Five Key Steps to Building an Effective LinkedIn Network

Six months ago, I had no idea how much I was missing on LinkedIn. It wasn’t until Grace McNamara grabbed me by the ear and made me look at my LinkedIn profile, much like my primary school teacher would drag me to the chalkboard. My profile was incomplete, my bio vague, my accomplishments absent, and my recommendations non-existent. Grace’s words stuck with me: “You’ve done so many amazing things," she said, "and no one can tell."

Here’s why Grace was so adamant:

"If we are to change women’s participation in research, improve healthcare for women, showcase women’s successes, and ensure our voices are heard on more stages and at more tables, we must be visible as a collective! Sending the elevator down only works if more women get on it—and then send it down again for others."

Her message was clear. To lift each other up, we all need to rise up and make our presence known. That means getting past the discomfort, sharing our accomplishments without reservation, applying for the jobs we aspire to (despite imposter syndrome), and claiming a voice where it matters. It’s a collective effort—one for all, and all for one.

For two weeks, Susanne, Grace, and I hacked away at our LinkedIn profiles, filling in gaps and giving them the attention they deserved. While a LinkedIn profile is never truly “done,” it’s now leagues ahead of the patchy, sketchy version I started with. As I connect with more people on LinkedIn, I notice that many could benefit from Grace’s five steps to building effective LinkedIn profiles.

1. Audit Your Self-Presentation

One of the most overlooked aspects of LinkedIn is self-presentation. Think about your profile as a visitor would and ask yourself: What can people learn about me at a glance? An effective LinkedIn profile should answer these questions quickly and clearly:

• Is my profile photo professional and approachable?

• Does my headline and summary showcase my expertise?

• Are my experiences listed in a way that highlights accomplishments, not just responsibilities?

A strong LinkedIn profile serves as your digital introduction, making it easy for others to understand who you are and what you bring to the table.

2. Don’t Be Modest

If networking is a priority, ensure people can reach you easily and that you’re responsive. Many of us treat LinkedIn as a secondary or even tertiary channel, behind emails and work platforms like Slack. However, if you’re actively looking to connect and engage, it helps to check LinkedIn messages regularly. By responding in a timely manner, you avoid becoming a “dead link” — someone who is hard to reach and unresponsive, deterring potential connections.

Networking on LinkedIn involves a level of self-promotion that may feel uncomfortable for some. Yet, to network effectively, it’s essential to be confident in your abilities and share your achievements openly. If this feels challenging, focus on presenting concrete accomplishments and the outcomes of your work. Gradually, sharing these achievements will feel natural and will help you stand out in your field.

3. Fill Out Every Section

A half-complete profile can be more damaging than no profile at all. To create a polished, effective LinkedIn presence, use this checklist:

• Profile Picture: Choose a clear, professional headshot.

• Custom URL: Simplify your LinkedIn URL to make it easy to share.

• Headline: Use keywords that describe what you do—think beyond your job title.

• About Section: Craft a brief, engaging summary of your professional story.

• Experience: Focus on accomplishments, outcomes, and examples. Instead of just listing responsibilities, highlight your key achievements, specific outcomes, and relevant examples. Show your impact on each role by including numbers or percentages wherever possible (e.g., "Increased client retention by 25%").

• Skills & Endorsements: Add skills relevant to your field and seek endorsements from colleagues to validate them.

• Recommendations: Ask trusted colleagues or clients to provide testimonials of your work ethic and expertise.

4. Engage Authentically

Being an effective networker on LinkedIn requires going beyond a polished profile. Take the time to engage with others authentically:

• Comment on Industry Posts: Meaningful comments are more valuable than simple likes and help you start conversations.

• Share Articles and Insights: This doesn’t have to be original content. Simply sharing relevant articles with your insights can help establish your voice.

• Join and Participate in Groups: LinkedIn groups provide opportunities for valuable discussions with professionals in your field, allowing you to broaden your network.

5. Keep Your Profile Dynamic and Proactively Create Opportunities

Your LinkedIn profile is a living document that should grow with your career. Regular updates ensure it reflects your latest skills, projects, and accomplishments. Rather than waiting for big milestones, consider setting a quarterly reminder to make small updates, keeping your profile fresh and relevant.

Networking on LinkedIn also requires a proactive mindset. Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you—take the initiative to expand your network and engage meaningfully:

• Reach Out to People You Admire: Send connection requests with personalised messages to those whose work you respect.

• Connect with Industry Peers: Staying in touch with industry peers helps keep you informed and opens doors to collaboration.

• Ask for Introductions: If you have mutual connections with someone you’d like to know, request an introduction to build credibility.

• Post Regularly: Share insights, industry news, or updates that add value to your network. Posting consistently helps you stay visible and establishes you as an engaged, knowledgeable professional.

Building a powerful LinkedIn presence takes consistent effort, but it pays off. We don’t know when we’ll need a support network, but when we do, we want it strong, active, and ready to go. Game time!