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I have been spending a lot of time on this blog sharing with you the strategies for becoming a top networker on Linkedin. There are many reasons to do this, but my angle has been for the purpose of growing and expanding your career. We all know that networking in-person can be a lot of hard work.

You have to physically drive to the location (which is usually in the evenings) and forgo an evening with the family. You have to be assertive and go talk to people and introduce yourself. You also are not able to control WHO is going to be there and you have no control as to having a targeted audience. Physical networking is hard work. Now, it can produce for you, but online networking is on your time.

My point is this: ANYONE can do online network marketing online easily and effectively.

How To Develop Your M.I.C.’s (Most Important Connectors)

Once you have grown your network (see previous post if you have little connections on Linkedin). The next step for you is to begin identifying who the M.I.C.’s are in your network.

M.I.C. stands for Most Important Connectors. This is not a term LinkedIn uses it is just something that I came up with. Anyways, all of us know that there are some people who just seem to know everyone. Your goal is to identify who these people are and then begin to develop rapport with them.

First, start with a targeted approach. In other words, look for contacts in your connections that are related close to your industry. You might have someone in your 2nd level of connections that is connected to someone you know. Ask to be introduced to them. Also, look for HR professionals that you might be able to have a conversation with.

Second, target people who have the most connections. This is usually a good indicator that this is a person who knows everyone in your community. Sitting down and having a 10-15 minute conversation with this person might be the break you need when looking for a job. He may know the best recruiter in your niche or an HR person or a Controller that he can introduce to you. Don’t be so concerned about this person’s title and occupation. he could be a Realtor who just knows everyone.

Linkedin Networking 101

Once you have identified your MIC’s follow these steps:

1. Send them an email and let them know what you are trying to accomplish.

2. If they are local, ask them if they would be open to meeting for coffee and that you would like to get their input and insight on your job search.

3. If not local, ask them if they would be open to chatting on the phone for just a few minutes and that you would like to get their insight on your job search.

Once you are in front of them either by phone or in person, have a list of either companies or a few of the contacts that they are connected with and ask them if it would be a good idea to reach out to them (or how you can get in touch with them).

You will be amazed at how many people are ready and willing to help. You never know where that opportunity might come from so always be ready to give 30-second pitch about what you do. Once you have identified who the MIC’s are then you will want to develop a game plan.

I share more details of this game plan in my free ebook that you can get to the right of this post. Get out there and network online a little each day and on your time!