When someone does you a favor, it’s natural to get the psychological urge to do something for them in return. This is called the law of reciprocity and it’s often the foundation for meaningful relationships. Using reciprocity to your advantage can take your networking skills to the next level.
There’s no better way to build relationships and your brand than to give back to your network. While you may not have a job opportunity for every single one of your LinkedIn connections, you may be able to offer them something else. Are you an expert in a niche they’re looking into? Are you experienced in editing resumes?
Put your energy where it matters most and focus on helping in the skills you excel at. Here are some ways you can build relationships on LinkedIn through the power of reciprocity:
Review their resume and cover letter
This is especially helpful for job seekers looking for positions within your industry. Since many people are constantly updating their resumes, you can help equip them for the roles they’re applying for. Just make a few quick edits or offer recommendations on their formatting. While you may not want to do a full-on grammar check, some initial thoughts can be helpful. After all, recruiters and hiring managers know that it only takes a few seconds for a verdict to be made during a resume screening.
Introduce them to valuable connections
If you have many people in your network, this can be mutually beneficial for you. Not only are you introducing someone to the desired connection, but if they onboard them in the future, you’ve now established some of your credibility. You may have heard the saying: your network is your net worth.
Grab a cup of coffee
Offer up 15-30 minutes of your time for an interruption-free meetup. Whether you’re offering a basic company overview or providing industry insights, this will not go unappreciated. A quick cup of coffee can go a long way.
Delivering content to them
Sometimes it’s as simple as sharing relevant content that you’ve found. After all, LinkedIn is not only a place for networking but for sharing ideas. Sending over a relevant article could be the catalyst for a great conversation.
A key element of using LinkedIn is making connections. When you give back, more people are willing to speak to you. Your network serves as an endorsement of your professional capability. So give back and watch your network grow!