Galina
How can I effectively use LinkedIn if I do not have many real-life connections?
I am a high school student and I created a LinkedIn account two years ago but I do not have much on my profile and only 4 connections. I am in school most of the time, so I do not have a lot of work or volunteering experience. My town is small and not a lot of people I associate with have a LinkedIn so I cannot connect with them. Are there other things I can do on LinkedIn to make my profile somewhat decent? I know that I will make a lot more connections and use of LinkedIn once I start college, but is there anything I can do now? #linkedin #branding #professional-development #networking
9 answers
Julia Casciato
Julia’s Answer
There are a few ways to beef up your LinkedIn profile, and it's great you're setting up your account now so it will be good to go when you get to college.
Find all the people you know on LinkedIn, including teachers (make sure your school doesn't have any regulations about connecting students and teachers before graduation) and relatives.
You're able to follow companies, so do this for companies in the field you're looking to go into. You can even do this for colleges/universities.
Don't stress too much about your LinkedIn account either. You don't need to be on it every day or anything like that. You're at a stage where it's great to have one, but it can sit there without you looking at it or editing often.
Rainie Denne'e
Rainie’s Answer
Hello Galina!
I think that's a great topic. Personally, I feel quite "un-tech savvy" being a young age of 27. My online profiles aren't too detailed, and sometimes not even up to date.
I'm also from a small town. The best advice I have is firstly establish what profession / reason you're needing to network. If it's in the business world, you may want to beef up your profiles. Personally I've had beautiful luck networking face-to-face. When I was in high school and college, I had several bartending and waitress jobs, which helps you meet people from all professions and walks of life. A friendly, intelligent conversation can give you just as many opportunites (if not more) than sharing an online profile.
Best of luck to you!
Ken Simmons
Ken’s Answer
Hi Galina!
Here are some suggestions:
https://www.themuse.com/advice/become-a-networking-master-your-stepbystep-plan
https://www.themuse.com/advice/19-tips-that-will-make-you-a-networking-master
https://www.themuse.com/advice/having-500-linkedin-contacts-means-nothing-unless
https://www.themuse.com/advice/17-musthaves-for-your-linkedin-profile
Let me know if and and how this helps!
Hanleigh J., MPH
Hanleigh’s Answer
Karen A. Larson
Karen A.’s Answer
Andria Frederickson
Andria’s Answer
Search for people that have the same interests, or what you want to go on to school for, hobbies, careers etc. you can then ask for a conncection and state why you are trying to connect. it is importatnt to have connects, teachers, mentors, friends, etc.
you will gain connects if you just think outside the box a little. you will have more than you can handle some day.
Kathy Clapp
Kathy’s Answer
Hi,
If it's ok with your parents, in addition to what Julia said, you can also join (and participate in) groups in areas that interest you and follow people who post commentaries that interest you. (Start with the groups and you'll see what I mean about following people:-))
It's great you're getting started on this!
Have fun, be inspired, and be safe.
Good luck!
Blake H.
Blake’s Answer
People often think that they need to have the most connections to effectively use LinkedIn. That is not necessarily the case. The best thing for your LinkedIn is to have as much information, that's up to date, to ensure that your ability is accurately represented.
Thanks,
Blake
