How to connect with big names on LinkedIn to boost your business

Boosting your business can be done in many different ways on social media, from advertising to joining groups and contributing, and from targeting a specific audience to trying to catch some big names.

Here are some of the things to keep in mind when trying to link with big names on LinkedIn.

Build a foundation for your business first

You can’t join LinkedIn on behalf of your business and start trying to instantly connect with the big names and famous people. You can try, but you’re unlikely to get very far, and even LinkedIn may try to prevent you from connecting with anyone else.

You should spend at least the first few weeks and months building a fan and customer base from regular members of the public and other LinkedIn users. The more your brand is recognized, the more likely you are to succeed with the big names.

Find people with common interests

You can try to target whoever you want on LinkedIn, but remember that the ones who are most likely to respond and engage with you are those who are already interested in your industry or niche.

For example, if your business deals with new ways of dealing with waste and pollution, look for reputable activists or politicians who have been heavily involved in these issues.

If you can’t find anything in common with someone on LinkedIn, ask yourself what the value of connecting with them really will be. By finding common interests, you will be able to attract them more effectively, increasing the chances of a meaningful connection and future contact.

Take the time to make it personal

It’s a well-known fact among those who regularly communicate with big names that if you don’t make it personal, you’re unlikely to get a response. If you haven’t bothered to put any extra effort into writing to them, why should they bother answering and engaging with your question?

Take a few minutes to research the person beforehand. This allows you to include a couple of relevant details that would be of interest to you or act as a memorable reminder of who you are.

You should also remember or be aware that famous people and recognized industry leaders on LinkedIn receive hundreds of requests to connect, and they only connect with completely new requests when they can see a real benefit or something or someone they really care about.