Let’s break it down: a LION (LinkedIn Open Networker) is someone on LinkedIn who is open to connecting with anyone and everyone, regardless of mutual connections. It’s like walking into a crowded room of professionals and saying, “Let’s connect!” without the usual barriers or formalities.
Being a LION means casting a wide net. The goal is to expand your network quickly, without the time-consuming process of vetting every connection. This open approach is great for people who want to grow their LinkedIn network fast and efficiently.
By expanding your connections, you also enhance your online presence, making it easier for potential collaborators, recruiters, and clients to discover you.
Example:
Non-LION Approach:
“Hi [Name], I noticed we have mutual connections. I’d love to connect and chat sometime.”
LION Approach:
“Hi [Name], I’m open to connecting with professionals from all industries. Let’s connect!”
As a LION, you're not just connecting with people you know or share a mutual connection with—you’re opening the door to new opportunities with anyone willing to connect.
This broad network can also be leveraged for advertising purposes, allowing professionals to share their services, products, or insights with a much larger audience.
In this guide, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about becoming a LinkedIn Open Networker (LION), how it can supercharge your LinkedIn networking, and how you can take advantage of TexAu to automate the process and make networking effortless.
Here’s a sneak peek of what we’ll cover:
- The Power of LIONs: Understand what being a LION means and how it can help you scale your network quickly without the usual barriers.
- How to Automate Your Connections with TexAu: Learn how to use TexAu to automate connection requests and build a robust LinkedIn network, effortlessly.
- Maximizing Your Reach: Strategies on how to leverage your extended network for new opportunities, collaborations, and partnerships.
Additionally, we’ll discuss how being a LION can enhance your professional networking by connecting you with industry leaders, mentors, and potential business partners across various fields.
What is a LinkedIn Open Networker (LION)?
So, what exactly is a LION? A LinkedIn Open Networker is someone who is all about making connections. They don’t wait for invitations—they actively seek out people to connect with. If you want to grow your LinkedIn network fast and efficiently, LIONs are your key to unlocking exponential growth.
A LION is like the most popular person at a party, and everyone wants to chat with them. LIONs don’t restrict their connections to people within their industry or network—they’ll connect with anyone who sends a request. Their mantra? "Let’s grow together!"
By actively expanding their network, LIONs also boost their online presence, making them more discoverable to recruiters, clients, and business opportunities.
Example:
Instead of waiting for someone to reach out, a LION might search for professionals in a related field, send a personalized message, and start a conversation. For instance, a digital marketer might connect with a content writer or a business consultant, expanding their network beyond just their immediate circle.
This approach isn’t just about networking—it can also be leveraged for advertising purposes. A large and diverse network allows professionals to share their services, insights, and business updates with a wider audience, helping them gain more exposure.
If you’re on LinkedIn to network, build your personal brand, or grow your career, LIONs are the people you want in your corner. They can help you expand your reach, increase visibility, and open doors to amazing opportunities.
By fostering meaningful connections, LIONs enhance professional networking, helping individuals engage with thought leaders, potential mentors, and industry influencers.
Why Should You Care About LIONs?
Here’s why connecting with LIONs should be part of your LinkedIn strategy:
Instant Network Growth
The most obvious perk is the sheer speed of growth. If you want to grow your network fast, connecting with LIONs gives you access to their extended network, opening up countless new doors.
Additionally, expanding your connections enhances your online presence, making you more visible to recruiters, potential clients, and industry leaders.
Example:
If you’re a freelance graphic designer and connect with a LION who works in digital marketing, you might gain access to their connections—other marketers, agencies, or clients who need your services.
More Visibility
LIONs are often highly active on LinkedIn, engaging with posts, commenting, and sharing content. As you connect with them, your content will get more visibility across a wider network.
This increased exposure is valuable for advertising purposes, as it allows businesses and individuals to promote their services, products, or personal brand to a larger audience.
Example:
If a LION comments on your post or shares your article, their network will see it, amplifying your reach and increasing the likelihood of attracting the right people to your profile.
Endless Opportunities
By connecting with LIONs, you get the chance to tap into diverse industries, roles, and opportunities. This broadens your horizon, potentially leading to collaborations, job offers, and more.
Example:
A software developer might connect with a LION who works in human resources, opening doors to job referrals or opportunities for collaboration on new HR tech solutions.
Knowledge Exchange
LIONs come from all walks of life—marketing pros, HR specialists, business owners, tech geeks, and more. By connecting with them, you’ll expose yourself to different perspectives and fresh ideas.
This type of broad networking strengthens your professional networking efforts, allowing you to build relationships with influential figures and industry experts who can provide valuable insights and opportunities.
Example:
As a startup founder, connecting with a LION who’s a seasoned entrepreneur in a different industry might spark new ideas for your business model or introduce you to strategies you hadn't considered before.
Advantages of Being an Open Networker
Being an open networker comes with a multitude of benefits that can significantly enhance your LinkedIn experience. From increased visibility and rapid network growth to enhanced opportunities, adopting an open networking strategy can be transformative.
Increased Visibility
One of the most compelling advantages of being an open networker is the boost in visibility it provides. When you accept more connections, your profile is more likely to appear in LinkedIn searches, making it easier for potential employers, clients, and collaborators to find you. This expanded reach strengthens your online presence, helping you establish credibility and attract more meaningful professional connections.
This increased visibility extends to your posts and updates, which will be seen by a larger audience, leading to more engagement in the form of likes, comments, and shares. Essentially, a larger network amplifies your presence on the platform, ensuring that your professional achievements and insights reach a broader audience.
Example:
Imagine you’re a marketing consultant who posts insights about digital marketing trends. The more open connections you have, the greater the chance that someone in your network will share your post. This sharing not only expands your reach but also serves as an organic method for advertising purposes, helping you promote your services to potential clients and industry leaders.
Rapid Network Growth
Another significant benefit of open networking is the rapid growth of your LinkedIn network. By accepting all connection requests, you can quickly amass a substantial number of connections, which can be particularly advantageous for professionals looking to establish themselves in new industries or markets. This rapid expansion strengthens your online presence, making it easier for recruiters, potential clients, and industry leaders to discover your profile.
This rapid expansion not only increases your visibility but also enhances your credibility, as a large network is often perceived as a sign of a well-connected and influential individual. With a broader reach, professionals can also use their LinkedIn presence for advertising purposes, promoting their expertise, services, or business to a wider audience.
Example:
If you're a recent graduate entering the marketing field, accepting every relevant connection request can help you connect with professionals in various sectors—agencies, freelancers, marketing heads, and more. Over time, these connections will help you access industry-specific job opportunities and insider information on job openings that you might not have discovered otherwise.
Enhanced Opportunities
With a larger network comes a wealth of opportunities. Open networking can lead to increased chances of job offers, collaborations, and business connections. A strong online presence helps position you as a valuable professional, increasing inbound opportunities from recruiters, investors, and industry leaders. The more people you are connected to, the higher your chances of meeting new clients, finding potential customers, or discovering qualified leads. This expanded reach can be particularly beneficial for business owners and entrepreneurs looking to grow their ventures.
For professionals and businesses, a broad network also serves as an effective tool for advertising purposes, allowing them to showcase their expertise, products, or services to a larger and more engaged audience.
Example:
If you're a startup founder in the tech industry, connecting with investors, software developers, and other entrepreneurs can open doors to potential funding, partnerships, and even new clients. Each connection increases the likelihood of landing that crucial next business opportunity or meeting the right person who can take your startup to the next level.
How to Identify LIONs on LinkedIn
Finding LIONs: It’s Like Searching for Hidden Treasure
Now that you understand why LIONs are a valuable asset, the next step is finding them. Luckily, LinkedIn has some neat tricks up its sleeve to help you pinpoint LIONs in the wild.
Search for "LION" in Their Profiles
One of the easiest ways to find LIONs is by searching for "LION" or "Open Networker" in their profile or bio. Many LIONs proudly display their status, letting everyone know they’re open to connecting. You can do this simply by using the LinkedIn search bar.
Example: If you search for "Open Networker" in the LinkedIn search bar, you’ll likely find profiles with keywords like “Let’s connect,” or “I’m always open to new connections!” These are prime candidates for networking and expanding your reach.
Use Boolean Search for Precision
If you're looking to get more precise with your connections, using Boolean search can be a game-changer. By searching for keywords like “LION,” “Open Networker,” or “Connecting with Everyone,” you can identify LinkedIn profiles specifically focused on expanding their networks.
For example, you could use a search like:
"LION" OR "Open Networker" OR "Connecting with Everyone" site:linkedin.com/in/
This will help you find LinkedIn users who openly describe themselves as LIONs or Open Networkers, making it easier to connect with professionals who are committed to growing their network. You can always adjust the search terms based on your needs, ensuring that you are targeting the right individuals.
Example: A recruiter searching for LIONs in the tech industry might use this search string to find a wide pool of tech professionals who are likely open to new job opportunities or networking. By using the Boolean search, the recruiter can find connections without sifting through irrelevant profiles.
Join LION-Specific Groups
Did you know there are LinkedIn groups specifically for LIONs? These are virtual communities where Open Networkers gather, share ideas, and help each other grow their networks. Joining these groups is like gaining VIP access to a high-powered professional network.
Example: There are groups like “LIONs – LinkedIn Open Networkers” where members actively share updates and connect with others. By becoming a member of such a group, you instantly gain access to a vast network of professionals who are eager to connect, collaborate, and grow.
Look at Their Headline
LIONs often put this label in their headline or summary. So, if you see phrases like “Connecting with Everyone” or “Open to New Connections,” chances are, you’ve found yourself a LION.
Example: A profile headline like “Networking enthusiast | Open to Connections | Let’s Build Together” is a strong indicator that the person is a LION. This headline is a clear sign that they’re open to growing their LinkedIn network and could be an excellent connection for you.
Filters for Industry & Location
Using LinkedIn's advanced search filters, you can narrow down your search by location, industry, job title, and more. By doing this, you can quickly identify LIONs who fit your specific networking goals.
Example: If you’re looking for LIONs in the marketing industry, you could apply the industry filter to your search and then browse profiles of people in marketing roles who have “Open Networker” in their bio. This allows you to find exactly the type of connections you want to make, whether you’re looking for clients, collaborators, or just expanding your professional network.
How to Connect with LIONs Using TexAu
Let TexAu Do the Heavy Lifting for You
Okay, so now you’ve found your LIONs—what’s next? Here’s where TexAu comes into play. TexAu is a game-changer when it comes to automating your LinkedIn growth. It’s like having a personal assistant for your networking strategy.
Here's how TexAu can supercharge your connection efforts:
Profile Scraping: TexAu lets you scrape LinkedIn profiles based on specific criteria—whether it’s location, industry, or even a specific search term like “LION” or “Open Networker.” This means you’re only connecting with the right people, not wasting time scrolling through irrelevant profiles.
Automated Connection Requests: Once you've built your list of LIONs, TexAu can send connection requests automatically. The best part? You can personalize each message so it doesn’t feel like a bot is sending them. Here’s an example of what your personalized connection request could look like:
"Hi [Name], I noticed we both have a passion for [topic], and I’d love to connect and share insights on [related subject]. Let’s collaborate!"
The more personalized, the better! TexAu lets you automate without sacrificing authenticity.
Follow-Up Messages: After you’ve sent your connection requests, TexAu can also help with follow-up messages. You can set up a series of friendly, non-sales messages to continue the conversation. These could look like:
"Hi [Name], thanks for accepting my connection! I was hoping we could connect and discuss [topic] sometime soon."
Keep it light and engaging—no one wants to feel like they’re being sold to.
Profile Engagement: TexAu isn’t just about connecting—it also helps you engage with your new connections. Liking, commenting, and sharing content is a great way to build rapport, and TexAu automates that, too.
Warming Up Your Profile: Set Yourself Up for Success
Before you start sending out requests left and right, take a moment to warm up your LinkedIn profile. This is crucial for getting noticed and looking professional.
- Complete Your Profile: A blank or partially filled-out profile is a red flag. Ensure your profile is fully updated—a professional photo, a killer headline, an engaging summary, and detailed work experience.
- Be Active on LinkedIn: Liking, commenting, and sharing posts shows that you’re active in the community. This helps you look like a “real” person and increases your chances of being accepted.
- Start Slow: Don’t go overboard with automation. Start with a manageable number of requests and build your way up. This way, you won’t risk overwhelming your profile with too many connection attempts at once.
The Art of Building Real Relationships
Let’s be real—LinkedIn is all about relationships. Simply adding connections and forgetting about them won’t get you very far. To truly succeed on LinkedIn, you need to nurture your connections and turn them into genuine relationships. After all, it’s not just about the quantity of your network but the quality of your interactions. Once you’ve connected with LIONs and other professionals, it’s time to dive into building meaningful bonds that can lead to valuable opportunities.
Engagement is Key
Don’t just click the "connect" button and call it a day. To make a lasting impact, you need to be active in the conversations of your connections. Engage with their posts by liking, commenting, and sharing your insights. Thoughtfully contribute to their discussions and offer value wherever possible. Whether it's sharing an article that aligns with their interests, offering constructive feedback, or simply asking a question to keep the conversation going—these small gestures show that you’re genuinely interested in their thoughts and opinions.
Example: If a connection posts about a recent industry event, you could comment with a question like, “What was your biggest takeaway from the event?” This keeps the conversation going and shows you’re interested in their perspective. Or, if someone shares an article about trends in marketing, you could add your thoughts, such as, “I think this aligns with the shifts I’ve seen in my own work. How do you see these changes affecting smaller businesses?”
Be Active, Be Thoughtful
Think of LinkedIn like a potluck dinner: you don’t just show up with your empty plate expecting to be fed—you bring something to the table! So, go beyond just connecting—take the next step and build meaningful, long-term relationships. Your network will thank you, and who knows, you might just end up with some unexpected opportunities on your plate!
Example: After connecting with a marketing expert on LinkedIn, you might share a valuable resource such as a blog post, webinar, or tool that could benefit them. A simple, “I thought you might find this article interesting! It dives into SEO strategies for 2025. I’d love to hear your thoughts!” can go a long way in fostering a deeper connection. By consistently adding value, you build trust and position yourself as someone who genuinely cares about your network’s growth and success.
Conclusion: Ready to Roar?
If you're serious about growing your LinkedIn network, becoming a LION is a game-changer. LIONs open up a vast pool of connections, helping you expand your reach across industries and regions. But manually sending connection requests to thousands of people can be tedious—this is where TexAu comes in.
TexAu’s automation tools take the heavy lifting off your shoulders by sending personalized connection requests, engaging with posts, and tracking progress, all while you focus on building meaningful relationships. No more worrying about how to scale your networking efforts; TexAu does it all for you.
Are you ready to take your LinkedIn profile to the next level? By connecting with LIONs and leveraging TexAu’s power, your network will grow faster and more efficiently. Get started today and watch your LinkedIn presence roar to life!
