Let’s be real—how many of our LinkedIn connections do we talk to? We send requests, accept them, maybe like a post or two, and then… nothing. We tell ourselves we’re “building our network,” but are we? Or are we just collecting names?
If you’ve ever wondered why your LinkedIn connections aren’t turning into real conversations, opportunities, or even friendships, you’re not alone. We’ve all been there—staring at a list of names, unsure of what to do next. So, what makes networking work?
1. Is Our LinkedIn Profile Doing Us Any Favors?
We all know first impressions matter. But when was the last time we looked at our profile the way a recruiter or potential collaborator would?
A good profile isn’t about fancy buzzwords—it’s about making someone want to connect. A friendly yet professional profile picture, a headline that’s more than just our job title, and an About section that tells a story. The kind that makes people think, “This person seems interesting. Let’s connect.”
Because let’s be honest—if our profile is just a dry list of roles, why would anyone reach out?
2. Are Our Connection Requests Just Getting Ignored?
Ever sent a connection request and never heard back? Happens to the best of us. And most of the time, it’s because we sent the default message (or worse, no message at all).
A simple tweak—mentioning a shared interest, a post we liked, or anything that shows we’re not just mass-adding people—makes all the difference.
Something like:
“Hey Joe, I saw your post on aerospace research, and it got me thinking. Would love to connect and hear your thoughts on propulsion systems.”
It’s a small effort, but when we start getting real responses instead of silence? Totally worth it.
3. Are We Engaging or Just Scrolling?
We’ve all been guilty of it—scrolling past interesting posts, maybe hitting ‘Like’ once in a while, but rarely commenting or sharing our thoughts. And then we wonder why LinkedIn feels like a one-way street.
Engagement isn’t about dropping generic “Great post!” comments. It’s about actually saying something. Asking a question, sharing a different perspective, or just being curious. The kind of comments that spark a conversation instead of just sitting there.
And honestly, once we start doing this, LinkedIn suddenly feels way less like a passive feed and more like an actual networking space.
4. Are We Just Adding People or Talking to Them?
Let’s be real—how many of our connections have we spoken to beyond the connection request? If the answer is “not many,” then we’re not networking, we’re just hoarding contacts.
Starting a conversation doesn’t have to be awkward. It can be as simple as:
“Hey Joudy, I saw you recently moved into project management. How’s that transition been for you?”
Or even:
“Hey, I remember we connected a while ago. Just curious—what’s something exciting you’ve been working on lately?”
It’s weird at first, but once we start, we realize people want to talk—they just need a reason to.
5. Are We Creating Content or Just Consuming It?
Posting on LinkedIn feels intimidating. What if no one likes it? What if it flops? What if people think, who does this person think they are?
But here’s the thing—people who post regularly aren’t necessarily the smartest in the room. They’re just the ones willing to share their thoughts. And the moment we start doing the same—whether it’s an industry insight, a career lesson, or just a random thought that might help someone—our network starts engaging with us.
And that’s when the magic happens.
6. Are We in the Right LinkedIn Groups, or Just Lurking in Them?
LinkedIn groups sound great in theory. But let’s be honest—how many of us actually participate in them?
The real value isn’t just in joining groups—it’s in actually talking in them. Answering questions, joining discussions, or even starting our own. Because the people who are active in groups? They’re usually the ones worth knowing.
7. Are We Keeping in Touch, or Letting Connections Fade?
It’s easy to connect and then never interact again. But real networking isn’t about one-time connections—it’s about staying connected.
A quick message like, “Hey, it’s been a while! How’s everything going?” can do wonders. No agenda, no asking for favors—just keeping the conversation alive. And weirdly enough, these small check-ins often lead to unexpected opportunities down the line.
8. Are We Giving Before We’re Asking?
We all know that person—the one who only messages when they need a job referral. None of us want to be that person.
The best way to avoid it? Offer value first. Recommend a connection. Share a useful article. Congratulate someone on their new role. When we give first, we build genuine goodwill—and when the time comes to ask for something, it doesn’t feel transactional.
9. Are We Expecting Instant Results?
Let’s be honest—most of us wish networking worked faster. But building real connections takes time. It’s about consistency, not quick wins.
We might not see results right away, but the more we engage, connect, and share, the more LinkedIn stops feeling like just a platform—and starts feeling like a real community.
So, what’s the next move? Maybe commenting on a post? Sending a connection request with a message? Starting a conversation with someone we’ve been meaning to reach out to?
Whatever it is, the key is simple: just start. The rest will follow.
More Related Articles Visit: https://theglobalpreneur.com/category/blog-and-insights/
For Connect with Us:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-globalpreneur
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheGlobalpreneur/
Twitter (X): https://x.com/T_Globalpreneur
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/TheGlobalpreneur
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theglobalpreneur