Nurturing Relationships on LinkedIn and Beyond

Importance of human connections in the digital age

In today’s world, there’s a lot of concern about AI (Artificial Intelligence) and ML (Machine Learning) taking over our jobs and outperforming us. But there’s something they can’t do as well as humans: understand emotions. When it comes to making connections on platforms like LinkedIn, where building relationships is key, AI can assist, but it can’t replace the human ability to understand feelings and connect with others. As technology evolves, it’s clear that although AI can be useful, human relationships are unique and valuable.

If you’re passionate about any industry, whether you’re new to it or experienced, it’s important to stay informed about both local and national levels. Also, knowing about your personal interests like hobbies can help keep conversations flowing when meeting people.  Asking someone out for a quick coffee meeting can be surprisingly successful. Even if meeting in-person isn’t possible, some people are open to virtual coffee chats. When asking for these meetings, it’s important not to approach them with the intention of asking for a job. Instead, focus on learning about the other person’s journey and prepare four questions based on your research about them. Four questions fit perfectly into a 30-minute coffee chat and can lead to meaningful connections without the pressure of job-seeking.

Ensuring your LinkedIn profile is professional is crucial. Here are some steps you can take:

• Verify your account by getting the shield next to your name. You simply have to provide your college email ID or work ID.
• Ensure to have at least 100+ contacts to make your profile look authentic.
• Have an ‘About’ section where you briefly talk about your skills and accomplishments in a factual way.
• Engage with your peers’ posts by liking and commenting something positive or neutral about them.
• Add a timeline of your work experience, education, licenses, certifications, projects, and volunteer work.
• Receive recommendations from your team leaders or professors if you have prior work experience. If not, you can also ask team members from your past projects to write you a recommendation.

Continue to meet people at events and gatherings, you can start expanding your professional network on LinkedIn by connecting with them. This allows you to grow your connections across various industries. If you’re on the lookout for a job and come across an opening in a company where you’ve met someone for coffee, you can reach out to them via message to learn more about the role and gather tips for securing an interview. If they know you both personally and professionally, there’s a good chance they’ll be willing to refer you for the position. This kind of human connection is something AI can’t replicate. The personal bond you establish, sharing your likes and dislikes over a coffee meeting, discussing your professional work – these are the things that go beyond technical skills. While technical skills are essential and can be taught, soft skills are equally important, if not more so. Soft skills like communication, empathy, and teamwork are harder to teach and can make a significant difference in your career. While people can adapt, personal ethics and work style often remain consistent over time, making them invaluable assets in any profession.

At JBC, we’re here to make your LinkedIn profile shine. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation to learn how we can improve your profile and help you build strong relationships with your peers.