{"id":37294,"date":"2025-02-07T13:00:55","date_gmt":"2025-02-07T00:00:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/?p=37294"},"modified":"2025-02-07T13:08:48","modified_gmt":"2025-02-07T00:08:48","slug":"grow-your-linkedin-network","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/grow-your-linkedin-network\/","title":{"rendered":"Grow Your LinkedIn Network"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"37294\" class=\"elementor elementor-37294\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-2926fa4 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"2926fa4\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-ef604f7\" data-id=\"ef604f7\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-018301c elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"018301c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p data-ccp-border-bottom=\"0px none #000000\" data-ccp-padding-bottom=\"0px\" data-ccp-border-between=\"0px none #000000\" data-ccp-padding-between=\"0px\"><strong>Once the forgotten platform of social media, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/feed\/\">LinkedIn<\/a> has surged in recent years and now, according to stats, has nearly 3 million users in New Zealand. That\u2019s still some way behind social media behemoth Facebook, but more than Instagram. And its user numbers appear to be growing particularly among the 25-50 age group.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p><p data-ccp-border-bottom=\"0px none #000000\" data-ccp-padding-bottom=\"0px\" data-ccp-border-between=\"0px none #000000\" data-ccp-padding-between=\"0px\"><strong>So if you are looking to grow your professional network, LinkedIn is where it&#8217;s at. But it&#8217;s not as simple as creating an account, uploading your CV and putting your feet up while the connections roll in. Growing a LinkedIn network takes a bit of time and effort.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-ce31ff0 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"ce31ff0\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-31159c7\" data-id=\"31159c7\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-74b5162 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"74b5162\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 data-ccp-border-bottom=\"0px none #000000\" data-ccp-padding-bottom=\"0px\" data-ccp-border-between=\"0px none #000000\" data-ccp-padding-between=\"0px\">Three key things you need to be doing regularly to nurture your network\u00a0<\/h3><h4>1. Create your own content<\/h4><p data-ccp-border-bottom=\"0px none #000000\" data-ccp-padding-bottom=\"0px\" data-ccp-border-between=\"0px none #000000\" data-ccp-padding-between=\"0px\">The first step to growing your network is to show up and give people something worth connecting with you for. And the best way to do that is to post content regularly on your personal page feed.\u00a0<\/p><p data-ccp-border-bottom=\"0px none #000000\" data-ccp-padding-bottom=\"0px\" data-ccp-border-between=\"0px none #000000\" data-ccp-padding-between=\"0px\">Posting content can help you be seen as an expert voice in your chosen sector with knowledge and opinions that are worth reading. Keep your posts authentic and create a voice that reflects your brand.\u00a0<\/p><p data-ccp-border-bottom=\"0px none #000000\" data-ccp-padding-bottom=\"0px\" data-ccp-border-between=\"0px none #000000\" data-ccp-padding-between=\"0px\">Here are some things you can share:\u00a0<\/p><ul><li data-leveltext=\"\u2022\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;201340374&quot;:0,&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:180,&quot;335559991&quot;:180,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u2022&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><em>Your thoughts on industry news, statistics or trends, or wider news from New Zealand, such as the economy.\u00a0<\/em><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\u2022\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;201340374&quot;:0,&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:180,&quot;335559991&quot;:180,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u2022&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><em>Educational content related to your industry. <\/em><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\u2022\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;201340374&quot;:0,&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:180,&quot;335559991&quot;:180,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u2022&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><em>Insights and learnings from your journey in business or your sector.<\/em><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\u2022\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;201340374&quot;:0,&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:180,&quot;335559991&quot;:180,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u2022&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><em>Personal stories that might not be directly business-related but could have a business lesson.\u00a0<\/em><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\u2022\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;201340374&quot;:0,&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:180,&quot;335559991&quot;:180,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u2022&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><em>Testimonials from colleagues or clients you have worked with.<\/em><\/li><\/ul><p data-ccp-border-bottom=\"0px none #000000\" data-ccp-padding-bottom=\"0px\" data-ccp-border-between=\"0px none #000000\" data-ccp-padding-between=\"0px\">LinkedIn supports a variety of post types from basic text-based posts or long-form articles to multi-image posts, videos or even live events. Switching up the type of posts you use can help to make your feed interesting and more visually appealing.\u00a0<\/p><p data-ccp-border-bottom=\"0px none #000000\" data-ccp-padding-bottom=\"0px\" data-ccp-border-between=\"0px none #000000\" data-ccp-padding-between=\"0px\"><strong>Consistency is key &#8211;<\/strong> One of the vital elements of being successful on LinkedIn (or any social platform) is to show up consistently. It\u2019s not used to posting once and then disappearing for weeks. It can help to plan a number of posts out in advance so you know what you are going to post and when. That way you won\u2019t be caught short of inspiration.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p><p data-ccp-border-bottom=\"0px none #000000\" data-ccp-padding-bottom=\"0px\" data-ccp-border-between=\"0px none #000000\" data-ccp-padding-between=\"0px\"><strong>Aim for engagement &#8211;<\/strong> Adding a question to the end of your post can encourage other users to comment and add to the conversation. This helps your posts reach more people which in turn can grow your following.\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-b7e99b5 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"b7e99b5\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-04a4827\" data-id=\"04a4827\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1fd15de elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"1fd15de\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/LinkedIn-Blog-logo-1024x768.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-37301\" alt=\"Blog NZIE LinkedIN\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/LinkedIn-Blog-logo-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/LinkedIn-Blog-logo-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/LinkedIn-Blog-logo-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/LinkedIn-Blog-logo-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/LinkedIn-Blog-logo-2048x1536.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/LinkedIn-Blog-logo-600x450.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0533976 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"0533976\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h4><strong>2. Comment on other people\u2019s content<\/strong><\/h4><p data-ccp-border-bottom=\"0px none #000000\" data-ccp-padding-bottom=\"0px\" data-ccp-border-between=\"0px none #000000\" data-ccp-padding-between=\"0px\">The second way to grow your network is to comment on other people\u2019s content. This helps you show up in other people\u2019s feeds and can bring you to their attention. Don\u2019t just drop a random comment and run. Make sure your comment is:\u00a0<\/p><ul><li data-leveltext=\"\u2022\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;201340374&quot;:0,&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:180,&quot;335559991&quot;:180,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u2022&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"6\" data-aria-level=\"1\">Relevant\u00a0<\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\u2022\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;201340374&quot;:0,&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:180,&quot;335559991&quot;:180,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u2022&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"6\" data-aria-level=\"1\">Insightful\u00a0<\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\u2022\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;201340374&quot;:0,&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:180,&quot;335559991&quot;:180,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u2022&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"6\" data-aria-level=\"1\">Builds on what the person has talked about in their post\u00a0<\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\u2022\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;201340374&quot;:0,&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:180,&quot;335559991&quot;:180,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u2022&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"6\" data-aria-level=\"1\">Shares your own perspective on the topic<\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\u2022\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;201340374&quot;:0,&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:180,&quot;335559991&quot;:180,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u2022&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"6\" data-aria-level=\"1\">Adds to the conversation\u00a0<\/li><\/ul><p data-ccp-border-bottom=\"0px none #000000\" data-ccp-padding-bottom=\"0px\" data-ccp-border-between=\"0px none #000000\" data-ccp-padding-between=\"0px\">You can also choose to reshare the person\u2019s post, either directly or with your own comments added. If you are short on time you can just leave a post reaction, but commenting is better!<\/p><h4 data-ccp-border-bottom=\"0px none #000000\" data-ccp-padding-bottom=\"0px\" data-ccp-border-between=\"0px none #000000\" data-ccp-padding-between=\"0px\">3. Connect directly with other users<\/h4><p data-ccp-border-bottom=\"0px none #000000\" data-ccp-padding-bottom=\"0px\" data-ccp-border-between=\"0px none #000000\" data-ccp-padding-between=\"0px\">Sending connection requests is a crucial step in growing your network. But think quality over quantity. Don\u2019t just fire off connection requests to anyone remotely connected to your line of work (and don\u2019t feel you need to accept all the ones you get either). Target people who are in the same industry as you, are influencers or leading voices in the sector or could become good customer prospects or partners.\u00a0<\/p><p data-ccp-border-bottom=\"0px none #000000\" data-ccp-padding-bottom=\"0px\" data-ccp-border-between=\"0px none #000000\" data-ccp-padding-between=\"0px\">Personalise your connection requests with a brief message &#8211; When you ask to connect with someone, LinkedIn will give you a generic message to send with your request. Don\u2019t use that! Personalise your connection request before sending it. Include elements such as:\u00a0<\/p><ul><li data-leveltext=\"\u2022\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;201340374&quot;:0,&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:180,&quot;335559991&quot;:180,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u2022&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"11\" data-aria-level=\"1\">A brief explanation of why you want to connect and what you hope to achieve.<\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\u2022\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;201340374&quot;:0,&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:180,&quot;335559991&quot;:180,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u2022&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"11\" data-aria-level=\"1\">Some common interests or aspects of business that you share.\u00a0<\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\u2022\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;201340374&quot;:0,&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:180,&quot;335559991&quot;:180,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u2022&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"11\" data-aria-level=\"1\">A little bit about yourself.\u00a0<\/li><\/ul><p data-ccp-border-bottom=\"0px none #000000\" data-ccp-padding-bottom=\"0px\" data-ccp-border-between=\"0px none #000000\" data-ccp-padding-between=\"0px\">Don\u2019t make your connection request too sales-orientated or ask too much upfront &#8211; leave that until you have established a relationship with the person.\u00a0<\/p><p data-ccp-border-bottom=\"0px none #000000\" data-ccp-padding-bottom=\"0px\" data-ccp-border-between=\"0px none #000000\" data-ccp-padding-between=\"0px\">Follow-Up: If the person accepts your connection request, send a brief follow-up, thanking them and getting the conversation started. But remember &#8211; don\u2019t leap right into your sales pitch.\u00a0<\/p><h4 data-ccp-border-bottom=\"0px none #000000\" data-ccp-padding-bottom=\"0px\" data-ccp-border-between=\"0px none #000000\" data-ccp-padding-between=\"0px\">Two bonus ways to grow your network\u00a0<\/h4><p data-ccp-border-bottom=\"0px none #000000\" data-ccp-padding-bottom=\"0px\" data-ccp-border-between=\"0px none #000000\" data-ccp-padding-between=\"0px\"><em>LinkedIn offers two other options that can help you grow your network &#8211; groups and collaborative articles.\u00a0<\/em><\/p><ul><li data-ccp-border-bottom=\"0px none #000000\" data-ccp-padding-bottom=\"0px\" data-ccp-border-between=\"0px none #000000\" data-ccp-padding-between=\"0px\">Groups are places where people with like-minded interests or who work in similar industries can share information and ideas. Some groups also allow you to promote your business or offers you might have.<\/li><li data-ccp-border-bottom=\"0px none #000000\" data-ccp-padding-bottom=\"0px\" data-ccp-border-between=\"0px none #000000\" data-ccp-padding-between=\"0px\">Collaborative articles are a newer initiative in which people are invited to add to articles of topics chosen by LinkedIn. These can be a good way of sharing your knowledge, but the jury is still out to a degree, particularly with the increased use of AI, on whether they are a good way of building a brand or whether they are low-quality and should be avoided.\u00a0<\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6b6576d elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"6b6576d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/LinkedIn-Blog-NZIe-1024x683.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-37297\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/LinkedIn-Blog-NZIe-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/LinkedIn-Blog-NZIe-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/LinkedIn-Blog-NZIe-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/LinkedIn-Blog-NZIe-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/LinkedIn-Blog-NZIe-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/LinkedIn-Blog-NZIe-600x400.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-7f0cd7c elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"7f0cd7c\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-6541e84\" data-id=\"6541e84\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ed1b8fe elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"ed1b8fe\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h4 data-ccp-border-bottom=\"0px none #000000\" data-ccp-padding-bottom=\"0px\" data-ccp-border-between=\"0px none #000000\" data-ccp-padding-between=\"0px\">Don\u2019t neglect your profile\u00a0<\/h4><p data-ccp-border-bottom=\"0px none #000000\" data-ccp-padding-bottom=\"0px\" data-ccp-border-between=\"0px none #000000\" data-ccp-padding-between=\"0px\">Content and connecting are important, but don\u2019t forget that a good LinkedIn profile is the basis of your personal brand. People looking to connect with you, or intrigued by your content will probably look over your profile before networking.\u00a0<\/p><p data-ccp-border-bottom=\"0px none #000000\" data-ccp-padding-bottom=\"0px\" data-ccp-border-between=\"0px none #000000\" data-ccp-padding-between=\"0px\"><strong>Some key elements to nail are:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p><p data-ccp-border-bottom=\"0px none #000000\" data-ccp-padding-bottom=\"0px\" data-ccp-border-between=\"0px none #000000\" data-ccp-padding-between=\"0px\"><strong>Profile picture &#8211;<\/strong> don\u2019t forget to add a picture to show you are a real person. This is a business platform so choose a professional-looking headshot.\u00a0<\/p><p data-ccp-border-bottom=\"0px none #000000\" data-ccp-padding-bottom=\"0px\" data-ccp-border-between=\"0px none #000000\" data-ccp-padding-between=\"0px\"><strong>Headline &#8211;<\/strong> this is the place where you can highlight your unique value proposition and give people the first impression about what you do and what you stand for.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p><p data-ccp-border-bottom=\"0px none #000000\" data-ccp-padding-bottom=\"0px\" data-ccp-border-between=\"0px none #000000\" data-ccp-padding-between=\"0px\"><strong>About summary &#8211;<\/strong> this is where you can add more detail about what you offer and how you can help people, along with your key skills and experience.\u00a0<\/p><p data-ccp-border-bottom=\"0px none #000000\" data-ccp-padding-bottom=\"0px\" data-ccp-border-between=\"0px none #000000\" data-ccp-padding-between=\"0px\"><strong>Experience and skills &#8211;<\/strong> Add relevant work experience and skills here. Make sure your experience matches what\u2019s on any CV that you might be sending to potential employers. As well as just listing roles, include examples of what you\u2019ve done and the impact you made.\u00a0<\/p><p data-ccp-border-bottom=\"0px none #000000\" data-ccp-padding-bottom=\"0px\" data-ccp-border-between=\"0px none #000000\" data-ccp-padding-between=\"0px\">\u00a0Used properly, LinkedIn can give your personal brand a big boost and be a great way to connect with potential clients. Why not head over to the platform and make your first post now?\u00a0<\/p><h3 data-ccp-border-between=\"0px none #000000\" data-ccp-padding-between=\"0px\"><em>Want to know more about building your LinkedIn network? Sign up for our short course &#8211;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/short_course\/personal-branding-on-linkedin-course\/\"> Personal Branding on LinkedIn.<\/a>\u00a0<\/em><\/h3>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Once the forgotten platform of social media, LinkedIn has surged in recent years and now, according to stats, has nearly 3 million users in New Zealand. That\u2019s still some way behind social media behemoth Facebook, but more than Instagram. And its user numbers appear to be growing particularly among the 25-50 age group.\u00a0 So if [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":379,"featured_media":37296,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"content-type":"","site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"default","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[184],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-37294","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-digital-marketing-blog"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v24.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>NZIE\u00ae - Grow Your LinkedIn Network<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Looking to grow your professional network? LinkedIn is where it&#039;s at. But it&#039;s not as simple as creating an account, and uploading your CV...\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/grow-your-linkedin-network\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"NZIE\u00ae - Grow Your LinkedIn Network\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Looking to grow your professional network? LinkedIn is where it&#039;s at. But it&#039;s not as simple as creating an account, and uploading your CV...\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/grow-your-linkedin-network\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"NZIE\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2025-02-07T00:00:55+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-02-07T00:08:48+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Linkedin-Network-Blog-NZIE-scaled.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"2560\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1707\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"mishaela\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"mishaela\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"6 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/grow-your-linkedin-network\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/grow-your-linkedin-network\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"mishaela\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/#\/schema\/person\/1e56c042f78ccc179fb7f45b9dca6891\"},\"headline\":\"Grow Your LinkedIn Network\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-02-07T00:00:55+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-02-07T00:08:48+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/grow-your-linkedin-network\/\"},\"wordCount\":1083,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/grow-your-linkedin-network\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Linkedin-Network-Blog-NZIE-scaled.jpg\",\"articleSection\":[\"Digital Marketing Blog\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/grow-your-linkedin-network\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/grow-your-linkedin-network\/\",\"name\":\"NZIE\u00ae - Grow Your LinkedIn Network\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/grow-your-linkedin-network\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/grow-your-linkedin-network\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Linkedin-Network-Blog-NZIE-scaled.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-02-07T00:00:55+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-02-07T00:08:48+00:00\",\"description\":\"Looking to grow your professional network? LinkedIn is where it's at. But it's not as simple as creating an account, and uploading your CV...\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/grow-your-linkedin-network\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/grow-your-linkedin-network\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/grow-your-linkedin-network\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Linkedin-Network-Blog-NZIE-scaled.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Linkedin-Network-Blog-NZIE-scaled.jpg\",\"width\":2560,\"height\":1707,\"caption\":\"Grow your LinkedIn Network Blog NZIE\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/grow-your-linkedin-network\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Grow Your LinkedIn Network\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/\",\"name\":\"NZIE\",\"description\":\"Your Passport to a World of Opprtunities\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/#organization\",\"name\":\"NZIE\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/2019-08-08_15-21-26-1.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/2019-08-08_15-21-26-1.png\",\"width\":814,\"height\":389,\"caption\":\"NZIE\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\"}},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/#\/schema\/person\/1e56c042f78ccc179fb7f45b9dca6891\",\"name\":\"mishaela\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/6a70135ed17cb784ac29764d6d75a068?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/6a70135ed17cb784ac29764d6d75a068?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"mishaela\"},\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/author\/mishaela\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"NZIE\u00ae - Grow Your LinkedIn Network","description":"Looking to grow your professional network? LinkedIn is where it's at. But it's not as simple as creating an account, and uploading your CV...","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/grow-your-linkedin-network\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"NZIE\u00ae - Grow Your LinkedIn Network","og_description":"Looking to grow your professional network? LinkedIn is where it's at. But it's not as simple as creating an account, and uploading your CV...","og_url":"https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/grow-your-linkedin-network\/","og_site_name":"NZIE","article_published_time":"2025-02-07T00:00:55+00:00","article_modified_time":"2025-02-07T00:08:48+00:00","og_image":[{"width":2560,"height":1707,"url":"https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Linkedin-Network-Blog-NZIE-scaled.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"mishaela","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"mishaela","Est. reading time":"6 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/grow-your-linkedin-network\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/grow-your-linkedin-network\/"},"author":{"name":"mishaela","@id":"https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/#\/schema\/person\/1e56c042f78ccc179fb7f45b9dca6891"},"headline":"Grow Your LinkedIn Network","datePublished":"2025-02-07T00:00:55+00:00","dateModified":"2025-02-07T00:08:48+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/grow-your-linkedin-network\/"},"wordCount":1083,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/grow-your-linkedin-network\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Linkedin-Network-Blog-NZIE-scaled.jpg","articleSection":["Digital Marketing Blog"],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/grow-your-linkedin-network\/","url":"https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/grow-your-linkedin-network\/","name":"NZIE\u00ae - Grow Your LinkedIn Network","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/grow-your-linkedin-network\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/grow-your-linkedin-network\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Linkedin-Network-Blog-NZIE-scaled.jpg","datePublished":"2025-02-07T00:00:55+00:00","dateModified":"2025-02-07T00:08:48+00:00","description":"Looking to grow your professional network? LinkedIn is where it's at. But it's not as simple as creating an account, and uploading your CV...","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/grow-your-linkedin-network\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/grow-your-linkedin-network\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/grow-your-linkedin-network\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Linkedin-Network-Blog-NZIE-scaled.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Linkedin-Network-Blog-NZIE-scaled.jpg","width":2560,"height":1707,"caption":"Grow your LinkedIn Network Blog NZIE"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/grow-your-linkedin-network\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Grow Your LinkedIn Network"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/","name":"NZIE","description":"Your Passport to a World of Opprtunities","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/#organization","name":"NZIE","url":"https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/2019-08-08_15-21-26-1.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/2019-08-08_15-21-26-1.png","width":814,"height":389,"caption":"NZIE"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"}},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/#\/schema\/person\/1e56c042f78ccc179fb7f45b9dca6891","name":"mishaela","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/6a70135ed17cb784ac29764d6d75a068?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/6a70135ed17cb784ac29764d6d75a068?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"mishaela"},"url":"https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/author\/mishaela\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37294","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/379"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=37294"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37294\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":37307,"href":"https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37294\/revisions\/37307"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/37296"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=37294"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=37294"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nzie.ac.nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=37294"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}