Share

7 LinkedIn rules to improve your online networking skills

Written by
Femme Palette
Published on
June 24, 2021

There are many ways to connect with others, but one platform stands above the others. With almost 700 million users, LinkedIn is the largest social networking platform today. But how to use it effectively in order to expand your network? Follow these seven tips to utilize your LinkedIn profile and master online networking.

1. Identify your objectives

Whether you are looking to start a business, switch career, or access useful resources, make sure you are clear on your goals and set yourself some realistic expectations. You will hardly get a hold of the CEO of Google, but you might ask someone you know, who already works there, to put you in touch. Warm introductions are the best method to fast-forward, but make sure to clarify your objectives before you reach out to someone, to avoid embarrassing the person who introduced you.  

2. Send a brief intro message

For the LinkedIn CEO, Jeff Weiner, the goal is to have three billion people sign up on LinkedIn (Wired), and with that number of users, you need to make sure your profile and first impression truly stand out. Don’t just send a request to connect, address them by their name, and explain why you want to connect.

3. Personalize the invite

If you want to boost your number of connections, do your homework. Research some articles the person has written, examine their profile, look for the latest trends in their field. It might be very time-consuming, but if you show that you are truly interested in them, they are more likely to accept.

4. Quality over quantity

Be selective with the people you contact. Don’t write to anyone. It is tempting to copy-paste the same message over and over again, but that will bring you zero results. If you want to be efficient with your online networking, craft, and edit the number of people you want to connect with and have a clear plan of what you want from them before you take action.

5. Take the edge off

If you tend to be nervous when writing an email or get stuck with crafting an intro message, enjoy that you don’t have to face the stranger face-to-face. Watch a funny video or do some meditation exercise before you reach out to someone new. Benefit from #wfh and find what puts you at ease.

6. Follow up

If you’d gone to an event, you would have contacted the people you got business cards from in the next couple of days. With networking online it is different...

If they accept your invitation, say thanks and suggest the next steps (in a few lines)

If they don’t respond, chaise up after a week with a one-liner showing you understand that they are extremely busy but that you really want to connect (and re-emphasize WHY)

If they decline, try another person within the same company or with a similar job title

7. Offer a counter value

Always ask what you can do for the other party. In the conversation, briefly list your skills and ask whether there is any way in which you could help them. People will value this gesture and are more likely to react. And who knows, you might even get involved in a great new collaboration.

Networking is a fantastic way to boost your business or elevate your career. Now that most F2F networking events are postponed, why not benefit from modern technology and create valuable connections online? If you follow these seven rules, it will be a piece of cake (oh yes, and you can also enjoy that whilst networking remotely, nobody is watching!). What do you say, is it time to update your LinkedIn profile?

Useful resources:

Podcast: Women at Work

Article: the Glitter Guide

Join our newsletter
Receive the newest blog posts, event invites, and more
Read about our privacy policy.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Popular guides
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
See more guides

Latest blog posts

Entrepreneurship

"You look like a professional, and I trust you." How Personal Style Can Transform Confidence, Careers, and Connections

Veronika Maresova—founder, CEO, and lecturer at Empower Your Image—has spent over 10,000 hours coaching clients to align their inner mindset with their outer presence. In this insightful interview, she shares real-life transformations that prove personal style is more than fabric and colour—it’s a powerful tool for building self-esteem, strengthening professional relationships, and opening doors you didn’t think possible.
Femme Palette
August 13, 2023
Career

Empowering Women in Tech: insights on leadership, AI, and the future of work at the Femme Palette event

On April 15th, 2025, tech professionals and aspiring leaders gathered at Pure Storage in Prague for an empowering Femme Palette event dedicated to career progression and leadership in tech. The vibrant evening was filled with insightful discussions, practical workshops, and meaningful connections, leaving attendees inspired and equipped to advance their careers.
Femme Palette
August 13, 2023
Mentoring

Mentoring in tech isn’t just for juniors: Why mid-level women are seeking mentors too

When you hear the word “mentoring,” you might picture someone fresh out of university or just starting their first role in tech, eager for guidance. And while early-career mentoring is powerful, there’s a growing trend we see at Femme Palette: more and more mid-level women in tech are actively seeking out mentors — and reaping major benefits. Whether you're a software engineer eyeing your first leadership role, a product manager navigating a complex team dynamic, or a data analyst feeling stuck in the same projects — mentoring at this stage isn’t about learning the ropes. It’s about gaining clarity, confidence, and strategy for your next move.
Femme Palette
August 13, 2023

Sky rocket your career now!