s in it for them and how they stand to benefit, so tell them directly.

James Pollard, The Advisor Coach LLC

Continue the Conversation

I use a formula that goes like this. First, introduce yourself, reason why you are connecting with them, and end with a question to continue the conversation going. This formula has worked not just on Linkedin, but also on Facebook and Instagram direct messages.

Sara Yusupov, iHeartRadio

Have a Valid Reason to Connect

Visit the profile of the user and study their achievements, line of business, if they are writing on LinkedIn, and check their posts. By doing all this, you are actually finding a logical and valid reason to connect. Once you’ve found your talking point, then you are all set to message the person and initiate conversation. The process goes as follows:

Put a catchy subject line. “Happy to Connect with You,” “Thank You for Connecting” or any other line which can hold the person’s attention to go further down.
Introduce yourself. Then keeping it short, give a brief intro about yourself.
Mention the things you two have in common. In the second paragraph, give an overview about the interests you both share and ask them to elaborate on their other interests.
Offer your help. In the third or closure line, offer your assistance and support if you can provide any.

With this, you can initiate a good conversation with your new connection and you are all set to build a new professional relationship on good grounds.

Rameez Ghayas Usmani, PureVPN

Deliver Value

That’s also my tip for networking—always deliver value before (instead of) asking for a favor, job lead or sale. Take a minute to tell a job seeker you have many recruiters in your network, or to compliment someone on a recent post. It’s highly effective—so much more so than asking for the sale before you even say “hello.”

Joni Holderman, Thrive! Resumes

8 Women’s Networking Groups In Phoenix

May 14, 2020 by Markitors

Whether you’re new to an industry or a seasoned professional, networking offers the chance to connect with other business-minded individuals. Women navigating the world of business face a unique set of challenges that their male counterparts may not. If you’re in search of a women’s networking group in Phoenix, you’ve come to the right place.

Below, 8 female business leaders share their favorite ways to get connected right here in Phoenix.

Participate in BestCompaniesAZ Networking Events

BestCompaniesAZ! We are consistently partnering with local organizations (like Career Connectors) to host networking events in the Phoenix area. From “VETTalks” (a business networking and career event for veterans) to our annual Diversity and Inclusion career event, we have a little something for everyone who visits our upcoming events page.

Denise Gredler, Best Companies Arizona

Stay in Touch with Your Alma Mater

While it’s not technically an “official” networking group, the alumni network for the Eller College of Management (University of Arizona’s business school) is home to some of my strongest personal and professional relationships. ASU alums may hate to hear this, but throwing out a “Bear Down” to a fellow alum helps establish a common ground and opens up opportunities to help each other. Regardless of whether you’re a Wildcat or Sun Devil, some of the best networking opportunities lie with your alma mater.

Megan Hari, Swoon Group

KNOW

KNOW – it’s so much more than a networking group. It’s a sisterhood and I’ve never been part of a more supportive group of women.

Stephanie Riel, RielDeal Marketing

Arizona Foundation for Women

Arizona Foundation for Women. It’s a very open, inviting group that offers a ton of resources and opportunities.

Angela Bratt, ON Semiconductor

SheLEADS

My best experiences have been with SheLEADS.

Cameron Robb, GPEC

iStartFirst

iStartFirst Community that I created. Most women groups I know are competitive and sales driven, and I wanted to create a true community where women share, collaborate, and support each other.

Olenka Cullinan, iStartFirst

Local First AZ

I love connecting with local professionals through Local First AZ events.

Niki Ramirez, HRAnswers.org

West Valley Women

I am a proud member of West Valley Women and have enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere that focuses on building relationships and friendships.
Lorraine Bosse-Smith, Concept One, Inc.

12/04/19 – Getting Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable

December 10, 2019 by Sheila

Written by Gary Matsuda
The U.S. Navy SEALs have a saying: “Get comfortable being uncomfortable.” While not as harrowing as preparing for combat, the thought of networking still gets our insides twisted up in knots.

Keynote

Cary Pfeffer spoke to Career Connectors and called on us to get out of our minds and out the door and ready to build new connections. Cary brings a cumulation of 15 years as communication consultant with Clearcom Consulting and 20 years as a news anchor and reporter delivering news worthy stories to the public. You’d think with a career in broadcasting and speaking publicly that he’s a natural at people skills. But that wasn’t always the case. Especially in his early career, Cary was uneasy about using a network to build his career. Yet recognizing this and intentionally working to improve his professional skills and continually moving forward enabled him to take his career to higher levels.

Get out and Expand your Pool of Contacts!
Woody Allen said, ”80 percent of success is showing up.” So here’s to those who show up at Career Connectors’ meetings! Go ahead and get out there. Don’t wait until you’re in the mood to mix it up a bit with new people. Cary says no one will ever know who you are if you don’t put in the effort to be seen and become known.

Get Out and Learn Something New!
We learn best when we experience something novel, out of the ordinary, even when we’re a bit uncomfortable. Who knows who you’ll meet, or what you’ll learn from other’s experiences? In addition, you could gain valuable insights about what’s going on in your field and how you might be able to contribute or where you’ll need to improve. In a networking meeting, this is perfect for doing that in a low-risk environment.

Expand on Who You Know!
As Cary mentioned, no one will know you if your professional and social circle is closed. The more people you know, the more likely you’ll find the right people who can introduce you to the next big opportunity. Cary stressed that if anything, this is could be your most important take-away. During his career Cary worked with 3 professional agencies and despite that their specialty was to find him clients, not even one provided him with new work. Yet 60% of his business came from just 3 personal contacts. Go figure.

Before You Go Have a Plan
You shouldn’t go to a networking event empty handed. But that doesn’t mean fill your plate with hors d’oeuvres. What you should bring is your crafted story that would be of interest or helpful to potential contacts. The best meetings may have a theme, niche or curation that will give you a better idea of what kind of people will be there and so you can adjust your story accordingly. Knowing who might be there will help you decide if this could be a potential gold mine of clients/employers or not a good use of your time.
The best way to find out if your story will really connect is to try it out on new people who don’t really know you. On occasion you’ll fall flat but with practice, these in-person encounters will get you closer to the right people. Observe people’s reactions so you’ll know what best gets your message across and if necessary, fine-tune it so you can be even better next time. Did your pitch seem too long or not long enough? Does it solve a problem? Do you even have the right audience? It may take a few tries to get it right, but a potential employer can expect any candidate worth his salt to be able to tell a story that will resonate. Just don’t wait to test it out during a high stakes job interview!

What’s in a Name?
While you are your own favorite person and the most important thoughts ever imaged run through your head, never assume people will remember you, let alone remember your name. Help them along so they can more easily associate you with that personal label that you call your name.

Time Yourself
Balance your time so you can not only provide your input but also give others time to speak. Remember showing up is 80% of success? Respect the effort of others who also made the effort to show up (just like you did). Appreciate that they may not want to spend the whole event with you when there are dozens of other potential connections in the room.

Don’t Be a Card Dispenser
You’re more than a resume or LinkedIn profile. Likewise, the personal impression you make is more important than the 3 ½” X 2” card stock you’ve got in your pocket. As important as these resources are, don’t rely on a great looking business card, LinkedIn profile or resume to do the relationship building for you. Listen more than you speak, ask how you can be helpful. As Cary puts it: ‘Don’t be a serial card dispenser’ which could project an insincere impression or that you might be even a bit pushy. Instead, when you meet someone who could be a valuable connection, turn the tables and ask for their card.

After the Meeting
Make notes on who you’ve met. Now that you have their card, you can make notes on that and follow up with them as promised.
Because of our dependence on electronic apps, you’ll stand out if you make quick follow ups with the people you want to continue a relationship with. Handwritten notes? Who does that anymore? Why now you do of course!
Resources for more help from Cary Pfeffer:
• NoAppBook.com
• @CaryPfeffer

Hiring Companies

Century Link, Lisa Allen, Sr. Recruiter
Careers at Century Link let you get more out of your sales career. At Century Link you get work/life balance – there’s no working late nights, no weekends. There’s paid vacation, holidays, tuition reimbursement and generous medical, dental, vision coverage for your family.
Open positions:
Account Manager II – Outbound Sales
The Account Manager II-Outbound Sales Representative is responsible for growing revenue in the Small Business Accounts sector. The right candidate will possess the ability to place outbound calls daily to new and our existing Small Business clients. Must be able to effectively present sales recommendations to new account prospects and cultivate new opportunities within existing accounts.
Center Sales and Service Associate – Small Business
The Center Sales & Service Associate responds to phone calls in a fast-paced inbound contact center promoting and selling CenturyLink products and services to our Small Business clients. Successful Center Sales & Service Associates must respond with a high sense of urgency while providing extraordinary customer service. This will include answering questions regarding client accounts, fulfilling orders as well as troubleshooting problems. Our goal is to assist our clients with a first call resolution.

U-Haul, Alex Taylor Corporate Recruiter
U-Haul vehicles are everywhere. You can find them in far off places and accessible all over the United States and Canada so that they have a central headquarters doesn’t easily come to mind. But they do and it’s right here in Phoenix!
Their job opportunities cover a wide range of professions too. There are openings in every field including IT, field work and at corporate headquarters. U-Haul opportunities don’t stop at transportation. They’re also affiliated with Repwest Insurance, Oxford Insurance and Amerco Real Estate so there could be a chance to cross industries as well.
Current openings include Software Engineer, Software Infrastructure, Retail Sales, Customer Service Agents, Accounting and Project Managers.

Freedom Financial Network, Heather Marcom, Head of Talent Acquisition
As a 9 time winner of ‘Best Places to Work in Phoenix’ this place has got to be on your list of employers to target. You’ll be taken care of as you work to care for others as they live by their core values of:
Care. Act with integrity. Get Better. Collaborate.
Freedom Financial helps those who have hit hard times by providing debt relief, help negotiating debt down to get them credit worthy and helping to consolidate personal loans, when no one else will.
You can find their open positions at the Sky Harbor Airport office or at the new Tempe location.
Among these are openings in:
Call Center, Sales and operations
IT/Engineering/Data
Accounting
Contact them at www.FFNJOBS.com

Resources

Goodwill of Central & Northern AZ, Ron Mack
If you haven’t found a job yet, you probably haven’t been to a Goodwill Career Center.
Not just a retail store but it’s an organization that provides opportunities which serve the needs of community, help the professional job seeker become self-sufficient and get people back to work.
The Goodwill Career Center offers free career coaching, resume critiquing, job leads from employers, mock interviews, and digital skills training classes from beginning to advanced at several locations in the Phoenix area. This is much more than place for entry level jobs- you could start a long term new career at places like Amazon, Target and Home Depot.
The average age of people taking refresher courses with Goodwill is 45 -50. These courses include computer basics in Word, Excel, Power Point, Mac and Windows operating systems and North Star certification.

Grand Canyon University, Bri Guthrie and Shelby Greer

Interested in Getting Your Master’s Degree?
Want to get started or get a leg up in the IT industry? Or Nursing, Business, Leadership, Communication, Teaching? GCU’s online and evening programs have the flexibility you need!
Right now, GCU is offering alumni $2,000 in tuition credit. If you’re not an alumni, you can still get a 20% discount on evening classes.
For more information visit the Graduate Programs Office in Cypress Hall or https://www.gcu.edu/degree-programs/masters-degree

“A dream is your creative vision for your life in the future. You must break out of your comfort zone and become familiar with the unfamiliar and unknown.”
Denis Waitley