Did you know that over 80% of professionals say networking is crucial to their career success, yet less than half of them actively do it on LinkedIn? Think about that for a second. The world’s largest professional networking platform with more than a billion users is right at our fingertips, but so many people are still unsure how to use it well.
I wasn’t always confident on LinkedIn either. At first, I treated it like an online résumé and left it at that. But over time, I realized that the people who were landing opportunities, building partnerships, and even creating entire businesses were the ones who mastered networking on the platform. They weren’t just “connecting” they were building relationships.
That’s what this post is all about. I’ll share the do’s and don’ts of networking on LinkedIn so you can skip the trial-and-error I went through and start building meaningful connections right away.
Why Networking on LinkedIn Matters More Than Ever
Here’s the truth: networking today doesn’t look like swapping business cards at a crowded event. It’s digital, ongoing, and global. LinkedIn allows you to connect with people you’d probably never meet in person, CEOs, thought leaders, recruiters, or even like-minded peers across the world.
When done right, LinkedIn networking can help you:
- Discover job opportunities before they’re posted publicly
- Get referrals and recommendations that actually matter
- Position yourself as an authority in your field
- Learn directly from experts and peers in your industry
But here’s the catch: networking isn’t about collecting as many connections as possible. It’s about building genuine relationships. And to do that, there are certain habits you should adopt—and a few you should avoid at all costs.
5 Do’s of Networking on LinkedIn
1. Personalize Your Connection Requests
Think about it. If someone walked up to you in real life and just said, “Connect with me,” you’d probably raise an eyebrow. That’s exactly how it feels when you send a blank connection request.
Instead, add a short note:
- Mention how you found them (a post, event, or mutual connection)
- Say why you’d like to connect
- Keep it polite and genuine
Example:
"Hi Sarah, I really enjoyed your recent post on remote work strategies. I’d love to connect and learn more from your insights."
A small effort goes a long way.
2. Engage Before You Ask
One mistake I made early on was sending requests to strangers without ever interacting with their content. Big miss.
A better way:
- Like their posts
- Leave thoughtful comments
- Share their content with your own perspective
By the time you send a connection request, your name already feels familiar. That’s relationship-building, not cold pitching.
3. Add Value, Don’t Just Take
Networking isn’t about asking for favors the moment someone accepts your request. Instead, think: How can I contribute?
- Share useful articles
- Offer a quick tip from your own expertise
- Introduce them to someone who might help them
Value doesn’t have to be huge, it can even be encouragement. But showing that you’re not there just to “take” makes you memorable.
4. Optimize Your Profile Before Reaching Out
Imagine you introduce yourself at a networking event and someone asks, “So, what do you do?” and you freeze. That’s what happens if your LinkedIn profile isn’t complete.
At minimum, make sure you have:
- A professional photo (not a blurry selfie)
- A headline that clearly states your role or expertise
- A summary that shares your story in a human way
- Relevant work experience and skills
Your profile is your first impression. Treat it like your handshake.
5. Be Consistent with Engagement
Networking isn’t a one-time thing. It’s about nurturing relationships.
Here are some easy habits:
- Post at least once a week (share insights, stories, or lessons learned)
- Comment meaningfully on other people’s posts
- Send a “congratulations” message when someone gets promoted
Consistency builds trust. People notice.
5 Don’ts of Networking on LinkedIn
1. Don’t Spam People with Pitches
This is the biggest turn-off. If your first message after connecting is, “Buy my service,” you’ve already lost them.
LinkedIn is about relationships, not transactions. Take time to get to know the person. Build trust first, then talk business later if it makes sense.
2. Don’t Send Generic Messages
“Hi, I’d like to add you to my network.”
That’s like sending a text that says, “Hey.” It doesn’t start a conversation.
Be intentional. Even two sentences of personalization can make your request stand out.
3. Don’t Over-Engage or Be Pushy
It’s great to comment and send messages but don’t overdo it. Messaging someone every day, or liking every single post, can feel overwhelming. Networking is about balance. Respect the other person’s space.
4. Don’t Ignore Follow-Ups
If someone takes the time to reply to your comment or send you a message, respond. Leaving people hanging gives the impression you’re not serious about building relationships.
5. Don’t Fake Expertise
LinkedIn is full of people claiming to be “gurus” in everything. But real connections come from authenticity. Share your journey honestly. Talk about wins and challenges. That’s what makes people relate to you.
When I first started networking on LinkedIn, I focused too much on numbers more connections, more followers, more likes. But honestly? That didn’t get me very far.
What worked was slowing down.
- I started sending fewer but more thoughtful requests.
- I commented with genuine curiosity instead of quick compliments.
- I began sharing small lessons from my own career journey even when I felt they weren’t “perfect.”
The result? People actually started conversations with me. Opportunities came not because I was loud, but because I was real.
Quick LinkedIn Networking Do’s and Don’ts Checklist
✅ Personalize connection requests
✅ Engage before asking
✅ Add value in conversations
✅ Keep your profile professional
✅ Be consistent
❌ Don’t spam with sales pitches
❌ Don’t send generic messages
❌ Don’t overdo engagement
❌ Don’t ignore people
❌ Don’t pretend to be someone you’re not
My Final Thoughts
Networking on LinkedIn is not about chasing numbers, it’s about creating meaningful connections that can grow into opportunities. Whether you’re job hunting, building a personal brand, or expanding your business, the way you approach people matters.
If you take anything from this post, let it be this: treat LinkedIn networking the same way you’d treat networking in person with respect, authenticity, and a willingness to give as much as you get.
The do’s and don’ts are simple, but the impact they create can change the way opportunities show up in your life.
So, how do you network on LinkedIn? Start with one small action today, comment on a post that resonated with you, send a thoughtful message, or share a lesson you’ve learned. The ripple effects might surprise you.