The Secret to Building Real Business Connections on LinkedIn
If you’ve ever wondered how to turn casual LinkedIn interactions into real business opportunities, this newsletter is for you.
I’m going to break down how a simple, authentic connection on LinkedIn led to hiring a talented designer – without any sales pitch or hard selling.
Why should you care? Because LinkedIn is a goldmine for networking, but most people don’t know how to use it effectively.
Imagine turning a single comment into a lasting business relationship. That’s what happened to me – and it can happen for you too.
Unfortunately…
Most people treat LinkedIn like a job board or a digital resume. They connect, send a generic DM, and hope for the best. But hope isn’t a strategy.
Here’s why so many fail to build authentic connections on LinkedIn:
Reason #1: They’re focused on selling, not connecting.
The moment you make it all about you – your product, your offer, your services – people check out.
Reason #2: They treat comments as an afterthought.
Dropping “Great post!” and moving on isn’t engagement. It’s filler. And it won’t spark conversations that lead to real opportunities.
Reason #3: They don’t follow up.
A great comment might grab attention, but failing to send that next DM? That’s where most potential relationships fizzle out.
Reason #4: They give up too soon.
If someone doesn’t respond immediately, many assume they’re not interested. But relationships take time – especially online.
Reason #5: They don’t share enough of themselves.
People connect with stories, not polished pitches. Being open about your experiences is what makes you relatable – and memorable.
But here’s the good news: It doesn’t take aggressive tactics to build genuine relationships. I’m going to show you how to shift your approach and create meaningful connections that naturally lead to business opportunities.
Here’s how, step by step:
Step 1: Engage with Curiosity, Not a Sales Pitch.
Engage with posts that resonate with you – but do it thoughtfully. Instead of generic comments, share your perspective or ask a meaningful question.
📌 Example: I commented on someone’s post about leaving the 9-5. A designer named Hristo shared his story about freelancing. I was curious, so I sent him a DM asking to hear more. No pitch. No agenda. Just genuine interest.
👉 The result? A conversation that planted the seed for future collaboration.
Step 2: Follow Up When It Feels Right.
Here’s where most people miss out. They engage once and let it go. But real connections require follow-up.
A few weeks after chatting with Hristo, I needed a graphic designer. I searched Fiverr, and there he was. Instead of hiring anonymously, I messaged him directly. That familiarity made working together a no-brainer.
📌 Where most go wrong: They assume one interaction is enough. But sometimes the right moment comes later.
Step 3: Keep Relationships Warm (Even When You Don’t Need Anything).
Staying in touch doesn’t mean constant messaging. It means liking their posts, leaving comments, and occasionally sending a DM to check in.
📌 Light at the end of the tunnel: When you nurture relationships consistently, you’ll have a pool of trusted professionals ready to collaborate when the need arises.
What Happens When You Do This?
• More organic referrals – People recommend those they trust.
• Less reliance on cold outreach – Your network becomes your lead generator.
• Meaningful collaborations – Opportunities unfold naturally.
If you’re ready to make LinkedIn work for you, it starts with showing up authentically – not as a salesperson, but as someone worth knowing.
Join 3,865 subscribers of the 9-to-Thrive Newsletter. I share practical tips for building your business, creating new opportunities, and turning connections into clients – without sleazy tactics.
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