To start with, a LION( LinkedIn Open Networker) is a individual on LinkedIn who is open to connecting with everyone no matter if there is an mutual connection or not. It is connecting with individuals without any formalities
The goal of a LION is to expand your network quickly without any time consuming process of checking mutual connections. This open approach is great for people who wish to grow their LinkedIn network efficiently and quickly. This also enhances your online presence and makes it easier for potential collaborators, clients ans recruiters to discover you. Let us understand it with a small example-
First lets see a Non LION Approach- Hi! I noticed we have mutual connections. Let us connect and chat. Now, lets see a LION Approach- Hi! I am open to connecting with professionals from all industries. Let us connect!
Do you see the difference? As a LION, you are not just connecting with people but opening new doors to fresh opportunities with anyone who is willing to connect.
This broad network can also be used for advertising purposes. Here, you can allow professionals to share products, services or even insights to a much wider audience.
In this blog post, we will see everything you need to know about becoming a LinkedIn Open Networker (LION). Also, how you can take advantage of TexAu to automate the process and make your networking effortless.
Here is what we will cover-
- The Power of LIONs
- How to Automate Your Connections with TexAu.
- Maximising Your Reach.
Who is a LinkedIn Open Networker (LION)?
A LinkedIn Open Networker is an individual who wants to make genuine connections. They do not wait for invitations but actively reach out to people to connect with. If you want to grow your LinkedIn network, a LION approach is they key to exponential growth.
LIONs do not restrict their connections to people within their industry or network. They will connect with anyone who sends a request. Their one and only mantra is "Let us grow together!" LIONS boost their online presence by expanding their network. Your LinkedIn profile becomes more discoverable to fresh business opportunities with a LION approach.
Let us understand with a example. A LION will search for professionals in their related fields, send personalised messages and start the conversation. Suppose, a digital marketer may connect with either a business consultant or even a content writer. This approach may expand their network beyond their immediate circle.
The LION approach is not just about networking. It is a great tool for advertising purposes as well. A large and diverse network will allow professionals to share insights, services and also business updates. It reaches a wider target audience and also helps in gaining more exposure.
LIONs can enhance professional networking and help individuals engage with influences and potential mentors
Why Should You Care About LIONS?
Instant Network Growth
Firstly, an important reason is the speed of growth. If you are looking to grow your network quickly, connecting with LIONS will give access to their wide network. This can open doors to potential leads.
Also, expanding your connections will enhance your online presence. So now, your visibility increases towards industry leaders or potential clients. For example, a freelance graphic designer can connect with a LION working in digital marketing. This will give the graphic designer an access to their connections and make you open to new clients. This process ca help you generate high quality leads with your services.
Increases Visibility
Next, LIONs are highly active on LinkedIn where they engage with posts, comment on it and also share valuable content. Once you connect with them, automatically your content becomes visible to a wider network.
This increase in exposure is also valuable for advertising purposes. It will allow individuals and businesses to promote their products, services or even their personal brand to a wide and larger target audience.
For example, if a LION comments on shares your article or post, their network automatically sees it. This automatically amplifies your reach and increases the chances of the right leads to see your LinkedIn 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
Next, LIONS can be found in all diverse fields. They can be HR specialists, business owners, marketing pros or even tech geeks. Once you connect with them, you expose to fresh ideas and different perspectives.
This type of broad networking will strengthen your professional networking efforts. This will allow you to build relationships with influential figures as well as industry experts. They can provide valuable insights and exciting new opportunities.
For example, you are a startup founder. You connect with a LION who is also a seasoned entrepreneur in a different industry. This connection will spark new ideas for your business model. Also, they can make you familiar with new marketing strategies you might be unaware of.
Advantages of Being an Open Networker
Being an open networker comes with a lot of benefits which enhance your LinkedIn online presence. In order to increase your visibility and a rapid network growth, an open networking strategy can be your best choice.
Increase in Visibility
The very first and compelling advantage of an open networker is the boost to your visibility. An expanded reach makes your online presence stronger and makes yiur more credible to attract professional connections. As soon as you accept more connection, your LinkedIn presence shoots up and makes it easier for collaborators to find you.
This increase in visibility will extend your posts and make it visible to a larger audience. This increases the chances of likes, comments as well as shares. A fairly larger network will amplify your online presence on LinkedIn and makes your professional achievements visible to potential leads.
For example, you are a marketing consultant posting insights about digital marketing trends. Open connection show a greater chance to share your posts. This sharing will not only expand your reach but is an organic method of advertising purpose as well. It will help you promote your services to potential clients and industry leaders.
Fast Network Expansion
One of the major advantages of open networking is fast expansion of your LinkedIn network. By accepting every connection request, you can build a large number of connections very fast, which can be very helpful for professionals who want to establish themselves in new markets or industries. This fast growth enhances your online presence, which makes it easier for recruiters, prospective clients, and specific target audience to find your profile.
This sudden growth not only raises your profile but also boosts your credibility, as more people perceive a big network to be an indication of a connected and influential person. With the increased reach, professionals can also leverage their LinkedIn presence for advertising purposes, publicising their services, expertise, or business to more people.
Example:
If you are a fresh graduate entering the marketing profession, accepting all your relevant connection invitations can make it easier to reach out to people working in different fields—agency professionals, freelancers, marketing directors, etc. As time goes on, these contacts will assist you in getting access to industry-specific career opportunities and insider knowledge on available jobs that otherwise might not have come your way.
How to Find LIONS on LinkedIn
Having a clear understanding of why LIONs are an asset, the next crucial step is to find them. Here are some easy steps to find LIONs on LinkedIn.
Look for "LION" in Their Profiles
One of the simplest methods of locating LIONs is by looking for "LION" or "Open Networker" in their bio or profile. Most LIONs openly flaunt their status, informing all that they are open to connecting. You can do this with ease using the LinkedIn search box.
If you type "Open Networker" into the LinkedIn search field, you will see profiles such as "Let's connect," or "I'm always open to new connections!" These are ideal prospects for networking and building your presence online with your target audience.
Employ Boolean Search for Accuracy
If you want to become more specific with your connections, employing Boolean search can be a life-saver. By searching keywords such as "LION," "Open Networker," or "Connecting with Everyone," you can locate LinkedIn profiles exclusively dedicated to growing their networks.
For instance, you might employ a search such as:
"LION" OR "Open Networker" OR "Connecting with Everyone"
This will make you locate LinkedIn members who readily classify themselves as Open Networkers or LIONs, facilitating contact with experts committed to building up their professional circle. You always have the choice of varying search terms as desired to make sure that you get the best professionals.
For instance, a recruiter looking for LIONs in the technology sector could employ this search to discover a broad list of tech professionals who are most likely receptive to new employment opportunities or networking. With the Boolean search, the recruiter can identify connections without having to sort through unwanted profiles.
Join LION-Specific Groups
You might be surprised to learn that there are LinkedIn groups just for LIONs. These are online communities where Open Networkers meet, exchange ideas, and assist one another in building their networks. Joining these groups is similar to gaining VIP membership in a high-powered professional network.
For example**,** there are groups such as "LIONs – LinkedIn Open Networkers" where the members do actively post updates and network with others. By joining such a group, you automatically get access to a huge network of professionals ready to connect, collaborate, and expand.
Look at Their Headline
LIONs tend to place this tag in their headline or summary. Therefore, if you notice such phrases as "Connecting with Everyone" or "Open to New Connections," then you've probably got yourself a LION.
A profile headline such as "Networking enthusiast | Open to Connections | Let's Build Together" is a good indicator that the individual is a LION. This headline is an obvious indication that they're open to expanding their LinkedIn network and might be a great connection for you.
How to Connect with LIONs Using TexAu
Now that you have found your LION, TexAu comes in for your help. TexAu is a game changer automating LinkedIn growth. Here is how TexAu can help for your social media growth-
Profile Scraping: With TexAu, you can scrape LinkedIn profiles for very specific reasons—whether you're looking for location, industry, or even a particular keyword term such as "LION" or "Open Networker." That's just connecting to the right folks and not taking the time browsing through irrelevant pages.
Automated Connection Requests: After you've curated your list of LIONs, TexAu can automatically send connection requests. The good news? You can customize each message so it doesn't sound like a bot sending them. Here's an example of what your customized connection request might look like:
"Hi [Name], I saw that we both share an interest in [topic], and I'd love to connect and exchange ideas on [related subject]. Let's work together!"
The more personal, the better! TexAu allows you to automate without losing your authenticity.
Auto Follow-Up Messages: Once you've sent out your connection requests, TexAu can also assist with auto follow-up messages. You can create a string of friendly, non-sales messages and let TexAu keep the conversation going. These might look like:
"Hi [Name], thanks for accepting my connection! I was hoping we could connect and discuss [topic] sometime soon."
Keep it fun and interesting—nobody likes to feel like they're being sold to.
Profile Engagement: TexAu is not only about connecting, but it also assists you in engaging with your new connections. Liking, commenting, and sharing posts is an excellent way to build a rapport, and TexAu does that for you, too.
Warming Up Your Profile: Set Yourself Up for Success
Before you begin sending out requests here and there, take a few minutes to warm up your LinkedIn profile. This is important for being noticed and appearing professional.
- Fill Out Your Profile: An empty or half-filled profile is a turn-off. Make sure your profile is completely up to date—a professional photo, a great headline, a compelling summary, and complete work history.
- Be Active on LinkedIn: Liking, commenting, and sharing other people's posts indicates that you're present in the community. It makes you appear like a "real" person and has a better chance of getting accepted.
- Begin Slow: Don't automate too much. Begin with a small number of requests and gradually increase it. That way, you won't risk bombarding your profile with too many connection attempts simultaneously.
Building Real Relationships
Let's be honest—social networking sites such as LinkedIn is all about relationships. Adding connections and doing nothing about them won't take you far. In order to really be successful on LinkedIn, you must care for your connections and make them real relationships. After all, it's not the number of your network but the quality of your interaction. 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 simply click the "connect" button. In order to have a lasting impression, you must be present in the discussions of your connections. Participate in their posts by liking, commenting, and sharing your thoughts. Thoughtfully join their conversations and provide value wherever you can. Whether it's posting an article that interests them, providing feedback, or just asking a question to keep the discussion going—these little things demonstrate that you're really interested in hearing their opinions and thoughts.
Example: If a connection has posted about a recent industry conference, you might comment with a question such as, "What was your biggest takeaway from the conference? ” 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 or "How do you think these changes will impact smaller businesses?"
Conclusion: Ready to Roar?
If you're truly committed to expanding your LinkedIn network, becoming a LION can be a major difference-maker. LIONs unlock a huge pool of connections, allowing you to broaden your reach across industries and geographies. But copying and pasting connection invitations to a thousand people is boring—this is where TexAu fills in.
TexAu's automation platform lifts the heavy workloads from your shoulders by sending tailor-made connection requests, liking posts, and monitoring progress, all while you concentrate on establishing effective relations. No more concerns about how to network at scale; TexAu does it all on your behalf.
Are you ready to level-up your LinkedIn profile? With connections to LIONs and the use of TexAu's strength, your network will expand faster and more effectively. Join today and watch your LinkedIn presence come to roar!
