Getting Out from Comfort Zone and Asking for Help via LinkedIn
So you're seeking work or help and have turned to LinkedIn groups for assistance. But then you start to feel anxious about doing it. You feel weird by asking for help through someone you didn't even know --- hence, some of them are C-Level who are well-known.
But here's the thing, throughout your career, you may face situations that require you to venture outside of your comfort zone or take some chances. In such cases, you have the option of sticking to a tried-and-true strategy or trying something new that could lead to discoveries or opportunities.
Staying in your comfort zone may sometimes result in a consistent performance, but venturing out of it may help you improve your job performance. In addition, trying to get out of your comfort zone by asking someone for advice or help from LinkedIn may lead you to new opportunities that could improve your career.
Getting out of your comfort zone might make you feel uneasy in the first place, but the truth is, all you need to do is start asking! Want to know the proper way to ask for help from someone on LinkedIn? Check these simple tips out!
Put Your "Ask" in the Subject Line
The first thing you want to do when asking for help from someone in LinkedIn is telling what you want to ask in the first 200 characters using the subject line to ask, not to pitch. — either in the headline of your post to the group or the subject line of your message. If you're not doing this, they probably will move on to the following notifications or emails.
Be as Specific as Humanly Possible
The more specific your request, the more likely people think of a way to help you before your mind wanders back to those other 100 unopened emails.
For example, if you write, "looking for a marketing internship," your only hope is that people happen to be looking for a marketing intern right at that moment and are willing to click through to the discussion to see if you're a fit. However, if you write, "looking for a summer marketing internship in Jakarta with an e-commerce company like Tokopedia or Bukalapak," they might remember someone who works at that kind of company. It doesn't matter if the contact they're looking for interns— they can quickly shoot your resume over with a note saying that Warby is one of your favorite companies and ask her to please consider you when she's subsequent hiring.
Even if you don't know what you want, you lose nothing by naming a few companies. On the contrary, specificity is always helpful in reminding your connections who they know.
But remember, being specific doesn't mean that you're boring. Don’t use messages that are generic and "un-personalized" that have a poor success rate. As entrepreneur Larry Kim has said: "What are the 11 most boring words in the English language? "I'd like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn."
Make it Easy to Get to "Know" You
Always keep in mind that you're asking her to put her professional reputation on the line when you ask someone to suggest you. As a result, make it simple for your contacts to promote you.
Make sure your LinkedIn profile is comprehensive and up-to-date and that your article is thoughtful, short, and well-written. Include your Twitter account in the post's details so that readers may instantly get a feel of who you are. (Keeping your Twitter handle current and professionally suitable with at least a few intelligent tweets on your sector is implicit in this tip.) Bonus points if you include a link to your Tumblr (or another blog) where you discuss the industry you want to enter.
Make it Easy to Forward Your Info
In the body of your message, include a link to a PDF of your resume (you can use Google Docs or any similar service for this) so that your contacts can quickly forward it on. Make sure your resume includes all of your contact information. I don't have time to email you back and forth to get your CV as an attachment—much more manageable when everything is in one place and forwardable.
Let Them Know if Someone Reaches Out to You
If a potential employer contacts you and says someone is suggesting you for their company, go to LinkedIn and find that person right away! Even if you've never met him or her before.
Finally, do not inform the company that you know your referrer through a LinkedIn group. But if the company eventually asks you, say something along the lines of "she's a fellow alum who would like to assist with my job advancement."
And it just so happens that this is true: many people are willing to help. They're just waiting for you to show them how to do it!
Now that you know how to ask for help, your LinkedIn will open your laptop and contact someone you think might help you. It not only makes your growth even better but probably also creates a new network that is a key for you in seeking a new role, learn more about industry trends, and other meaningful opportunities.
If you would like to know more insight that could make your career life even better, you could read more articles on our blog and do a consultation with us! Also, follow us on Instagram @baikgp @ayureadypodcast for more information and extra insights!