LinkedIn is the ultimate professional network for executives and industry leaders. But just connecting random people will not create useful relationships. Networking on LinkedIn is similar to dating. You would not send a generic "Hey, let's be friends" message to a random person, would you?
Developing significant relationships is time-consuming, effort-requiring, and an art. It's not about inviting everybody to your LinkedIn network—it's about establishing connections with individuals who share your business objectives and ethics. The aim must be on building professional relationships that have the potential to evolve into value-based associations.
For instance, if you work in the healthcare sector, you can interact with professionals who share updates on digital health trends or AI in medicine. If you are interested in finding business partners, connect with startup founders in your industry. The primary focus should be on establishing professional connections which can develop into fruitful relationships.
In this blog post, you can learn about how to reach the right people on LinkedIn in 2025. They can be future business partners, investors, clients or even industry experts. Growing your influence and building high value relationships begin with-
- Writing personalized messages
- Posting pertinent content
- Interacting with industry news
Also, your profile picture has a big role in creating a good first impression on LinkedIn.
How to Prepare for Connecting on LinkedIn
Before knowing about networking on LinkedIn, advance preparation is key. if done right, it is a game changer for your business growth. With LinkedIn's weekly connection limit (100 invites) and the risk of rejections, connecting with the right people will need a thoughtful strategy.
It is not just about quantity but building a solid foundation to make professional connections. These connections might align with your business goals and also add value to your network. Here is how you can prepare effectively-
Identifying Your Target Audience on LinkedIn
Drafting the perfect message is important but is ineffective if you are not reaching the right audience. No matter if your goal is lead generation or expanding your networking efforts, knowing your target audience is crucial. it will allow you to make informed decisions and also focus on professional networking. Here below is a streamlines process to narrow your audience-
Have a Talk with Your Existing Customers and Sales Team
First, analyse your current customer base to know common traits. Your sales teams insights will reveal major key characteristics of ideal connections and potential partners.
Pick a Market Segment Based on Your Solution
Next, focus on a specific market which needs your expertise. You can target mutual connections and potential contacts in that segment to boost relevance and engagement.
Select Ten Key Customers from Each Market Segment
Look closely to these key customers. Do look for trends and patterns which can guide your content strategy and outreach approach.
Make a Detailed Buyer Personas
Next, use your research to build buyer persona. These profiles represent your ideal LinkedIn connections. You can include details like job titles, pain points and professional goals.Regularly Update Your Personas
As your business grows, your ideal customer profile should grow too. Keep refining your personas to make sure your networking efforts remain focused and effective.
Example-
Suppose, you are a B2B SaaS founder offering automation tools. Your sales team reveals your top customers are CMOs of mid sized tech companies. These CMOs engage with content around lead nurturing and marketing automation trends. By focussing on this market segment, you can create a persona like "James, a CMO looking to lower his teams workload through AI driven tools". From this, you will know exactly with whom should you connect with and how to enagage them with a personalised outreach.
How to Find Your Ideal Customers on LinkedIn
Next, once you have identified your target audience, the next step would be to locate them on LinkedIn. With more than 900 million users, it can feel like searching for a small needles in a haystack. With the right strategies and tools, you can quickly locate your ideal customers. Here are some tops ways connect with them-
Start Simply with Free LinkedIn Search
The easiest way to start is by using LinkedIn's built in search feature. You can use filters like location, industry, company or job title to narrow your search results. This will help you discover potential contacts and also build professional connections.
Use LinkedIn X-Ray Search
Next, you can use LinkedIn X-Ray Search. This technique will help use Goggle's search engine to find hidden LinkedIn profiles which do not show up through the platforms standard search. You just need to type site:linkedin.com/in along with your relevant keywords. For example, you can type Marketing Manager + New York into Google. This will help you get highly targeted results. It is a great way to connect with potential partners and grow your LinkedIn network.
You can use LinkedIn Sales Navigator
Lastly, if you are taregeting serious growth, LinkedIn Sales Navigator is a premium tool for it. It is priced at around $99.99/ month and offers advanced search filters and real time updates on your saved leads. These features will help you find and connect with high value prospects. It is a must have tool for anyone aiming to build a strong professional network and achieve business goals.
For example, you are a tech consultant looking for CIOs at financial institutions. You can start with a simple LinkedIn search by using filters like industry: Financial Services and job title: Chief Information Officer. If you want more advanced results, you can switch to X-Ray Search and target profiles which mention "CIO" and "digital transformation". Sales Navigator can alert you when a CIO changes jobs or shares any relevant content. It gives you an edge in your outreach.
Automation Growth Hacks with TexAu- Scaling the Smart Way
Manual outreach is time and energy-sapping. Why waste hours sending LinkedIn connection requests individually when automation tools like TexAu can do it for you—intelligently and economically? TexAu is your secret ally for automating and scaling outreach without sacrificing the personal touch. Here's how it assists:
Scrape Leads from LinkedIn
Use TexAu to pull leads based on your particular search parameters. It assists you in discovering potential contacts and creating a list of valuable connections with ease.
Send Personalised Messages at Scale
Personalise your outreach with personalised message templates and automated engagement sequences. TexAu makes sure that your messages remain professional and relevant to your target audience, thus boosting response rates.
Track Performance and Optimize Your Strategy
Gain actionable insights into the way your connections react to your outreach. TexAu's analytics enable you to optimize your networking efforts, so you can concentrate on what works best.
TexAu is fully compatible with LinkedIn, so you can easily automate messages, follow-ups, and connection requests—regardless of sending 10 or 100. It saves your time, cuts down on routine work, and allows you to focus on cultivating authentic business relationships that can drive a difference for your business.
10 Steps to Build High Value Connections on LinkedIn
Define Your LinkedIn Networking Goals
To start with, before you send out connection requests, you need to define why you want to connect with people on LinkedIn. A strategic and targeted approach will ensure your network is relevant and valuable.
Key Networking Objectives-
- Business Growth- You can connect with potential clients, partners or investors to expand your LinkedIn network that meets your business goals.
- Industry Influence- You can engage with leaders and decision makers to increase your influence and visibility with your professional network.
- Talent Acquisition- Find and build relationships with top talent. This makes sure you are connected to the right people who can help with professional growth.
- Brand Building - Lastly, establish yourself in your field by connecting with the right individuals and sharing relevant content.
Actionable Objectives:
- Gain 10-15 targeted connections weekly to create a valuable network.
- Comment on a minimum of 5-10 posts per week to remain active in your professional network and develop more meaningful relationships.
- Post thought leadership content regularly to create your personal brand and establish industry influence.
Example: Let’s say you’re a health tech entrepreneur looking to connect with investors and key opinion leaders. Your goal might be to grow your network by adding venture capitalists or C-level executives in the digital health space.
- Search for people with titles like "Investor – Health Tech" or "Chief Innovation Officer".
- Engage with their posts by commenting or sharing valuable insights.
- Send a personalized connection request:
"Hello [First Name], I really like what you do in [particular project/field]. I'm working on solutions in the health tech industry and would appreciate the opportunity to meet and share ideas!"
Optimise Your LinkedIn Profile for Better Connections
Next, your profile is the first impression your potential connections will see. A well optimised profile can boost your credibility and increases your connection request acceptance rate.
Key Profile Optimisation Tips-
- Headline: Define your role and value proposition (e.g., "CEO | Investor | Scaling Enterprises with AI"). This draws pertinent content and potential connections.
- Professional Photo & Banner: Employ a good-quality headshot (no selfies, please!) and a banner image that is representative of your brand. First impressions count, particularly in establishing professional relationships.
- About Section: Craft an engaging summary summarizing your qualifications, accomplishments, and what you can deliver. This assists potential partners and customers with quickly grasping your business objectives.
- Experience & Achievements: Emphasize quantifiable outcomes, not job titles. Illustrate the impact you have made to generate trust and reveal industry prominence.
- Engagement Strategy: Intentionally publish, comment on, and take part in industry news to remain accessible and expand your professional base.
Example:
Let’s say you are a data scientist looking to connect with healthcare executives. Here’s how to optimise your profile:
- Headline: “Data Scientist | Specialising in AI for Healthcare | Passionate About Predictive Analytics”
- About Section:
“I’m a data scientist with 8+ years of experience applying AI and machine learning to solve complex problems in healthcare. I’ve worked with leading hospitals to develop predictive models that improve patient outcomes. My goal is to collaborate with healthcare leaders and tech innovators to transform patient care through data-driven solutions.” - Experience:
Instead of: “Worked on AI projects in healthcare.”
Usage: "Led a predictive analytics project which cut hospital readmissions by 20% over 12 months."
Finding the Right People to Connect With
Next, not all LinkedIn connections are valuable for you. Instead of adding random people, you can focus on strategic connections which align with your business goals.
How to Identify the Right People-
Utilize LinkedIn Search Filters: Filter your search by industry, location, job title, or company to discover pertinent connections and useful potential contacts.
Example: Searching for "Marketing Directors" in the "Tech Industry" in "San Francisco" will result in highly focused prospects.
Use LinkedIn Sales Navigator: Imagine LinkedIn on steroids—powerful filters assist you in locating decision-makers and high-value contacts with ease. Example: Utilize Sales Navigator's "seniority level" filter to identify C-level executives or VP-level contacts in your niche.
Engage with Thought Leaders: Boost your visibility by commenting on their posts before sending a connection request. This builds a rapport and increases your chances of acceptance. Example: If you are in fintech, comment on a thought leader’s post about emerging payment technologies with an insightful question. Follow up with a connection request mentioning their post.
Tap Into Shared Connections: Request an introduction or use your alumni network to create new opportunities for professional development.
Example: "Hi [Mutual Contact], I saw you're friends with [Person's Name]. I'd appreciate it if you could introduce me and I could hear more about their research in AI."
Join Relevant LinkedIn Groups: Participate in discussions to meet like-minded professionals who share your goals and values, expanding your professional network naturally. Example: Join groups like “Healthcare Data Innovators” if you’re in health tech and engage in discussions to showcase your expertise.
Sending Connection Requests That Get Accepted
Next, executives and decision makers get a lot of requests daily. Sending a generic "Lets connect" may not work. A little personalisation goes a long way to boost your acceptance rate.
Best Practices for Connection Request-
- Personalise It- You can mention a shared connection, mutual interest or something they posted. Personal touches will increase the chances of acceptance.
- Be Concise- Keep your requests under 300 characters. You should always respect their time while getting straight to the point.
- State Your Intent Clearly - Lastly, you should explain why you are reaching out and how this connection aligns with your business goals.
Sample Connection Requests:
- For Industry Peers: “Hi, I came across your post on and found it insightful. I would love to connect and exchange ideas to grow our professional network.”
- For Potential Clients/Partners: “Hi , I admire the work you are doing at. I believe our industries align and would love to connect to explore potential business opportunities.”
- For Thought Leaders: “Hi, I have been following your content and appreciate your insights. Let’s connect to continue the conversation and share relevant content.”
What to Do After Someone Accepts Your Connection
Next, do not be a person who sends a connection and then vanishes. Building meaningful connections require engagement and follow up.
Here are some ways to strengthen your relationship-
- Send a follow up message by thanking them for accepting and start a conversation.
- Engage with their content by commenting to stay visible and show genuine interest.
- Share valuable insights like an article, industry report or trend. This will build trust as well.
A small effort after connecting goes a long way to turn your LinkedIn contact to a valuable professional connection.
Use LinkedIn Features to Expand Your Reach
LinkedIn provides solid tools to make you more visible and attract the right connections. Utilize them as additional resources in your professional networking toolbox.
Key Features to Leverage:
- LinkedIn Articles & Newsletters: Share in-depth information to show your expertise and establish your credibility. Consistent, pertinent content is believed and draws quality connections.
Talent Tip: Mention trends, findings, or solutions pertaining to your intended audience.
- LinkedIn Polls: Create polls in order to raise discussions and push engagement. It is a fun way of being in touch with your network and getting opinions of industry insiders.
Example: "What's your biggest challenge in [Industry]? Let's discuss!"
- LinkedIn Live & Events: Use live sessions, webinars, or Q&A to engage more people. It's an open path to speaking with potential partners and growing your professional network.
Common Mistakes That Hurt Your LinkedIn Networking
- Context-Free Mass-Adding: Inviting random individuals without any particular reason lowers your acceptance rate and dilutes the quality of your network. Utilise your professional connections wisely.
- Generic Messages: A generic "Let's connect" is a waste. Personalise your contact by noting mutual connections or shared interests so that the potential for effective business relationships is enhanced.
- Forgetting Connections Upon Acceptance: Don't allow your new connection to gather dust. Respond to their posts, comment, and follow up to ensure professional development and stronger relationships.
- Too Much Self-Promotion: No one wants a pushy sales pitch. Post relevant content and offer helpful tips to build credibility and attract potential partners naturally.
Example Instead of sending a generic connection request to a marketing director, do this: "Hi [Name], I'm a big fan of what you're doing at [Company]. Your last post about digital transformation really struck a chord with me. It would be great to talk and exchange ideas!"
Leveraging Mutual Connection for Warm Introductions
Consider mutual connections your LinkedIn VIP card—granting access to prospective partners and high-value opportunities effortlessly. A referral introduction makes your approach more personalized and effective.
- Request an Introduction: Seek common ground and respectfully request an introduction. This builds trust and gets your message noticed.
- Engage with Mutuals' Posts: Leave comments on mutual contacts' posts in order to achieve more exposure and make yourself more prominent in their professional network.
- Use Mutual Contacts: In asking for something, mentioning mutual contacts lends it credibility and context, and this is more likely to be done.
Example "Hi [Name], I saw that we have [Mutual Connection] in common. I've heard amazing things about what you're doing in [Industry/Field]. I'd love to touch base and discuss possibilities!"
Nurturing Your Network
Your LinkedIn network is a living system that prospers by engaging. Fostering connections creates opportunities for growth and collaboration.
- Keep Yourself Visible: Like, comment on and re-share your friends' posts regularly to remain in their view and maintain relationships intact.
- Provide Value: Provide insights and relevant content that are relevant to your business goals and represent your sector expertise.
- Check In Regularly: Send individual updates or messages to important contacts. Good old-fashioned check-ins can also inspire collaborations or reveal new opportunities for participation.
Example Hi [Name], hope you're well! Saw an article the other day on [Topic] and thought you'd be interested. Would love to have a chat and hear your thoughts at some point!""
Automate and Scale Your LinkedIn Networking
Manual networking takes time. Automation tools like TexAu allow you to scale your outreach without losing the human touch. It's having a virtual assistant for your LinkedIn networking!
- Automate Outreach: Automate connection invitations but save customized messages for high-value connections.
- Expand Your Network: Reach more industry leaders, potential clients, and top talent—quicker and more efficiently.
- Save Time, Stay Authentic: Focus on answering back while TexAu does the legwork.
Example
Hi [Name], I noticed that we share a mutual connection with [Mutual Contact]. I'd like to reach out and explore opportunities to collaborate in [Industry].
Use automation strategically to grow your network without making the conversations artificial.
To Sum Up
Building high-value relationships on LinkedIn requires more than a click of the "Connect" button. It's about building meaningful, strategic relationships that serve both of you. By optimizing your LinkedIn profile, connecting with the right people, and using LinkedIn's tools, you'll be well on your way to establishing your influence and expanding your professional network.
Remember, networking is not a competition—it's developing lasting relationships that open up new business opportunities, alliances, and career advancement.
So go and apply these tips, practice them, and start growing your network intentionally. Because on LinkedIn, it's not always who you know—how you know them matters most. Let the networking magic start!
