Over time, the way we network has changed dramatically. Unlike in the past, we are now increasingly open to the unknown—and that’s a great thing.
Outdated Networking Dynamics
When LinkedIn first started, it was built on the idea that you should only connect with people you know. But over the years, it’s become clearer why stepping outside these boundaries can be to your advantage. It’s high time we let go of this outdated principle and embraced a new approach to networking for mutual growth. A good example of the old networking dynamic is as follows:
➤ You: “Hello, Manager at BIG COMPANY, I am incredibly motivated to work for your company, could you refer me to someone you know?”
➤ The Manager on LinkedIn, who doesn’t know you: “Sorry, I don’t know you, so I can’t help you.”
It almost seems out of place today, but it still happens too often that we miss opportunities simply because we don’t open ourselves up to new connections. Growth and innovation often come from unexpected collaborations and encounters, yet we close the door ourselves. Behind that door could be a valuable relationship. And what do you think happens to that manager with a closed door when they go on the job hunt themselves?
Acceptance Rate of Connection Requests
When it comes to the acceptance rate of connection requests, some striking statistics emerge. For instance, people in higher positions have a 10-15% higher chance of being accepted when they invite new people. We also see that people with unknown names have a 10-15% lower chance of being accepted when sending connection requests. If we draw a conclusion from this, we could say the principle should be: “I only connect with people I know or with people who have an interesting job title or a well-known last name.”
How Do You Present Yourself?
This may sound like a silly question, but in practice, many people and companies struggle with this. Online, people tend to be more aggressive in their responses and messages compared to real life. When there’s a noticeable distance between people, their entire demeanor seems to shift to an aggressive or defensive tone. It’s almost like driving—people forget that on LinkedIn, you’re not just representing yourself. You’re representing the company you work for. Try to zoom out more often from your screen, put yourself back in a real-life context, and think about how you should engage in a conversation. After all, you wouldn’t speak this way in person, would you?
➤ You: “Hey man, do you know the way to the supermarket?”
➤ The Other Person: “Sorry, I don’t know you.”
➤ You: “Hey man, enjoy your vacation in India, especially the food!”
➤ The Other Person: “Sorry, I don’t know Indian food, so I won’t be eating it.”
➤ You: “Hey man, so cool that you’re going to Australia, especially the backpacking scene!”
➤ The Other Person: “Sorry, I don’t know these people, so I’m not going to talk to them.”
Focus on Building Long-Term Relationships
If you’re open to the opportunities that the new networking dynamic offers, it’s important to approach LinkedIn relationships with a long-term perspective. Successful networking involves building sustainable relationships, and by regularly engaging and sharing valuable content, you can not only build trust but also strengthen your professional network. This ensures that the relationships you nurture will feel comfortable reaching out to you in the future, leading to long-term connections that contribute to your professional growth.
Expand Your Network with LinkedIn Groups
A great way to expand your network and increase your visibility in specific industries is by participating in LinkedIn groups. These groups allow you to connect with other professionals, which can lead to new opportunities. Within LinkedIn groups, discussions take place where members share knowledge, ask questions, and showcase their expertise. By actively participating in these conversations, you’ll stand out and build valuable relationships, instead of just focusing on sending connection requests all day.
Just to be clear, I’m not saying you’re obligated to accept every person online or become friends with everyone. Nor should you build relationships with just anyone randomly. What I am asking is that you reconsider your principles, because a new connection might simply be seeking your help. Instead of sticking to old ways, I encourage you to be open, just like you would be if you were on the street. Who knows, a great opportunity might be hiding among the unfamiliar flowers in the field.
When you give, you will receive. It all starts with your mindset. Giving often leads to receiving. It all begins with your attitude:
