How to build life-changing connections on LinkedIn
I never understood LinkedIn as a recruitment agency, but as a platform in which I can build life-changing connections
Thriving in film and TV is usually associated with “who you know”. People tend to take that sentence in a negative way, blaming the system of not being fair and to only favouring very few people: those who are privileged and can easily have access to CEOs and hiring managers.
My experience, though, has led me to a different reasoning: “it’s who you know” that supports you and helps you move further. So how can you be known on LinkedIn? How to network like a professional?
AI sometimes works against you.
Personalize every message
It is so easy to copy and paste and send multiple messages altogether, but there is nothing like receiving a personalized – and honest – request for connection. Briefly introduce yourself and make a strong first impression. Why do you want to connect with that person? Most people can sniff spam from miles away, and sending a generic message is a surefire way to get ignored.
Humanising your professional presence can lead to stronger networking opportunities and even career growth.
LinkedIn is for professional connections, not for finding friends or people who think alike
I wear glasses. Do you know how many people recognize me in work social meetings just because of my frame??? Almost every social work event I go to, there is one or two who say (s)he’s read about me on LinkedIn…
Choose your picture wisely. In the UK, people are now avoiding adding pictures on the CV, but 99% of the recruiters will check your profile on LinkedIn – and view your picture. That’s why your LinkedIn profile picture should give candidates an idea of what you look like now, up to date within the past few years and reflective of how you look daily with hair, glasses, makeup…
Don’t photoshop your picture. Your picture won’t be on a top model book, or dating site…
Also, avoid sharing your most controversial comments. The majority opinion – The largest group (47%) – believes that LinkedIn should remain strictly professional. These respondents see LinkedIn as a platform for career growth, industry insights and networking rather than a personal blog.
?Be respectful of their time
Just because you can drop someone a message anytime, it doesn’t mean you should. Focus on sending thoughtful and relevant messages. Don’t pressure your connections for a quick reply. Your priority is not everyone else’s.
On the other hand, if you really think that you can make a difference in the career of that person, from time to time, reconnect. But remember to give without expectations. Be patient and be in it for the long haul.
That means you need to constantly update both your CV and your LinkedIn page. When someone says they don’t have time to update their LinkedIn page, it looks like someone who is neglecting their professional image. So don’t spoil potential valuable connections. Your LinkedIn may be the first point of connection to someone who just heard about you when you were not physically in a meeting…
?Your LinkedIn experience should mirror your CV
?Don’t sound like a sales pitch
If I wanted to purchase a product or a service, I wouldn’t be using LinkedIn as my primary social media channel… Attempting to sell aggressively from the get-go is often an easy route to getting blocked or removed as a connection. You don’t want that, do you?
?Post your achievements but most importantly post news and content that people can engage with
Did you finally get your “dream job”? Or do you want to celebrate a milestone in your career? That is fine: make it relevant to your network.
You want to show your audience that your achievements matter to them, that they reflect your brand’s values and mission, and that they align with your content strategy. This is all good. You can use keywords, hashtags, or trends that relate to your niche or industry.
Your celebration has to mean something to the audience. If your celebration has no relevance to your followers and connections, it just looks like a self-congratulatory post that puts people off.
?Make it creative
For God’s sake, there are so many boring things in the corporative world, your LinkedIn page does not need to add anything to it. It’s storytelling … and we do storytelling as a way of living.
?Follow me on LinkedIn
Just send me an email, and we’ll connect.
- Article written by Maysa Monção,
Film Locos Project Manager and Post Production Coordinator;
BAFTA member; Production Guild member
post.maysa@gmail.com
Read the other articles of our Film Locos Toolkit here.
