One of the keys to building a strong professional and personal brand is building genuine relationships. Whether you're hunting for a new job, trying to scale your business, grow your tribe, or build personal contacts of like-minded and similar-interested persons in your network - there's one social media platform you shouldn't overlook: LinkedIn.
Ever since I graduated college, LinkedIn has been my go-to social platform for connecting with other professionals. I even call it my "digital rolodex." By using it strategically, I've been able to convert online connections into real-life opportunities. This includes scoring brand partnerships for my podcast and landing high-profile press opportunities such as getting spotlighted on the Apple Podcasts homepage three times! However, my favorite part of using the platform is being able to find and connect with dope professionals in industries I'm interested in and respect.
Here are some quick ways that you can make sure you're utilizing the power of LinkedIn to fuel your professional connections and network successfully.
1. Make sure you have a strong personal profile
If you're going to use LinkedIn consistently, making sure you have a strong and complete profile is necessary. Start by making sure you have a captivating and professional-looking headshot. (No cellphone selfies, please.) Then, take the time to craft an attention-grabbing headline that showcases who you are and what you do. Some opt to showcase their current role and company here, but you can also use this space to be creative with your answer to "Who are you?"
Then, go through your profile and fill out all the necessary sections including your work experience, education, volunteer work, skills, accomplishments, and interests. Be as thorough as possible, insert keywords, and include links that showcase your work portfolio. If possible, try to get others to leave recommendations that speak to your personality and work ethic, experience, etc. This part of your profile is a constant work in progress, but starting strong can help as your professional reach evolves.
2. Treat LinkedIn as your digital rolodex
In the sales world, a CRM is a customer relationship manager - or a tool that allows you to keep track of everyone in your sales funnel. I like to use LinkedIn in a similar fashion by keeping track of everyone that I've ever met professionally. It's a step in my personal follow-up routine, especially after attending meetings, conferences, or industry events. Depending upon who the person is, I'll send a detailed follow-up email and then send a personalized LinkedIn friend request. The standard LinkedIn request is not unique or compelling enough to make someone want to connect with you. Though you may remember who you're trying to connect with, the person may not remember you. My simple formula for this is this:
"Greeting + why I'm interested in connecting + thanks!"
For example, if I meet a fellow writer at a local meetup, I'll usually send a follow-up email and LinkedIn friend request that reads something like, "Hey, it was great meeting you at the NYC meetup. Let's keep in touch. I'd love to connect here on LinkedIn."
If you've never met the person you want to connect with, lead with your reason for connecting. "Hey XX, My name is Rana and I'm a fellow NYC writer. Would love to connect as there may be ways for us to be a resource to one another." Unprompted, random friend requests usually go unanswered or get declined.
3. Utilize the search feature
GiphyOne of the best features of LinkedIn is its search function. You have the ability to insert keywords and search for people, jobs, or content. When searching for people, my favorite combination is to use "company name + role." For example, when searching for a podcast executive at a big brand, I searched "head of podcasts + company name." The search resulted in a list of people at that company that had podcasts in their job titles (past and present.) I was then able to scroll through this list to find the appropriate contact profile.
If you're hunting for a job, you can also input keywords such as desired role and location to search for a specific opening catered to your needs. LinkedIn also has a jobs tab that allows you to get ultra-specific with your job search terms. Take the time to explore the search features here. You'll also have access to see which of your connections currently work at said company. You can use this knowledge to message your connections to ask for referrals or get insight on the company and job listed.
In general, LinkedIn's search feature is a great way to view others' professional histories. I use it all the time to learn more people that I'm interviewing or meeting with. If you're going on a job interview, use it to get more insights on your interviewer's past or company that can help inform the questions you ask during the interview. With LinkedIn, you have no excuse as to why you shouldn't be prepared in these type of professional circumstances.
4. Become a thought leader
GiphyLinkedIn provides many ways to establish yourself as a professional thought leader by using your opinion to stand out and share value-added content to your connections. Unlike other social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook - LinkedIn is built solely for professional connections. If someone's on the platform, chances are they are looking for career, business, or professional inspiration.
Back in 2014, I was an early adopter to LinkedIn articles and enjoyed sharing content that related to my experience as a young professional. I realized the power of the platform when one of my articles "10 Ways To Rock Your Next Interview" went viral. From that article alone, I amassed thousands of followers who, to this day, engage with my posts and content because of the value I bring to their professional lives.
Interestingly, as you build your professional brand, others will likely be watching as well. I once reached out to a producer at Fox that I was connected with to learn more about her job responsibilities. She responded by letting me know I had been on her radar and she wanted to book me for a segment based off an article I wrote that I had previously shared!
5. Don’t be scared to take it to the DMs
GiphyOnce you've connected with someone - why not take it a step further? LinkedIn is the place to initiate business speak via a direct message. If you find someone that you want to connect with professionally, approaching via direct message should be straightforward and respectable. Chances are (and depending upon their profile), they are less likely to be inundated with messages and more likely to respond to your message.
Here's an example of a message I recently sent to a connection at a company I thought would be great to connect with:
Hi XX,
Hope all is well! My name is Rana and I'm the founder of Dreams In Drive - which is a community helping millennials learn how to take their dreams from PARK to DRIVE. I'd love to chat with you about possible ways to work together as there is a DEFINITE intersection between our missions. Do you have time for a quick 15 min call to talk more about this?!
-Rana
In this message, I stated who I was and why I wanted to connect and included a clear call to action. You can change up your approach, but always make sure your ASK is clear. Be as genuine as possible without appearing too needy or demanding.
With any social platform, it's all about how you use it. Each platform has its challenges and opportunities to win, but LinkedIn is one of my personal favorites for building and sustaining professional relationships. For all my girl bosses out there, if LinkedIn isn't part of your weekly social media must-dos, I highly recommend you add it to your list. The opportunities for expanding your professional reach and building your tribe are limitless.
Featured image by Getty Images
- How to Use LinkedIn Effectively ›
- Five Networking Tips for LinkedIn - The Emily Post Institute, Inc. ›
- 29 LinkedIn Tips for Professional Networking, Business & Marketing ›
- How to Network on LinkedIn ›
- LinkedIn networking tips and tricks - Business Insider ›
- LinkedIn 201: How To Cultivate A Powerful Network ›
- Tips for Successfully Networking on LinkedIn ›
- These 10 LinkedIn Tips Will Make You a Networking Master ›
- Linkedin Networking Tips - The Muse ›
- 20 Critical Dos and Don'ts of LinkedIn Networking | Inc.com ›
RELATED
Whether you're planning to meet a certain financial or fitness goal, or you're simply trying to maintain and build on the progress you made this year, having something to look forward to is always a good look. Setting actual goals, according to research, actually leads to more success than just playing things by ear. So here are a few to get you started, sis:
(Disclaimer: Not everything is for everyone, so do like my Granny always says: "Eat the meat. Spit out the bone." Take on five out of the 40 and focus on that for the remainder of the year, or do them all. Either way, this is just to get you started.)
40 Ways To End The Year Strong and Inspired
Money Moves
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1. Increase your retirement (or other savings/investment) contributions by 1%.
Experts have found that you could be leaving money on the table by not upping your contributions when you can.
2. Cancel two to five subscriptions.
You could be missing hundreds, even thousands, of dollars a year due to sneaky price hikes and "updates."
3. Create a "fun" in a high-yield savings account.
This is especially important if you struggle with the dreaded b-word (budget) and will make next year's efforts a lot less intimidating. Even if it's $10 a month, do it.
4. Put on your big-girl panties, and set up automatic transfers and payments for at least one bill.
It reduces the stress of managing bills, lessens the chance of a missed payment---and the fees that come with that---and there can be cost savings for doing so.
5. Invest in a cleaner or housekeeping service.
Bosses who value their time (and mental health) invest their dollars into areas where the time they'd spend doing those tasks themselves could be better used to focus on other money-making projects. (And yes, rest is part of that.) Get a housekeeper, sis, or drop off that laundry, even if it's once per month.
6. Donate to a charity.
Beyond the tax benefits, it's a win-win for the greater good of communities you care about.
7. Review your insurance policies and negotiate a better rate (or move on) before their end dates.
Experts often agree this is a small but mighty step to take each year, especially since insurance rates are competitive, you could be spending more money than you need to (or not enough) and your insurance rates can affect your mortgage payments.
8. Call your loan provider and refinance.
As interest rates fall, “millions of borrowers may be able to refinance and get more affordable payments. As interest rates eased down to 6.5%, about 2.5 million borrowers could already refinance and save at least 75 basis points (0.75%) on their interest rate,” the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau reports. You can also refinance student and other types of loans.
9. Stop buying individual items and stock up via going bulk.
Research has found that, among 30 common products, buying in bulk could save you 27% compared with buying in lower quantities. Water, paper products, and baby products like diapers, toiletries, and garbage bags are the top items where people see the most cost-effectiveness. (This has been a lifesaver for me—children, large family, or not—especially when it comes to toothpaste, deodorant, toilet paper, and feminine hygiene products, saving stress, time, and money.)
10. Go cash-only for the holidays.
If you set smart goals and stick to limits on things like gifts, going out to eat, or groceries, you'll see the benefits of this. Cash-stuffing is one method recommended, but something as simple as taking a $10 bill out for lunch, disabling that card for an hour, and leaving your card in a safe place at the office can give you that mindset jump start to see how far you can take your money without the need to splurge.
Love And Romance
11. Say "no."
There are clear mental and physical health benefits to saying no including the setting of healthy boundaries, creating time and energy for other self-care activities, and protecting yourself from physically harmful situations (i.e. unprotected sex or abuse). Just say it, clearly and simply, when you need to.
12. Set a fun, free, adults-only date night for once a week or twice a month with your spouse.
If busy, high-profile folk have touted the success of this, even you can make the time for quality time with your partner. And it's even better when it costs nothing. The best connections are made doing something chill, challenging, or outside the usual dinner-and-a-movie date. Play a game that allows you to reconnect, take a walk in your neighborhood to chat and laugh, or try a little erotic chocolate/edible liquid/paint episode a la Mea Culpa.
13. Go out with Mr. or Ms. "Not My Type."
I love my man, but if I were waiting out for my "type" at the time, we wouldn't be celebrating seven (going on eight) years together. Sometimes having strict, unrealistic expectations for a spouse (especially related to things like height, physical features, or career path) is what's keeping you alone and lonely.
Take the pressure off and explore all your options. I'm not telling you to stop popping the balloon on the guy who earns $20,000 less than you if that's a hard no that Jesus himself told you to skip. I'm asking you to explore other options and see what else God might have out there for your love journey.
14. Immediately apologize and pray together.
I've learned that always being "right" isn't always ideal when you truly care about someone and you're in a relationship for the long haul. Defaulting to an apology when necessary, even when things aren't 100% resolved, is a good way to prioritize peace and save your energy for more worthwhile battles. Research has even supported the benefits of apologies in relationships, and how couples married for five or more years do it often.
15. Get a Rose and discover true self-love.
Do I really have to explain this? You've gotta know what satisfies you, and how better to figure that out than to practice self-love in the bed by yourself? You can also try this with a partner, but as a woman who got on this train very much later in my sexual activity journey. I have a lot more learning to do on my own, and even in a satisfying relationship, I like to find out new things about myself, by myself.
Figure out what you're into, watch what you want to watch, and read what you want to read to define pleasure for yourself. There's a freedom and empowering element there especially if you're used to prioritizing pleasing your partner.
16. Be direct and have the "money talk" with bae.
Money issues are one of the leading causes of divorce, so you need to have those conversations before you even think about marrying someone. And true, nobody can predict the future so you won't be able to avoid some challenges altogether, however, talking with your potential spouse about how they view money, their spending habits, and the pain points in terms of their approach to money management can at least give you a glimpse into what's in store if you do walk down the aisle, move in with them, or decide to share a bank account/business/child with them.
17. Invest in the "paid" version of that dating app.
I know plenty of successful, married folk who did this and met "the one" as a result. Let's be honest: The free version is for playing around. I had a lot of fun with my "free" profile back in the day, trust me. Upgrade that photo, profile, and package, and see if the quality of your dating adventures changes when you're serious about finding a true partner. Dating coaches and matchmakers cosign this.
18. Solo travel to meet that long-distance connection.
Sometimes, your perfect match isn't within 100 miles of you, and that's okay. Make it an adventure, enjoy the memories, and book that ticket. I met my man this way and it's been a whirlwind escape ever since. If you're not comfortable traveling solo, travel or (network to plan travel) with a group via Facebook.
Career And Business
Riska/Getty Images
19. Schedule coffee or virtual meetups with smart people from your graduating class, previous employer, or current employer.
I have gotten many freelance opportunities by doing this. It's as simple as connecting and offering value (or simply learning how you can better equip yourself to do so.) It's also a great way to expand your network, spark new friendships, or find out about new job opportunities.
20. Invest in a well-made suit.
I don't care what industry you're in, a suit says "power," and it's not as old-school or out-of-style as you'd think. Plus the whole experience of looking for a new one (or getting one tailored) is fun and affirming. Try these options. I swear, anytime I wear a blazer, I'm treated like a celebrity or boss, especially when traveling. I was once upgraded to first-class wearing a yellow blazer outfit, and the airline professional literally said, "You look like somebody important. Here you go."
21. Volunteer for a worthwhile project or cause that's important to your company.
If you're overworked and underappreciated, skip this one, but if you truly have the time, love what you do, and want to advance, this move is clutch. Volunteering for extra projects got me where I am today in media because I had foresight, and knew that was the only way at the time to leverage relationships, and I was able to challenge myself to learn skills that 20 years later are still bankable. That VP you can't get a meeting with will be at that gala your company is planning, so join that committee, sis.
22. Write down why you deserve a raise and ask for it in your next one-on-one.
Gather those receipts (ie sales increase numbers, KPIs met, deals closed, people acquired via recruitment, the impact of systems updates, or other tangible success metrics) and ask for that raise before the first or second-quarter budgets are being finalized.
23. Instead of quitting, write down your exit plan.
While revenge quitting is set to be a thing next year (and maybe you're among those who will be leading the trend), try the better boss move and quit with a real plan.
24. Start automatically separating that estimated self-employed quarterly tax estimate.
If you have side hustles (or you're collecting 1099 income,) baby, you do not want to neglect those quarter tax payments. Talk to a professional, do your research, and set up automatic transfers to an account specifically for paying these at the appropriate due dates.
25. Sign up for a free one- to 11-week course related to your industry—or the industry you want to be in next year.
Institutions like Harvard University and platforms like Coursera offer free courses that can enhance your skills. You can also invest in certificate courses with accredited colleges as well as tech training.
26. Hit "Easy Apply" for 10 dream jobs listed on LinkedIn.
While you shouldn't solely rely on this when actively job-seeking, using this convenient LinkedIn option is a great way to get into the habit of applying for positions. And if you're already employed, you should still be "dating" other employers if you're looking to make a move in the next six months. Keep your interview skills sharp, practice toughening up for the "nos," and get a bit of an ego boost in the process.
Self-Care And Wellness
27. Pre-schedule three month's worth of massages.
Oftentimes this is cost-effective since some spas offer deals for multiple bookings. Also, it makes an act of self-care deliberate and important, not an option. When you get that reminder call, you'll know it's real.
28. Fire that therapist and try another one.
Cultural competency in mental health support is one major problem that can hinder Black women from even bothering with therapy. And who wants the added stress of spending multiple, paid sessions explaining why something is a microaggression? Cut the cord and move on to try someone else, either via a Black women therapists channel or recommendations from others.
29. Join a small group at church.
Bedside service ain't gonna cut it and neither is going to the usual Sunday service. Join a smaller group and upgrade your efforts to connect, network, and elevate spiritually. Even if virtually, take a step to dig a bit deeper with more targeted Bible study and discussions.
30. Say no, even to loved ones.
This is on here twice, for a reason. Saying no is the simplest, most powerful micro-action you can take today to make 2025 better. No explanations. No guilt. Say no.
31. Choose one "luxury" beauty product for skincare and stick to it.
This was trending big on social, especially for millennials hitting their 40s. There's just something so freeing about not giving in to every trend and sticking to the basics that work, especially when there are quality, healthy ingredients involved. Put those orders on auto-renew.
32. Sign up for a new sport or fitness class just for fun, not for results.
It's great to be on a weight-loss or weight-lifting journey, but try something just for the fun of it. Switch things up with a couple of these fitness activities.
33. Book a staycation.
Leave the passport at home and explore a nearby community or another town in your state. There's so much enrichment in your own backyard right here in the U.S., and you don't even have to break the bank.
34. Pre-schedule your mammograms, Pap smear, and peri-menopause checkups for next year.
Take control of your health by pre-scheduling essential appointments like mammograms, Pap smears, and peri-menopause check-ups for 2025. Prioritizing these screenings early ensures you stay on top of your wellness and make time for self-care in the new year.
35. Cut off support of beauty and wellness professionals whose customer service is below standard.
This is another one that many Black women have been vocal about—from unrealistic pre-appointment requirements, to booking fees, to long waits, to unsavory in-salon experiences. Spot the red flags early, and just stop accommodating foolishness. Support salons or experienced stylists who are kind, have proper systems in place and value your time.
36. Schedule five to 10-minute moments of silence on your calendar.
Again, wellness is not optional, and if it's not on my calendar, it's not official. Sit quietly. Pray. Meditate. Or do nothing. The benefits of silent moments are almost endless.
37. Download a meditation app.
If you've found that meditation is difficult to schedule or to even start, an app can help. Try this, this, or this one, and take that step to embrace something new to enhance your wellness routine. If you're tired of downloading apps, create a playlist for meditation via Amazon Music or Spotify and schedule a reminder to do it once a day or week.
38. Invest in a healthy meal prep or delivery service.
Time is emotionally expensive, so save as much of it as possible. Getting into meal prep to keep to your goals is a great way to save time, stress, and effort. The health benefits of meal prepping have also been proven via research.
39. Create a positive playlist on Spotify, Amazon Music, YouTube, or other streaming platform.
It can be podcasts, music, affirmations, or somatic sounds. It's a game-changer. You can even set an alarm to wake you up to start your day with the positive playlist. Not into creating your own? There are plenty to choose from with a quick search.
40. Set up reminders for Alexa (Siri or other AI) to remind you, "You are loved," and "You are okay."
This simple effort can boost your endorphins and remind you that you're indeed, not alone, and you will be okay, regardless. To set mine up, I simply commanded, "Alexa, remind me everyday 'Jesus loves me,'" and like clockwork she does. She almost scared the ish out of me one day when I'd forgotten the reminder was active, but it was the reminder I needed when anxiety had gotten the best of me that week.
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