In LinkedIn, you can not only import, but also export contacts: the Network menu → the Export Contacts button in the lower right corner of the page. This feature allows you to backup contacts to protect your business connections.
So, how to replenish your network? First, import contacts from your email address book. At the same time send invitations to those who can really be useful to you in business. Secondly, to replenish the network of contacts, use the search. Moreover, its extended version: so you can find people included not only in the first, but also in the second or third circle of acquaintances.
When the first contacts appear in your network, the system will offer you new friends. On the main page in the upper right corner there will be a block “People you may know”. These recommendations appear based on your profile data. Most likely, it will be your classmates and colleagues.
How o expand your network
Meet friends through friends. Second level contact is your friend’s friend. If you need to communicate with such a person, go to his profile page and see if you have mutual friends. If you have, send a request for an acquaintance or click on the “Ask for an introduction” button.
Use group features. You can send private messages to members of the group you are in, even if there is no direct contact between you.
If the member profile is open, you can send him a message – InMail. Perhaps you will start a dialogue, and then friendship.
Check who viewed your profile. If these people are interesting to you, try to establish contact with them.
Monitor the news feed. It also helps develop your network and interact with potential partners.
Link your Twitter and LinkedIn accounts. Then your updates on LinkedIn can be published on Twitter.
Want to attract the attention of any person? Mention it in your posts with the @ symbol.
How to request and provide recommendations
Offline employment in nine out of ten cases occurs under the protection. Employers ask partners to advise an intelligent employee, and the latter, in turn, – to put in a good word for them.
The role of recommendations in LinkedIn is also very high. Do not confuse them with endorsement skills (Endorsements). The latter simply state the facts: “Yes, he knows how.” To confirm this or that competence can any person from your contact list in just two clicks.
The recommendation is a detailed review of your past and present colleagues, partners and clients about you and your work. The more recommendations, the higher the level of confidence in the data specified in the profile. Recommendations are displayed in the corresponding section of the profile (menu “Privacy and Settings” → “Manage Recommendations”) and are available only to registered LinkedIn users.
It is important to seek and provide recommendations competently.
From five to ten recommendations in the profile is enough to interest recruiters.
Ask for recommendations from the most authoritative people from your network of contacts.
Try to get at least two reviews about your work in the company that you consider the most significant.
When recommending someone, indicate how you know a person, and give specific examples showing his professional strengths.
Show mutual respect. If someone confirmed your skill or gave you a good recommendation, do not forget to thank them.
