The Secret to Driving Revenue on LinkedIn? Actually Talk to People!

3 Keys to Unlocking LinkedIn's Potential

1. Ditch the Copy-Paste Approach

We’ve all received those generic LinkedIn connection requests: a bland “I’d like to add you to my professional network” with zero personalization. These messages are the LinkedIn equivalent of spam calls—annoying, impersonal, and ineffective. When you send out these kinds of requests, you’re signaling that the relationship is a low priority for you, which won’t encourage the recipient to accept or engage.

Instead, take a few extra moments to craft a personalized message. Reference a mutual connection you share—this gives instant credibility. If they’ve recently posted something interesting, mention it and share your thoughts. You could also highlight a shared interest, such as being part of the same industry or alumni network. Even small details can show that you’re genuinely interested in connecting, not just growing your numbers.

The difference between a generic message and a personalized one is night and day. When you put in that bit of effort, the recipient is much more likely to accept your request and remember you for the right reasons. In a space crowded with surface-level connections, building meaningful relationships can make all the difference in your professional growth.

2. Don’t Just Like – Contribute

It’s easy to scroll through your LinkedIn feed and tap the like button on posts that catch your eye. But if you really want to stand out and be remembered, liking isn’t enough. Think about it: everyone is liking posts, but few people are taking the time to engage meaningfully. That’s your opportunity to differentiate yourself.

Next time you come across an insightful post, pause and leave a thoughtful comment. Instead of simply agreeing, add your perspective to the conversation. Share an example from your own experience or pose a question that encourages deeper discussion. When you contribute in a meaningful way, people notice—and not just the person who made the original post.

Others in the comments thread may engage with you, too, building your visibility and reputation as someone who adds value.This approach not only helps you stand out but also positions you as an expert in your field. Over time, consistently thoughtful engagement can lead to valuable connections and opportunities, simply because you took the time to do more than just click "like."

3. Share Your Story (Failures and All)

LinkedIn is often viewed as a place for polished, professional updates—where people share their successes, new jobs, or achievements. But what really resonates with people isn’t perfection; it’s authenticity. Sharing your real, unfiltered journey—including your failures—helps you stand out in a sea of overly curated content.People connect with stories.

When you share your failures, mistakes, and the lessons you’ve learned along the way, you become relatable. You’re no longer just a profile with achievements—you’re a real person who has faced challenges, overcome obstacles, and grown from the experience. These personal stories invite others to engage with you on a deeper level, leading to more meaningful conversations.

Being authentic on LinkedIn can feel risky, especially when the platform seems so focused on success. But vulnerability is powerful. It builds trust and fosters real connections. The more open you are about your journey, the more likely you are to attract people who appreciate your honesty, which can lead to unexpected opportunities—whether that’s mentorship, partnerships, or new business ventures.

Why This Matters Now More Than Ever

It’s easy to get lost in the noise, but true connection stands out. The reality is, while many people are active on LinkedIn, few take the time to engage meaningfully with others. By making the effort to comment thoughtfully, share insights, and ask questions, you’re already setting yourself apart. In a sea of passive scrolling and quick likes, genuine interaction puts you ahead of the game.

Your network—potential clients, partners, and influencers—is already on LinkedIn. While they might not always be the ones posting, they are paying attention to the content and conversations happening on the platform. By engaging authentically, you’re putting yourself on their radar. Even if they’re not directly interacting with your posts, your consistent presence and valuable contributions are noticed, opening the door to future opportunities.

LinkedIn isn’t just a digital resume or a company bulletin board. It’s a powerful tool for building and nurturing professional relationships. At its core, business is still about relationships, and LinkedIn provides the platform to cultivate those connections. Whether it’s starting a conversation, offering advice, or simply showing support, meaningful engagement is the foundation of creating lasting, beneficial relationships in the professional world.

Your LinkedIn Action Plan

Ready to turn your LinkedIn presence into a revenue-generating machine? Here’s your game plan. It all starts with personalization. Take an extra 30 seconds to make each connection request personal. Mention something specific, whether it’s a shared connection, a recent post, or a mutual interest. Those small details make a big difference. You’ll see your acceptance rate—and more importantly, your response rate—skyrocket when people see that you’ve taken the time to be thoughtful.

Next, carve out just 15 minutes a day to engage thoughtfully with your network. This isn’t about mindlessly liking posts; it’s about leaving meaningful comments that add value to the conversation. Focus on quality over quantity. A few well-placed comments can do more to build your visibility and credibility than dozens of likes. It’s a simple daily habit that can help establish you as a knowledgeable and engaged professional.

Another key strategy is to share your own journey. Once a week, post something authentic about your professional experience, insights, or lessons learned. It doesn’t have to be long or elaborate, just real. Authenticity is magnetic, and it gives your connections a reason to engage with you on a deeper level.

Finally, don’t wait for others to start the conversation. Take the initiative to reach out and engage based on what people are sharing or discussing. Whether it’s a direct message or a comment thread, starting conversations shows that you’re proactive and genuinely interested in building relationships. These steps, when done consistently, can transform your LinkedIn presence into a powerful tool for generating revenue and expanding your professional network.

The Bottom Line

Success on LinkedIn isn’t about shouting louder or trying to outdo everyone with flashy posts. It’s about cutting through the noise with genuine conversations and meaningful relationships. In a space that often feels transactional, taking the time to engage authentically can be a game changer. This means going beyond the surface-level interactions of likes and shares and truly investing in the people in your network. While it might seem like a slow process at first, every thoughtful comment, personalized message, or shared insight builds trust over time. These small moments of engagement are the foundation for real relationships that lead to long-term business opportunities.

Of course, this kind of success won’t happen overnight. Building a solid presence and reputation on LinkedIn requires consistency and patience. But the payoff is worth the effort. When you commit to showing up authentically, people notice, and they’ll remember you when they’re looking for a partner, service provider, or collaborator. So, are you ready to stop mindlessly scrolling through your feed and start genuinely connecting with others? Your future business partners, clients, and collaborators are already out there, waiting for that first conversation. Now is the time to make your presence felt and turn those connections into opportunities. It’s not just about talking—it’s about listening, engaging, and building relationships that last.