Unlike other how-to posts, this blog has just a single item to show how you can make the most of your LinkedIn connections: engage with them! Earlier this month, LinkedIn rolled out two new features. Firstly, your initial message to connect with other users is now included in your message history. This is beneficial because, with all the interactions we have on a daily basis, it can be difficult to remember what you said to who. The second feature is a notification that someone has accepted your request to connect. This notification will pop up in your messages right below your initial message as well as a notification on your homepage. As soon as you receive a connection notification, you should be reaching out with a meaningful introduction. If your latest connection is a possible lead, then you already know you should be keeping in contact. Don’t be afraid of your connections. Think of LinkedIn as a massive event. Everyone is here to chat with others, learn about relevant news in their industry, and gain valuable connections to further their business. Of course, first impressions are important so make your interactions professional and thoughtful.
Reasons to connect don’t always have to be for a sales pitch. Utilise the tools already available to you to break the ice such as a birthday, a new job, a work anniversary, or any other notification. Go beyond the standard “like” and “Congratulations!” and send a sincere message to remain memorable.

The purpose of LinkedIn is to organise your growing network and the best way for your network to grow is to stay engaged. Simple things such as reading, liking, commenting on, and sharing a connection’s blog post will keep your relationship active. Beyond this, you can tag other users in posts they may be interested in and pair this with a few words of your own to add some personal flair.
Lastly, don’t dismiss the value to your other connections. Just because they aren’t a potential customer doesn’t mean they aren’t valuable. LinkedIn is filled with professionals from every single industry so whether you’re looking for a photographer or a painter, it’s best to stay connected. Reaching out to these connections is a great way to form strategic alliances as you never know who may help you in the future.With these latest updates, LinkedIn have made it easier than ever to turn your connections into something more. Spending just 15 minutes a week looking for new connections and nurturing your existing ones can result in a valuable outcome.
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