How to Build Credibility on LinkedIn for Beginners: Association with Influencers

Last Updated on July 15, 2024 by Matt Gardner

Building credibility on LinkedIn might seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be.

Today, I’m going to walk you through how you can enhance your credibility by associating with recognized leaders on the platform.

You should want to learn this because connecting with industry influencers can significantly boost your professional profile.

By aligning yourself with thought leaders, you gain visibility, trust, and opportunities that can propel your career forward.

Unfortunately, many people struggle to make these connections effectively.

Why?

Because they don’t know where to start.

They might feel intimidated or unsure of how to engage with established professionals without coming across as opportunistic.

Here are a few other reasons people don’t make actionable progress:

• Lack of Confidence: Fear of rejection or looking foolish prevents many from reaching out.
• Poor Engagement: Leaving generic comments or engaging without adding value.
• Inconsistency: Not engaging regularly enough to make an impact.
• Overlooking Opportunities: Failing to recognize and act on engagement opportunities with influencers.

But don’t worry, I’m going to explain how you can overcome all these problems. Here’s how, step by step:

Step 1: Leave Thoughtful Comments

First, it’s crucial to leave insightful comments on posts by recognized leaders.

This is important because thoughtful comments can make you stand out in a crowded feed and showcase your expertise.

Why It’s Important:
Leaving thoughtful comments shows that you’re knowledgeable and genuinely interested in the subject matter.

It demonstrates that you’re not just seeking attention but adding value to the conversation.

Examples:

• Add Value: Instead of just agreeing, explain why you agree and share relevant experiences or additional resources.
  • Example: “I completely agree that remote work is here to stay. In my experience, implementing flexible work hours has significantly increased productivity within my team. I’m curious, how do you see companies balancing remote work with maintaining company culture?”
• Ask Questions: Engage the influencer and other commenters by asking thoughtful questions that encourage further discussion.
  • Example: “Great insights on digital transformation. How do you suggest small businesses can keep up with these rapid changes without significant resources?”

Step 2: Share Their Content with Your Insights

Now, many people go wrong by merely sharing posts without adding any personal perspective.

It’s essential to share their posts and articles while adding your own viewpoints or takeaways.

Why It’s Important:
This shows that you’re not just passively consuming content but actively engaging with it and offering your own insights.

It also helps create a dialogue rather than just echoing their thoughts.

Examples:

• Provide Context: When sharing a post, explain why you found it valuable and how it relates to your own experiences or industry.
  • Example: “Excellent insights on digital transformation from @JaneDoe. In my experience, adopting new technologies has streamlined our operations and improved customer satisfaction. How are other organizations navigating this shift?”
• Tag the Influencer: Mention the influencer in your post to increase the chances of them seeing your share and potentially engaging with you.

Step 3: Participate in Discussions

The light at the end of the tunnel is actively participating in discussions initiated by influencers.

This step, combined with the previous ones, helps build your visibility and credibility as a knowledgeable professional.

Why It’s Important:
Participating in discussions shows that you’re engaged and knowledgeable about your industry.

It also provides an opportunity to network with other professionals and showcase your expertise to a broader audience.

Examples:

• Stay Active: Regularly check your feed and notifications for new discussions initiated by influencers.
  • Example: If an influencer starts a discussion about the impact of AI on marketing, you might contribute: “AI is indeed transforming marketing strategies. In my recent project, we used AI-driven analytics to tailor our campaigns more effectively, resulting in a 20% increase in engagement. Has anyone else noticed significant improvements using AI in their marketing efforts?”
• Follow Up: If the discussion leads to a meaningful exchange, consider sending a connection request or a follow-up message to continue the conversation.

By following these steps, you can effectively build your credibility on LinkedIn as a beginner. Remember, credibility is built over time through consistent and genuine engagement.

Make these practices a habit, and you’ll see your professional presence grow.