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Do you know the basics of networking? Even if you are not a social person you can work this basic game plan that I am about to give you.

Ever been to the circus? Remember the spinning plates? Well, networking is a lot like those spinning plates. You need to do a little bit of all of it in order to keep things going in a positive direction. Today I want to give you some basics of networking and how you can apply that to doing a job search on Linkedin. I am going to list for you six strategies that you can use on a regular basis to get the word out on Linkedin that you are looking for your next position.

Here is the game plan that I recommend (the spinning plates):

1. Use the Status Bar on a Regular Basis

If you are familiar with Facebook or Twitter then you know what the status bar is. It is located on your profile page and it is under your name it says:
“Jonathan is…..”

Then you are allowed so many words to place your info.

For example:

“Jonathan is searching for a Sr. Financial Analyst opportunity in the Southeast. Please review my profile.”

Your status saying will show up on hundreds and possibly thousands of different profile pages that are in your network. This is a great way to market yourself.

Linkedin Tip: Go into the settings area under status bar and change the settings from “only my connections can see status bar” to “everyone may view.” That way more people get a chance at viewing your status statement.

2. Reach out your M.I.C.’s on a routine basis

I will give you some specific examples in the following posts, but once you identify your MIC’s (Most Important Connectors) you will want to develop a game plan for how to stay in touch with them on a regular bases. Remember, these are the outgoing, happy people who thrive on relationships and know a lot of people in the community or industry of your profession.

3. Use and participate in the industry specific groups discussion section

Once you join the groups on Linkedin make sure you use them. Look quickly a few times a week at the recent discussions and learn and participate in the process. Post and get your name out there. It is just another method of people seeing who you are and what you are all about.

4. Check the Jobs in the groups you joined regularly

Linkedin does have its own job section, but the real action is inside the groups. It is free to post jobs and companies and recruiters like it because it is for a “targeted audience.”
In other words, if you are an Internal Auditor, I would join every Internal Audit group on LinkedIn and view the jobs section in the group on a regular basis. Companies and recruiters will be posting positions out there on a daily basis.

5. Participate in LinkedIn Answers section

Linkedin has a section on its website called “Answers.” See Neil’s guest post for a great insight on Linkedin Answers. It is where people go to post questions about various topics. Visit these sections every once in a while and post answers to questions that you know. A hiring manager or recruiter may find you post and contact you. A one time action and it stays on the internet forever.

6. Reach out to people and see if they are on LinkedIn.

Linkedin is well-known now. So, if you are at a physical network meeting, ask people you meet if they are on Linkedin. You then can connect with them and stay in touch with them.
If you do these steps on a regular basis, you will be amazed at the results that will begin to happen.

Implement these strategies and make a name for yourself online. It is like employing a lot of people to spread the word about you as you get your name out there on the internet.

If you would like a more in-depth plan, see my free ebook to the right of this post.