How can I build my LinkedIn contacts when I really don't know very many people? I've been private for a long time due to keeping a low profile after divorcing from an abusive marriage but I am now ready to expand. My last several jobs had some toxicity so I really don't have contacts from them so I am starting fresh. Thank you!

9 Comments

1. AnonymousJune 12,2024 at 4:45PM UTC

   Perhaps do some professional volunteering (Taproot, Catchafire, etc.) and begin growing your network that way.

   Former classmates will usually be open to connecting as well.

   But the value of having a network on LinkedIn is really in other people being able to identify you as someone who has skills, experiences and interests relevant to their own and vice versa. You don’t want connections just to have them.

2. Cassie SpencerJune 12,2024 at 5:25PM UTC

   There is some good advice and suggestions in the comments. I'll add to this by suggesting that you look into professional organizations, associations, and other industry relevant groups on linkedin. Groups like this can be a great starting point to grow your network with people in specific fields and industries. Outside of LinkedIn I would also look into local networking opportunities, many towns, cities, and regions have a chamber of commerce and many host events this can be great option to build your network in person and then to bring that to LinkedIn.

3. AnonymousJune 12,2024 at 6:19PM UTC

   Think about joining professional organizations in your industry. Also attend meet and greets locally at your chamber of commerce.

4. Jonna Ferguson, ACCJune 12,2024 at 6:30PM UTC

   It's good to start gradually. While some treat LinkedIn connections like Facebook "friending," it's not so it's ok to be selective. Limit connections to people you "know and trust" and build from there.

   I was about to make the same suggestion Cassie did below. Your local Chamber of Commerce may offer "Professional Network" wellness events or "meet and greets" where you can expand your network, plus it's a great way to begin socializing again and finding potential opportunities.

5. AnonymousJune 13,2024 at 5:51PM UTC

   Thank you for this. I only have 6 connections and I have been very conscious and selective about who I connect with. I'm not "popular" at my prior jobs so I am not sought out as a connection, and due to the toxic nature of those jobs I have blocked a few ex co-workers just because I am extremely private. But again, I really want to start building a positive professional network moving forward.

6. Jonna Ferguson, ACCJune 14,2024 at 4:39PM UTC

   Good for you. Surround yourself with optimism and your network will grow! You could try searching hashtag topics on LinkedIn (positive thinking, optimism, leadership development) to see what positive professionals are posting about, then request to Connect with them if they inspire you.

7. AnonymousJune 13,2024 at 12:55PM UTC

   One thing that I've found helpful is to just follow interesting people. You might not get any connections that way, but you can use them as a way of "dipping" your toes. You can stick to just reacting to their posts, etc and it can be a great way to get advice, insights, etc.

   Some people will take that opportunity to connect and you can always say no. Some of those people are just looking to add to their networking numbers and sometimes you might hit on a connection who can help you get through the right door.

   Congrats on your new start! I'm sorry you went through that and wish you all the best.

8. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistJune 14,2024 at 12:04AM UTC

   So I'm not sure if you know this, but you can curate your LinkedIn feed. The more you like certain content, the more LI pushes that type of content out to you.

   I like every "I'm hiring" post I see so now my feed is full of those.

   You can follow people and comment on their posts, reach out to them or other commenters with invitations to connect. For straightshooter job search advice I'd recommend you follow Amy Miller and Kristen Fife.

9. AnonymousJune 17,2024 at 4:45AM UTC

   Start having conversations (post responses and ask questions) and begin to build relationships. So many people are silent online then wonder why they have no followers or connections. Then start posting your own content and respond to everyone. It is like real life: you have to have two-way conversations to build relationships.