Get Shift Done: Tips and Tricks
Networking is all about connecting with individuals both in and outside of your field to expand your opportunities. But if reaching out to people you don’t know feels daunting, focus on the people you already know by using the Rapportive Chrome extension.
To start, click here to install Rapportive. Once installed, restart your computer.
Next, open Gmail in a new Chrome browser tab and then open up an email. On the right side of the screen, you should now see your email contact’s LinkedIn profile details. Here is an example of what that looks like:
What can you do with this wealth of information in order to expand your network? A lot. Here’s a few suggestions:
Check out your email contact’s LinkedIn profile before you connect with them
Rapportive makes it easy to learn more about your email contact. Before connecting on LinkedIn, send them an email that has to do with something you share in common.
For example, the next time you email them, say “I checked out your LinkedIn profile. Love what you’re doing in the solar power energy space, and I see that we’re also both UC Berkeley alum. Go bears.”
Now when you reach out to them to connect on LinkedIn, they’re much more likely to accept.
Follow them on Twitter
People like to express their thoughts and opinions on Twitter, and by following them there, you’re sending the subtle but effective message that you’re interested in what they have to say. When you express interest in others, they’ll be more inclined to help and support you in return.
Ask your email contact for an introduction to someone in their network
Rapportive’s handy “common connections” feature shows people in your contact’s network whom you may not be connected with on LinkedIn. Now you can reach out to a contact and ask for a personalized introduction to one of their connections without ever leaving Gmail.
With Rapportive, growing your network has never been so easy, intuitive, and approachable. This simple Chrome extension is a life hack that will better position you in your career, no matter what field you’re in.
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