Important Takeaways From The Lesson

Searching capabilities in LinkedIn that you should become familiar with and use:

1. All Filters Options: When searching for people and using the All Filters option, you can look for people in a company who you might be able to find a connection to ask for that referral.
   You can search for first or second connections and you can add criteria such as company and previous company, schools, and other valuable criteria. This will help you find people with whom you may have something in common. Spend some time getting familiar with this valuable search function.
2. Joining Industry Groups is a great idea. This is a great way for you to both learn new information which may be valuable but can also provide a boost to your network building.
3. Mutual Connections Feature: Use referrals to get to make connections.
4. Ask for an Introduction Not A LinkedIn Request: Make sure you have a legitimate reason for wanting to know this new person. Be professional and be prepared by learning all you can about the person, position, and company. You will want to make sure the person you are asking to introduce you to can see some value to the other person, their connection, by connecting you to them.
   *Please make sure you thank the person for making the connection and follow up with them and let them know how the introduction went.
5. A Cold Connection Request: The cold LinkedIn request needs to have a compelling reason for someone to connect with you. Your desire to be connected with this person should be centered around learning valuable information or building a relationship. When you have no common connections with this individual you will want to:
   1. Research the individual
   2. Find common interest/s
   3. Ask if they would be willing to have a conversation with you.
6. Make Genuine Connections: Make a commitment to network with purpose and add 25-50 new connections each year. Don’t just connect connections, build relationships.