How to Connect with Your Ideal Audience Using Your LinkedIn Personal Brand

Photo by Product School on Unsplash

Those who have made it in business and life will often say, "It's not what you know, it's who you know." When we launched Purple Chia five years ago, we quickly learned how true this is. 

As co-CEOs of our burgeoning content marketing agency, Emily and I immediately saw how building the right connections can transform not just businesses but careers. Whether former clients recommended us to their network, other agency owners brought us into their projects, or our LinkedIn connections consistently liked and shared our posts, we soon learned that the people around you play a significant role in your success.

I’m sharing this information with you because I believe LinkedIn isn't just a platform—it's a powerhouse for personal branding and networking, and I want you to reap the rewards just as we did.

But I Thought It Was All About The Content!

If you've been following me on LinkedIn, you already know that I champion the importance of creating valuable content that speaks to your target audience. Optimizing content for the audience you want to attract is crucial, and I stand by that. However, it's only one part of the equation. The other part is actively connecting with those people. Together, these two elements create a dynamite combination that will bring you real results and opportunities.

Now, let’s dive into the meat. 

Here’s how to effectively network from your LinkedIn profile while building your personal brand.

Use Your Content as an Excuse to Connect 

As you start creating and sharing posts, articles, and announcements that address the interests and needs of your audience, you’ll find that more people are engaging with your content. Whether it's by liking, commenting, or sharing, don't just bask idly in the glory—use the attention as an excuse to get to know them better:

• Start a conversation in your post’s comment section by asking leading questions. 

• Reach out and connect with them by sending a personalized DM. 

• Thank them for their engagement and offer help or support related to their interests.

Find and Connect with People Who Share Mutual Interests

You don't have to wait until people find you, you can be the proactive one. One of the easiest ways to find people you want to connect with on LinkedIn is by using the platform’s built-in search features. Think about your goals and then filter your search to identify people based on their location, industry, job role, and more. The more mutual interests you share with someone, the more likely they’ll be to connect with you. Use LinkedIn’s search filters and advanced Boolean operators (AND, NOT, OR) to narrow down your results and find your people, and keep doing this regularly to expand your network.

Join LinkedIn Groups Within Your Industry

By joining groups related to your industry, interests, and goals, you can find like-minded professionals who share your interests. Don't just be a stalker, though! Be proactive by participating in discussions and reaching out to group members. If you’re both in the same group, they’ll be more likely to connect with you.

Attend and Participate in LinkedIn Events

People use LinkedIn to host all kinds of virtual events or advertise their offline events, such as webinars, workshops, product launches, and live or virtual meet-ups. Look for events related to your industry by using LinkedIn’s search tab and filtering for events. Participate actively, introduce yourself to people who interest you, and follow up with attendees to expand your network. 

Leverage LinkedIn In-Built Features to Grow Your Network

Use the following LinkedIn features to expand your network quickly and easily: 

Connection Requests—Send personalized connection requests to individuals you want to network with. Include a note explaining why you want to connect and how you can add value to their network.

LinkedIn Searches—Use LinkedIn’s search filters to find people who fit your ideal customer persona. Reach out to these individuals with a personalized message to start building relationships.

‘People You May Know’ Section—Utilize LinkedIn’s recommendations to find people who share mutual connections, attended the same university, or work in similar job roles. This feature is great for finding relevant connections within your niche.

LinkedIn Events—Connect with organizers, speakers, and attendees of events you participate in. Follow up after the event to continue the conversation and establish lasting connections.

Grow Your Net Worth, I Mean Your Network! 

Whoever said, "Your network is your net worth," hit the nail on the head. At Purple Chia, we see LinkedIn as the ultimate networking event—a goldmine for building meaningful connections and attracting rewarding opportunities. 

So, dive in, share your insights, and engage with your audience. Every comment, post, and connection request is an opportunity to build relationships with the people who can propel your career and business forward. Surround yourself with a supportive network, and watch your opportunities flourish.

If you’re ready to take your LinkedIn game to the next level but don’t have the time or expertise, Purple Chia is here to help! 

Contact us today, and we’ll help turn your wisdom and insights into opportunities on the table.