One of the first things I do when I start a new job — before I even finish setting up my email signature — is this:
I go on LinkedIn and I add people. A lot of people.
But not just anyone. I add the people I might work with, learn from, or sell to in the months ahead.
Why?
Because if I’m entering a new market or industry, I want my future prospects to know one simple thing: “I’m one of them now”.
Not an outsider. Not a stranger. Not a random profile in their feed.
Someone who understands their challenges. Someone worth keeping an eye on.
Over time, this habit has helped me create stronger relationships, better understand my target audience and position myself more naturally as a trusted expert — without selling anything.
Be seen where it matters — before you’re needed
In most industries, especially B2B, people don’t buy from strangers.
They buy from names they’ve heard before. From profiles they’ve seen around. From people who already feel a little familiar — even if you’ve never spoken.
That’s why building your LinkedIn network before you need it is not optional. It’s strategic positioning.When you add people from your target market early on — not to sell, just to connect — you start planting seeds.
They might not click anything. They might not answer. But they see your name. Your title. Your face.
And next time you publish something relevant?
They’ll remember: “Ah yes, I’ve seen this person before.”
This matters more than you think. Familiarity is a silent trust-builder.
You’re not pushing. You’re simply showing up — consistently, professionally, and intentionally.
Over time, that presence turns a cold contact into a warm lead.
Sometimes without saying a word.
LinkedIn is your strategic radar — not your personal diary
Let’s be honest: a lot of people still treat LinkedIn like an online CV.
They log in when they need something. A job. A client. A bit of luck.
They log in when they need something. A job. A client. A bit of luck.
But LinkedIn isn’t just a place to be found. It’s a place to learn fast — if you set it up right.
The secret?
Your feed is only as smart as your network.
When you start connecting with people from your industry — buyers, competitors, thought leaders, partners — the algorithm shifts.
Suddenly, your homepage becomes a radar. You spot:
- What people are talking about
- What challenges are trending
- What events matter
- What tone and language your market is using
It’s not theory. It’s live market intelligence. For free. Every day.
No expensive reports. Just real humans reacting to real things.
The more relevant your network, the more relevant your ideas become.
Your posts get sharper. Your timing improves. You sound like someone inside the conversation — not watching from the window.
The compound effect of a visible, relevant network
There’s something LinkedIn doesn’t tell you in its tutorials:
Your network is not just who you see — it’s who sees you.
Let me explain.
Let’s say you connect with 50 people in your industry. You don’t message them, you don’t pitch anything. You just exist in their feed.
One day, you post something smart. Maybe a short story from your work. Or a lesson you learned. Nothing viral — just honest and useful.
One of those 50 connections likes it.
Now, their connections — many of them in the same field — see your post too.
Some of them click on your profile. A few might follow you. One might even message you.
You just reached 500 people… by talking to one.
That’s the compound effect of relevance.
It’s not about growing a massive audience. It’s about growing the right audience.
Each connection is a tiny amplifier.
And when those amplifiers are decision-makers, collaborators, or future employers — your silent reputation grows faster than you think.
How to connect the “right” way
Let’s clear something up:
You don’t need a perfect excuse to add someone on LinkedIn.
You just need a bit of context and a bit of respect.
Think of it like saying hi at a conference. You don’t walk up and pitch your product.
You just smile and say: “Hey, we’re in the same space. Figured we should connect.”
That’s enough.
Here are a few simple message examples that work:
- “Hi [First Name], I’m also working in [industry] — thought it’d be great to connect!”
- “Hello! I’ve seen your name a few times in my feed — always nice to connect with people in the same field.”
- “Hi! I just joined [company/role], so I’m trying to get to know others in [sector]. Let’s connect if that’s OK.”
No fluff. No fake compliments. Just honest, polite intent.
And if they don’t accept? That’s fine.
LinkedIn is not Tinder. No hard feelings.
You move on. You stay visible. You build slowly.
Remember: you’re not begging for attention. You’re building a network — one useful human at a time.
Segment your network like your target market
Once you’ve started building a solid, relevant network… don’t just let it sit there.
Treat it like a quiet engine — something you can organize, activate and learn from over time.
Think of it this way: if your LinkedIn is full of people in your industry, you’re sitting on a personal database.
Why not use it strategically?
Here’s a simple trick I use:
When I connect with someone, I ask myself: “Where do they fit in my market?”
- Are they a potential client?
- A thought leader or influencer in the space?
- A future hire, a peer, a possible partner?
LinkedIn doesn’t have a built-in CRM (yet), but you can use private profile notes, bookmarks, or even a spreadsheet to keep track.
It doesn’t have to be complicated. Just intentional.
This makes everything easier later on:
When you want to launch a campaign, promote content, ask for feedback, or even hire — you already know who to talk to.
No cold outreach. No guesswork. Just people you’ve already brought into your circle.
I’m about to change jobs again. New product, new market, new conversations.
And just like every time, before I even update my headline, I’ll be expanding my LinkedIn world — probably with 200 or 300 new people who are already playing in the space I’m about to join.
Some will accept. Some won’t. Some will read my name once and forget it.
And that’s perfectly fine. That’s not the point.
The point is: when the moment comes — when I publish something relevant, when I send a message, when I show up at the right time — I won’t be a stranger.
I’ll be part of the room already.
That’s the quiet power of doing it early. That’s the whole game.
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