Building "REAL RELATIONSHIPS" Made Easy on LINKEDIN

Sometimes, your next big win is just one simple list away.

In today’s professional world, networking isn’t just about collecting connections. It’s about building real relationships that support your career growth, open new doors, and lead to genuine opportunities.

No matter what industry you’re in, a strong network can make all the difference. But here’s the thing: sending connection requests isn’t enough. You need to be intentional and authentic.

1. Get Clear on Your Networking Goals

Before reaching out to anyone, ask yourself:

✔ What am I hoping to achieve? (More leads, collaborations, job referrals?)

✔ Who do I need in my network? (Industry peers, decision-makers, mentors?)

✔ How can I offer value in return?

When you’re clear on these, your outreach becomes focused and more effective.

✅ Bonus tip: Segment your outreach. Create mini-lists for:

• Mentors you want to learn from
• Industry peers you want to stay in touch with
• Clients or collaborators you’d like to work with This helps you stay intentional in your weekly LinkedIn habits.

2. Nail Your Elevator Pitch

First impressions matter. Make sure your intro is short, clear, and easy to remember. Here's a simple example:

"Hi [Name], Great to connect! I’m a freelance copywriter who helps brands turn ideas into clear, compelling content that gets results. Always open to conversations around storytelling, strategy, and the power of words. Let’s keep in touch!"

Bonus tip

✅ Try a “LinkedIn Signature Move” Make yourself memorable with one thing you always bring to your conversations. Examples:

• A killer framework you often share
• A niche you deeply care about (e.g., ethical marketing, brand storytelling)
• A vibe — are you the thoughtful one? The connector? The creative instigator?

Your network grows faster when people can sum you up simply and talk about you easily.

3. Make Your LinkedIn Profile Work for You

A strong profile builds trust. Quick tips:

✔ Use a professional photo and a headline that reflects your value.

✔ Write an “About” section that sounds like you—not a resume.

✔ Comment thoughtfully on posts to stay visible and build credibility.

✔ Send connection requests with a short personal note.

Bonus tips

✅ Turn on Creator Mode If you’re sharing content, Creator Mode helps showcase your niche, adds a “Follow” button, and allows you to add hashtags related to your expertise.

✅ Add a Featured Section Pin your best wins: testimonials, posts with lots of engagement, links to your work. This makes your value immediately obvious to anyone landing on your profile.

4. Lead with Value

If your first message is asking for something, hit pause. Instead, offer value:

Ask Great Questions, Value isn’t just about tips, it’s also curiosity. Ask questions like:

• “What’s a challenge you’ve solved recently that made you proud?”
• “What’s the most underrated skill in your field right now?”

This invites meaningful conversation without pitching anything.

5. Follow Up—Without Being Pushy

If someone doesn’t respond right away, don’t worry. A thoughtful follow-up can go a long way:

✔ Wait a few days. Give them space. 5–7 days is a good window.

✔ Keep it warm and friendly.

“Hey [Name], just following up—no rush at all, but wanted to bring this back to your radar.”

→ Add value again. Share a useful article or quick idea that ties into your earlier message.

Bonus tip

Try a “Permission-Based Ask”When you’re ready to propose a collab, intro, or even a quick call, frame it like this:“Would it be okay if I sent over an idea I think could be fun to explore together?”This feels respectful, warm, and human, and usually gets a better response.

Final Takeaway

Let’s be real, LinkedIn is crowded. But real relationships? Those cut through the noise.

You don’t need to hustle in the DMs or collect 10,000 followers. You need to be intentional, give more than you take, and show up like a human (not a pitch deck).

Start with one conversation today. Make it count.

And remember: the strongest networks aren’t built overnight. They’re built week by week, one real connection at a time.

See you next week,