LinkedIn offers powerful tools for prospecting but there are features even the most seasoned sellers can add to their arsenal. Tools like Incognito Mode, People Search, and Job Change notifications allow you to build and maintain relationships without revealing your hand. They also allow you to find and export your Connections / Contact Details for filtering outside of the the LinkedIn platform.
1. Going Incognito: View Profiles Anonymously
LinkedIn's Incognito Mode allows you to view profiles without the person knowing you've visited. This feature is especially useful when you're doing preliminary research or scoping out potential connections without the need to reveal your interest.
To enable this feature, simply navigate to your LinkedIn profile viewing options https://www.linkedin.com/mypreferences/d/profile-viewing-options and select "Private mode." This will let you browse profiles without being recorded in their "Who's viewed your profile" section.
2. Search Your Network Efficiently
LinkedIn's People Search https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/people/ feature is an excellent tool for finding individuals within your network based on specific criteria such as location, title, or keyword. This can be particularly useful when you’re looking to connect with professionals in a certain industry or region, or when you’re searching for individuals with specific expertise.
Did You Know: you can download your entire network by going to the privacy preferences in your settings: https://www.linkedin.com/mypreferences/d/download-my-data. If you prefer to use the power of excel for sorting then this is a better way to search your network.
3. Keep Tabs on Job Changes in your Network
One of LinkedIn’s most underrated features is its ability to notify you when your connections have had Job Changes https://www.linkedin.com/mynetwork/catch-up/job_changes/. This can be a goldmine for networking opportunities, allowing you to reach out to congratulate a connection on their new role and potentially open the door for collaboration in their new capacity. We recently wrote a blog post outlining 7 Reasons to Monitor Job Changes.
Did You Know: you can access contact details for your Connections that have recently Changed Jobs? Look for the "CONTACT INFO" link to find ways to communicate with your connection.
LinkedIn is an indispensable tool for prospecting, offering a wealth of features designed to help you connect, grow, and maintain your network. Use these features wisely, and you’ll find that LinkedIn becomes not just a networking platform but a strategic tool in your prospecting arsenal.