Using LinkedIn for Networking

Day 4 of teaching A to Z of LinkedIn .Today is 'D' for DMs :the underrated power move of LinkedIn growth. When people think of LinkedIn growth, they often think: 📌 Viral posts 📌 Aesthetic profiles 📌 Hashtags, hooks, and headlines But what they MISS is something that doesn’t make noise publicly... DMs. YESssssssss the Direct Messages. The real game of LinkedIn. So, Let’s break this down. 📌 Why are DMs so underrated? Because they don’t bring instant dopamine like a viral post. Because they’re private. Not flashy. Not performative. But if you’re serious about career growth, networking, and personal branding then DMs are your shortcut to depth. ➡️ According to LinkedIn, InMail messages are 300% more likely to get a response than cold emails. ➡️ I personally got 50+ speaking opportunities, different clients, and 100+ crazyyyy yet hardworking people from DMs in the last 6 months. 🍪 Brownie Points: The Types of DMs that WORK : 1. The Gratitude DM “Hi Riya, just read your post on personal branding: such a fresh take! Thank you for sharing. I would love to stay connected and learn more from your journey.” ✅ Low-pressure ✅ Builds trust ✅ Starts a warm connection 2. The Curiosity DM “Hi Riya! Loved your recent talk on Gen Z marketing. Quick Q: What do you think is one emerging trend most marketers are missing in 2025?” ✅ Invites conversation ✅ Makes the other person feel valued ✅ Opens a loop 3. The Collaboration DM “Hi Riya, I run a small series on marketing meets psychology. Your recent breakdown of consumer bias was ! Wondering if you'd be open to a small collab or feature?” ✅ Personalized ✅ Value-forward ✅ Converts followers into collaborators ⚠️ Common mistakes people make in DMs: “Hi” (and nothing else) 📌 Pitching without permission 📌 Copy-paste mass messages 📌 No context = No reply Every week, I do this: ✅ DM 3 people whose content I genuinely liked ✅ Follow up with 2 people who engaged on my post ✅ Introduce 2 people who can benefit from knowing each other ✅ Reply to every DM with authenticity (even if it’s late) Here’s your DM Framework (save this): D.M.A. Discover. Message. Align. Is this series helping you? Any guesses for tomorrow 's post of E of Linkedin? #linkedin #linkedinlearning #riyagadhwal #marketing #brands #ceos

One meaningful connection is worth more than 100 surface-level ones. I've always believed that genuine relationships aren't built by chasing metrics but by sharing authentically and engaging with curiosity. For me writing wasn't a strategy. It was a passion. And it was through this authenticity that meaningful connections and opportunities naturally followed. Here’s what I’ve learned about building relationships that last: ✅ Be intentional with connections. Don’t just add people - connect with those who align with your values and aspirations. ✅ Personalize your approach. Whether it’s a message or a comment, show genuine interest. Avoid generic outreach. ✅ Give before you ask. Share insights, offer support, or introduce someone valuable - without expecting anything in return. ✅ Consistent engagement matters. Comment thoughtfully, celebrate milestones, and keep conversations alive. ✅ Bridge online and offline. A virtual coffee chat or meeting at an industry event can turn a digital contact into a real-life ally. ✅ Leverage trends. Use voice messages, co-create content, and explore diverse networks to build richer, deeper connections. Start small. Leave a thoughtful comment. Plan a virtual coffee. Because relationships aren’t just about who you know—but who you grow with. Read more in this week's article. P.S. How do you nurture your LinkedIn connections for long-term value? Share in the comments. 👇

4 years ago, I had zero LinkedIn recognition for myself. Later, I’ve been featured twice in Times Square! I never imagined that a single decision—being consistent on LinkedIn—would lead to global recognition, let alone 2 Times Square billboards! My LinkedIn journey started a decade ago, but for years, I focused on building brands for clients and employers, neglecting my own. It wasn't until I realized the power of personal branding that I shifted my mindset. I went from silently working to showcasing my journey and sharing my expertise. This is crucial in today's world – you can't afford to stay hidden. Featuring in Times Square (first in 2023, then again in 2024!) wasn't even the goal. It was a byproduct of building a strong presence and fostering a thriving community. And let me tell you, building a LinkedIn community isn't easy. It's a platform where people are looking for genuine value, not fluff. My biggest weapon? Consistently creating content that helps people. From day one, I've focused on providing value, often for free. This commitment to helping others stems from my belief in leadership. I don't just share knowledge; I empower people to grow their businesses. Yes, I offer services, but I understand the importance of give and take. I truly believe in the power of helping others without expecting anything in return. That's the key. Focus on providing value, building genuine connections, and sharing your journey authentically. The recognition will follow. Here are my top actionable tips for LinkedIn success: 📌 Consistency is Key: Show up regularly. Even small, consistent efforts compound over time. 📌 Focus on Value: What problems can you solve for your audience? Create content that educates, inspires, and empowers. 📌 Build Community: Engage with others, participate in conversations, and foster genuine connections. 📌 Share Your Journey: Don't be afraid to showcase your work, your challenges, and your successes. Authenticity resonates. 📌 Give Back: Help others without expecting anything in return. This builds trust and strengthens your community. What's one small step you can take today to improve your LinkedIn presence? Comment “7Days” join 2000+ of community in growing 7x in just 7 days! #LinkedIn #PersonalBranding #SuccessStory #Inspiration #Community #Value #Leadership #TimesSquare #Featured

𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐩 chasing connections. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 cultivating relationships We’ve all been there: a connection request comes in, and we accept. Another one goes out, and they accept. The numbers tick up. But here’s the truth I’ve learned after engaging with tens of thousands of professionals on LinkedIn: 𝐁𝐢𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬𝐧’𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫. At Scottish Business Network and across all my professional activities, I’ve seen extraordinary value created not solely from expanding networks, but from nurturing the connections already made. Relationships not reach are what unlocks doors, sparks ideas, and creates real value. So why do we default to growth over depth? Because it feels productive. It's easy to measure - more followers, more connections. But unless we’re engaging meaningfully, we’re simply gathering names, not building a community. Today, building supportive communities around your project, brand, or initiative must be your goal. Here's how I believe this is best achieved using LinkedIn ✅ 1. 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐝𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐬 Scroll down your connections list. Find someone you haven’t spoken to in over a year and check out what they have recently posted. Based on this insight, drop them a note. Don't just send some bland or AI-generated message, be considerate. You’ll be amazed at the conversations this simple step initiates. ✅ 2. 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐭 Invest 15 minutes a day in engaging with your network, your 1st connections. If someone writes something you find valuable, tell them why by using the comments section. Thoughtful comments create visibility, goodwill, and reciprocity. I find huge value in reading the comments I receive, especially where my thinking is challenged. ✅ 3. 𝐔𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐀𝐈 𝐭𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞 The various AI assistants and tools can make our lives easier. For example, you could feed this post into ChatGPT and request a suggestion on how to respond. But when it comes to actually crafting the message, I want to hear your voice, so use the AI to stimulate ideas, not to speak for you. ✅ 4. 𝐂𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭 Spot two people in your network who should know each other? Make the intro. This positions you as a connector and deepens trust with both parties. It's also incredibly satisfying :) ✅ 5. 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐮𝐩 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐥𝐲 You don’t need to post daily. But when you do, speak from experience, be real, and invite discussion. When you allow your authentic voice to be heard, it helps establish trust. So here's my takeaway: instead of asking “How can I grow my network?”, ask “How can I grow with my network?” Let’s stop chasing numbers. Let’s start building relationships that matter. If this resonates, I’d love to hear how you keep your network vibrant and engaged while all the time ensuring you are adding value. Drop your thoughts in the comments below. Let’s learn from each other, we're all we have!

I've coached 100+ professionals on LinkedIn - here are their costliest mistakes The truth? Most people are killing their LinkedIn potential without realizing it. Here are the 5 biggest mistakes I've seen clients make before coaching: 🟢 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐝𝐈𝐧 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐚 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐞: They listed job duties instead of showcasing impact. Your profile isn't a CV - it's your digital storefront! 🟢 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐚 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐲: Random content, random results. The best performers plan their content like CEOs plan their quarters. 🟢 𝐈𝐠𝐧𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠: They shared information without inspiration. Stories sell, facts tell - and my successful clients master both. 🟢 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Connecting randomly, hoping for magic. Strategic networking is about quality conversations, not connection counts. 🟢 𝐖𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 '𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭' 𝐦𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭: Analysis paralysis killed more LinkedIn success stories than bad content ever did. Here's what transformed their profiles: ↪ Every strategy needs to be personalized. ↪ Every post needs to serve a purpose. ↪ Every connection needs to align with your goals. The truth? ↔ LinkedIn success isn't complicated. ↔ It's about doing the right things, consistently. Start with fixing one mistake at a time. The results will follow. Feeling confused about where to begin? Join my 1:1 LinkedIn consultation - let's build your roadmap to LinkedIn success together! https://lnkd.in/dckRU87z

I was recently asked in an interview what one underrated skill has been surprisingly valuable in your career. It is such a great question and one that caused me to reflect on my answer. I settled on this... Cultivate meaningful connections If I could turn back time, I'd tell my younger self to invest wholeheartedly in building and nurturing a strong professional network. I've always been a people person, but early in my career, I underestimated the true power of genuine connections. When I moved to Singapore, I was essentially starting from scratch. The familiar faces and established relationships I relied on were thousands of miles away. It was a humbling experience but also a transformative one. I learned that networking isn't just about exchanging business cards or attending industry events; it's about forging authentic relationships with people who share your passion and can offer valuable insights, support, and even unexpected opportunities. It's about giving back, paying it forward, and fostering a community of growth. Today, my network is one of my most valuable assets. It's a source of inspiration, knowledge, and collaboration. It's a safety net when times get tough and a springboard for new endeavors. So, my advice to my younger self would be: Start early and don't stop: Building a network takes time and consistent effort. Be sure to start making connections before a crisis or a move to a new country. Cultivate relationships throughout your career, both within and outside your industry. Focus on quality over quantity: It's not about how many people you know, but the depth and strength of those connections. Seek out individuals who inspire you, challenge you, and share your values. Give more than you take: Be generous with your time, knowledge, and support. Offer to help others, make introductions, and share your expertise. The more you give, the more you'll receive in return. Embrace diversity: Seek out connections with people from different backgrounds, cultures, and industries. Diverse perspectives can spark innovation and open doors to new opportunities. Stay Connected: Networking is an ongoing process. Make time to nurture your relationships, even when not actively seeking new opportunities. The picture is of two of those amazing connections I made when I moved to Singapore; Anna Norriss - Marketing Strategist and Anna Seefeldt - Brand Strategist at Pink Pineapple. My professional (and personal) experience here wouldn't be the same without you.

Beginning of 2020, I gave myself 6 months to make my first business work. I had no reputation, no network, and no clients. ❌ I felt invisible in the business world. Nevertheless, I began sharing my journey on LinkedIn. I talked about my struggles, my wins, and everything in between. Slowly and, for me, a bit surprising, people started noticing. - They commented, - They messaged, - And they even asked me to jump in a call. Turns out, LinkedIn became my greatest career boost. 📈 Here is what happened: - 𝗜 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼𝗽 𝗼𝗳 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗱 When people saw my posts regularly, they remembered me. I became the go-to person when they faced a problem I could solve. - 𝗜 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝘁 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘁 By sharing valuable insights and strategies, I built trust upfront. Prospects were convinced of my expertise even before the sales call. - 𝗜 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘀 My content showcased my knowledge. Even silent followers recognized me as the expert they needed and approached me offline. - 𝗜𝘁 𝗮𝗹𝘀𝗼 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗺𝘆 𝘀𝗮𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗰𝘆𝗰𝗹𝗲𝘀 With trust already established, prospects were more likely to buy my service. This reduced the time spent convincing them during sales calls. Fast forward to today, LinkedIn is still my go-to platform for showcasing expertise. It’s where B2B buyers stay, consume content, and build trust, leading to more sales. Have you experienced the power of LinkedIn in your business? #LinkedIn #Sales #personalbranding #scripe

Want replies in your LinkedIn inbox? Stop sounding like a robot. Because here’s the reality: most LinkedIn DMs aren’t ignored because people are busy. They’re ignored because they sound copy-pasted. If you’re still sending: ❌ “Hope you’re doing well.” ❌ “I’d love to connect and learn more about you.” ❌ “Thanks for connecting, let’s chat sometime.” …you’re blending in with the thousands of others saying the same thing. And blending in is the fastest way to be forgotten. The truth? Real conversations happen when you give value, not when you beg for attention. Here’s how to write DMs that actually get replies in 2025: 1️⃣ Lead with curiosity, not your pitch Show interest in their world, not your services. 2️⃣ Share a relevant insight right away Send an article, case study, or idea that connects to their field. 3️⃣ Ask about their challenges, not just their achievements It shows you want to understand, not flatter. 4️⃣ Reference something specific Mention a recent post, project, or milestone from their profile. 5️⃣ Never pitch in the first message A cold sale is the quickest way to a cold shoulder. 💡 I’ve turned cold DMs into 6-figure partnerships by following this exact approach. The secret? I stopped trying to impress and started trying to help. When someone feels understood instead of sold to, they engage. When they engage, trust forms. And when trust forms, opportunities follow. So here’s the shift: ❌ Stop sending robotic DMs. ✅ Start sending messages that feel human, relevant, and valuable. 👉 If you’re ready to master LinkedIn DMs that open doors instead of getting ignored, connect with me on DM if interested. I’ll help you design a messaging strategy that builds trust and opportunities. #PersonalBranding #LinkedInTips #Networking #CareerGrowth

LinkedIn isn’t just a résumé—it’s a potential revenue stream. Professionals are cashing in on their expertise, landing brand deals, consulting gigs, and speaking opportunities—all by sharing what they know. And you don’t need to be an “influencer” to make it happen. I shared with AJ Eckstein how my LinkedIn presence led to a $125K brand partnership with a major corporation. No gimmicks, no viral stunts—just consistently showing up, sharing insights, and positioning myself as a go-to expert. And I’m not the only one seeing these results. AJ’s Fast Company article dives into how LinkedIn has become a platform for professionals to monetize their knowledge, featuring insights from: 📌 Jess Ramos—Her late-night LinkedIn post on remote work went viral (5M views), leading to her career as the Founder of Big Data Energy. 📌 Kaya Yurieff—On why professionals with full-time jobs are increasingly leveraging LinkedIn to build authority. 📌 Melissa Grabiner—A top HR LinkedIn Creator who built a brand helping job seekers, securing brand partnerships along the way. 📌 Adam Broda—A hiring manager who turned his insights into a coaching business, generating $100K+ while working part-time. 📌 Ruben Hassid—Began posting on LinkedIn daily after leaving the music industry, growing his influence and business. 📖 Read the full article (link in comments), and check out AJ’s takeaways after 7 months of research and interviews with some of LinkedIn’s most successful creators: 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eiirxkin And if you want the brand perspective, Part 2 is already out—featuring insights from ClickUp, Teachable, HubSpot & Wix on why they’re investing in LinkedIn creators. #LinkedInStrategy #ProfessionalVisibility #AuthorityBuilding Image alt-text: Thumbnail of the Fast Company article titled 'From job board to influencer hub: How LinkedIn became a creator goldmine' by AJ Eckstein."

Your LinkedIn is costing you $1M+ The top 1% use their profile as a growth engine. Here’s what most miss. They treat LinkedIn like a résumé: ➡️ “Founder & CEO at X” ➡️ “Building Y product” ➡️ “Former Z company” A résumé doesn’t convert. A profile that speaks to your audience does. It shifts from who you are to why it matters. People don’t just scan your title. They decide in seconds if you’re worth their time. Here’s 8 ways founders can optimize their LinkedIn profile: 1/ Headline → Make it outcome-driven, not just a job title 2/ Banner → Use visuals that showcase your company or mission 3/ About Section → Tell your story with clarity, not buzzwords 4/ Featured → Pin media, press, or case studies that prove traction 5/ Experience → Show impact and achievements, not just positions held 6/ Recommendations → Add social proof with testimonials from partners, clients, or investors 7/ Activity → Post consistently to build visibility and authority 8/ Call-to-Action → Make it easy for people to reach you (DMs, link, or Calendly) Resumés inform, but optimized profiles attract. And attraction is what compounds growth. P.S. Which one of these (1–8) will you update on your profile next?