In the last few years, LinkedIn has become the place to be for consultants and sales representatives of all kinds, who promote their expertise, products or services in a “business to business” mode; therefore, one may wonder about the relevance of going on this professional networking application, if one has “nothing to sell”… The answer is “yes! Here are 4 good reasons to maintain your network despite everything.
1. To keep an eye on your sector of activity
Having a network can be a goal in itself, says François Latulippe, marketing and LinkedIn positioning consultant. You can be happy in your job and find your account on LinkedIn. Many people go there to gain new knowledge and keep up with trends in their industry.”
The strategy is simple, he explains. A professional who wants to monitor his or her industry can make contact requests to colleagues and also subscribe to influencers who cover topics relevant to his or her profession.
2. To ask for professional help
Everyone needs, at some point, an information, a service or a product in their job, explains the positioning consultant. When you have a professional network already in place, it’s easy to make a one-time request. This way, you can get several high-quality referrals in a very short period of time.”
Indeed, it’s not uncommon to see LinkedIn users making reference requests in a publication. The richness of the responses, however, will depend on the breadth and responsiveness of the network in place.
3. In case your professional situation changes
Even if you are happy in your job, the situation can change overnight. An unbearable new boss, a company that goes bankrupt, a spouse who finds a job in another city, there are many reasons to change jobs.
If you suddenly need to find a new job, it will be a lot easier to take the necessary steps if you already have an extensive network,” summarizes François Latulippe.
4. To escape the bickering and polarization
In recent years, Facebook and Twitter have become particularly acrimonious; these social media are populated by trolls who take pleasure in sowing discord. LinkedIn, so far, has managed to avoid this pitfall.
The tone contrasts with publications from Europe or the United States, where it is not uncommon to see in “trolls” seeking trouble in the comments. Canadian have a reputation for seeking “good understanding”, and this is not new. Let’s take advantage of it!
