Anyone have a process for converting LinkedIN suggested connections into viable business opportunities?

LinkedIN often suggests profiles with shared connections and if they are in the double digits I find that most accept connection requests... does anyone have a process they've found that cuts through the noise and finds out ways to get business out of connections like this, either directly or through referrals?

The suggested profiles are usually based on where you went to school, or if you worked at the same company in the past. I'd skip blindly connecting to these people an do some more research. If you're trying to break into a specific business niche or field, there are always influential people in that field who are very well connected. Focus your connect requests on them, and then your job is made a lot easier. Eventually, you can be connected to almost every major person in a given industry if it's small enough, and you're golden for anyone new you want to talk to because you share a bunch of the right connections.

I don't think LinkedIn's connection suggestions alone are enough to help you reach potential customers. You need a well-planned marketing strategy to effectively connect with your target audience.

I treat suggested connections as relationship building rather than lead generation. I connect with people in my niche, interact with their content consistently and only reach out when i have something genuinely relevant to offer. It takes longer but the response rate is much better.

Karmarunner1 said:

LinkedIN often suggests profiles with shared connections and if they are in the double digits I find that most accept connection requests... does anyone have a process they've found that cuts through the noise and finds out ways to get business out of connections like this, either directly or through referrals?

Click to expand...

Once they have accepted your requests, invite them over for coffee virtually or in person in order to talk about collaboration, business and how your products/services can benefit your potential prospects.