Having previously avoided LinkedIn at all costs, I have become a convert and I find it an incredibly useful networking tool.

I have been a LinkedIn member for approximately nine months and have already grown my connections list to more than 2,000 people.

Here are seven tips to engage and expand your connections and membership.

1. INVITATIONS

Take a moment to write a little more than the standard invitation message, particularly if you have not connected with a person for a while. If you spot a lapsed member, it’s a great way to reconnect without being pushy and responses are often friendly.

2. REJECTIONS

Most people you invite to be a professional business connection will say yes, but don’t take it personally if they don’t – I have deleted many invitations in the past year too.

3. TRACKING

LinkedIn can help you reconnect with people you may have lost track of over the years. By joining industry-specific groups, you will not only be networking with your current members, you will also have an opportunity to cross-network with prospects and lapsed members.

4. EVENTS

You can promote events that you are attending or arranging; it is the perfect low-cost promotional tool.

5. INSTANT UPDATES

You can modify your LinkedIn settings so that you can follow all your members and be accurately kept up to date with their profiles as their situations change.

6. TESTIMONIALS

A really great tool is the ability to send a testimonial or recommendation to someone in your connections list. While they are given without expectation, to date I have found all of them greatly appreciated.

7. COMBINING FACE TO FACE NETWORKING WITH SOCIAL MEDIA

Extend an offer to your LinkedIn members to arrive an hour earlier when you have a business networking event to connect face-to-face. This really brings your social media to life and your members appreciate it.

Robyn Henderson is a professional speaker and author who covers topics such as networking, business building, self-esteem and confidence building.

For more articles by Robyn Henderson visit www.networkingtowin.com.au or robyn@networkingtowin.com.au