5 Ways To Network On LinkedIn Without Sending Cold Emails

There are creative ways to network on LinkedIn.

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Does the thought of “working the room” at the next business conference make you want to break out in a cold sweat? Or maybe you’ve spent hours crafting cold outreach emails that get rejected or ignored. Networking can feel daunting for most professionals. So much so that according to a recent survey conducted by Censuswide on behalf of LinkedIn in late 2023, nearly half (47%) of working Americans feel uncertain about their networking skills. The good news is that anyone can learn how to network on LinkedIn without feeling awkward or inauthentic. You just need a fresh approach.

Most importantly, networking isn’t about reaching out to people only when you need a favor. Catherine Fisher, vice-president of Integrated Consumer Communications at LinkedIn, agrees. She suggests finding “ways to stay connected and build relationships outside of the times that you’re asking for something.” The goal isn’t to accumulate LinkedIn connections. Networking is about exchanging ideas and building quality connections over time.

Some people estimate that anywhere from 50% to 80% of positions are filled through networking. And according to Jobscan, 94% of recruiters use LinkedIn to source and vet job candidates. With over 1 billion members in more than 200 countries and territories worldwide, LinkedIn is a powerful tool. Let’s explore a few creative ways to network on LinkedIn without relying on the dreaded cold email.

Maintain your network

Networking isn't a one-and-done proposition. Fisher likens it to caring for a garden. "You don't just plant it and then walk away and think it's going to thrive, she adds. You actually have to water it. You have to prune it." Start by going through your network and adding people you know and trust. Then follow industries, companies and people that are of interest to you. Also, check out the "people you may know" section for more possible connections. Finally, go through and ensure you are connected to all the professionals you've worked with. You'd be surprised how many people assume they are connected to colleagues only to find that they aren’t.

Rekindle connections

A fun way to reconnect with members on LinkedIn is to play one of the new games. These thinking puzzles are woven directly into the LinkedIn experience, allowing you to see which connections played. They give you a chance to exercise your brain while sparking conversations and fun banter. You can find the word and logic puzzles in the News module on your LinkedIn homepage, the MyNetwork tab, or tap one of these links to go directly to each game: Pinpoint, Crossclimb or Queens. After playing each game, you can share your results with connections.

Join the conversation

Another way to network on LinkedIn is to join conversations in your feed. Before reaching out to someone directly, comment on one of their posts. It can be something as simple as:

Love this Yes, I agree What a great post! Thanks for sharing.

After you leave a comment, follow up with a direct message to keep the dialogue going. Comments not only drive conversations but also help position you as a thought leader in your industry. In addition, engaging comments drive others to check out your profile, which can lead to networking opportunities.

Contribute to collaborative articles

Collaborative articles consist of topics published by LinkedIn with insights added by the community. While they start with AI-generated questions, the articles are completed by LinkedIn members who share their expertise. You can contribute to many categories, including leadership, communication, healthcare, technology and much more. If readers find your content exceptionally insightful, you can earn a Community Top Voice badge. At that point, you can display your badge on your profile page. Conversely, if you see a collaborative article that is especially relevant to a challenge at work, follow up directly with that contributor to learn more.

Leverage second-degree connections

Second-degree connections, the people to whom your connections are directly linked, can be incredibly valuable when you network on LinkedIn. From your home page, type a company name in the search bar and then choose “People.” From there, you'll be able to see your second-degree connections and who your shared connection is. Then, send a quick note to your first-degree connection asking for an introduction. Here’s an example:

Hi Mary,

I hope you’re well! I noticed that you’re connected to Bill Brown at Company XYZ. I’m thinking of transitioning into that industry. Do you know him well enough to provide an introduction? I would love to ask him a few quick questions to learn more about what skills I should develop and how he spends his time at work. Thank you in advance!

Another great tool is LinkedIn's AI Writing Assistant for Premium subscribers, which is helpful when drafting a first message. Just remember to edit and personalize the content before sending it.

While most people dislike networking, there are some easy first steps you can take to get conversations started. Most importantly, stop being a lurker and start being a participant. Networking on LinkedIn is like anything else. The more you put into it, the more you’ll get out of it.

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