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How can I effectively use LinkedIn if I do not have many real-life connections?

I am a high school student and I created a LinkedIn account two years ago but I do not have much on my profile and only 4 connections. I am in school most of the time, so I do not have a lot of work or volunteering experience. My town is small and not a lot of people I associate with have a LinkedIn so I cannot connect with them. Are there other things I can do on LinkedIn to make my profile somewhat decent? I know that I will make a lot more connections and use of LinkedIn once I start college, but is there anything I can do now? #linkedin #branding #professional-development #networking

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Julia’s Answer

There are a few ways to beef up your LinkedIn profile, and it's great you're setting up your account now so it will be good to go when you get to college.


Find all the people you know on LinkedIn, including teachers (make sure your school doesn't have any regulations about connecting students and teachers before graduation) and relatives.


You're able to follow companies, so do this for companies in the field you're looking to go into. You can even do this for colleges/universities.


Don't stress too much about your LinkedIn account either. You don't need to be on it every day or anything like that. You're at a stage where it's great to have one, but it can sit there without you looking at it or editing often.
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Blake’s Answer

Hey Galina,

People often think that they need to have the most connections to effectively use LinkedIn. That is not necessarily the case. The best thing for your LinkedIn is to have as much information, that's up to date, to ensure that your ability is accurately represented.

Thanks,
Blake
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Lindsey’s Answer

You've got great answers here already, Galina, but wanted to add a couple suggestions, see next steps below!
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Kathy’s Answer

Hi,


If it's ok with your parents, in addition to what Julia said, you can also join (and participate in) groups in areas that interest you and follow people who post commentaries that interest you. (Start with the groups and you'll see what I mean about following people:-))


It's great you're getting started on this!


Have fun, be inspired, and be safe.


Good luck!
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Rainie’s Answer

Hello Galina!
I think that's a great topic. Personally, I feel quite "un-tech savvy" being a young age of 27. My online profiles aren't too detailed, and sometimes not even up to date.
I'm also from a small town. The best advice I have is firstly establish what profession / reason you're needing to network. If it's in the business world, you may want to beef up your profiles. Personally I've had beautiful luck networking face-to-face. When I was in high school and college, I had several bartending and waitress jobs, which helps you meet people from all professions and walks of life. A friendly, intelligent conversation can give you just as many opportunites (if not more) than sharing an online profile.


Best of luck to you!
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Karen A.’s Answer

I think it's great that you already have a Linkedin account set up. I echo the recommendations others here have posted to join groups in your area that cater to your areas of interest. This will enable you to meet people, after which you can send a connect request via Linkedin. I also echo the suggestion to send connect requests to respectable adults with whom you have interacted, including teachers, mentors, and even friends of your parents. As you establish volunteer and work experience, keep your profile updated. I essentially duplicated my entire resume onto mine. I have enjoyed the ability to keep in touch with former classmates and work colleagues, but the greatest benefit it has given me is that a recruiter with my current company reached out to me based on my Linkedin, and I ended up going to work at this company!
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Hanleigh’s Answer

LinkedIn is a great place to reach out to people that are in the field that you aspire to be in, and ask them questions about how they got to where they are. Also, utilize LinkedIn to connect with people that are already in your network: friends, family, church members, fellow alumni, friends or friends, etc. Most importantly, take your conversation outside of LinkedIn and schedule a phone call, meet for coffee, or chat via Skype or Zoom. Try to actually develop a relationship with the person, and may even offer ways that you can be of help to that person. It should be an exchange.
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Andria’s Answer

Search for people that have the same interests, or what you want to go on to school for, hobbies, careers etc. you can then ask for a conncection and state why you are trying to connect. it is importatnt to have connects, teachers, mentors, friends, etc.


you will gain connects if you just think outside the box a little. you will have more than you can handle some day.
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Ken’s Answer

Hi Galina!


Here are some suggestions:
https://www.themuse.com/advice/become-a-networking-master-your-stepbystep-plan
https://www.themuse.com/advice/19-tips-that-will-make-you-a-networking-master
https://www.themuse.com/advice/having-500-linkedin-contacts-means-nothing-unless
https://www.themuse.com/advice/17-musthaves-for-your-linkedin-profile


Let me know if and and how this helps!
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