Navigating LinkedIn: Building Genuine Connections Without Being “Salesy”
LinkedIn is a powerful platform. It’s a space where professionals gather to share ideas, learn from one another, and yes, network with like-minded individuals. But let’s face it—sometimes it feels like the platform is overrun with endless sales pitches and self-promotion. For those of us who crave authentic human connection and meaningful conversations, it can be disheartening.
As social primates, we are wired for connection. We thrive on collaboration, shared values, and the sense that we’re part of something bigger than ourselves. So, is LinkedIn a good place to fulfill this need for connection? The answer is yes—but only if you approach it with the right mindset and strategies.
If you’re a consultant, coach, or professional who shares valuable insights without constantly pitching your services, you might wonder: Am I doing it wrong? The short answer: absolutely not. In fact, this approach might be the key to standing out on a platform that’s increasingly filled with noise. Let’s explore how to use LinkedIn to build real connections, grow your network, and offer your services without coming across as overly salesy.
1. Is LinkedIn a Good Place to Connect with Like-Minded Individuals?
Yes, LinkedIn is one of the best platforms for connecting with like-minded professionals—if you use it intentionally. The platform is designed for professional networking, and its algorithms reward engagement and genuine interactions. Unlike other social media platforms, LinkedIn fosters a culture of learning, growth, and collaboration.
However, to truly connect with like-minded individuals, you need to:
Be clear about your values and interests: Share content that reflects your professional philosophy and attracts people who resonate with your message.
Engage authentically: Comment on posts, ask thoughtful questions, and celebrate others’ achievements.
Be consistent: Regularly show up and contribute to conversations in your niche or industry.
When you focus on building relationships rather than just growing your follower count, you’ll naturally attract peers who share your mindset and goals.
2. Are Sales Pitches Ruining LinkedIn?
Let’s address the elephant in the room: the constant sales pitches. While LinkedIn is a professional platform, the barrage of unsolicited messages and overly promotional posts can feel overwhelming. For many users, this detracts from the platform’s potential to foster genuine connections.
But here’s the thing: sales pitches aren’t inherently bad. The problem arises when they’re impersonal, pushy, or irrelevant. If you’re trying to connect with like-minded peers, the last thing you want is to come across as just another person trying to sell something.
So, how do you avoid falling into this trap?
Focus on value first: Share insights, tips, and stories that educate or inspire your audience.
Avoid cold pitching: Instead of sending generic sales messages, start conversations and build relationships organically.
Be human: Remember, LinkedIn is a platform for people, not just businesses. Show your personality and engage in meaningful discussions.
3. Am I Doing It Wrong by Not Pitching My Services?
As a consultant and coach, you might feel pressure to promote your services directly. After all, isn’t that what LinkedIn is for? While there’s nothing wrong with pitching, your strategy of sharing valuable content and letting people reach out to you is far from “wrong.” In fact, it’s one of the most effective ways to build trust and credibility.
Here’s why your approach works:
People value authenticity: When you focus on helping others rather than selling to them, you position yourself as a trusted advisor rather than just another vendor.
Content builds relationships: By sharing valuable insights, you attract people who see the value in your expertise and are more likely to reach out when they need help.
Trust takes time: Building a reputation as a thought leader requires patience, but it pays off in the form of high-quality connections and opportunities.
If you’re worried about missing opportunities, consider adding subtle calls to action in your posts (e.g., “If this resonates with you, feel free to reach out!”). This keeps the door open without being pushy.
4. How to Navigate LinkedIn for Human Connection and Business Growth
If you’re looking to connect with like-minded peers while offering your services in a way that feels authentic, here are some practical tips:
a. Be Clear About Your Intentions
Before you start connecting with people, ask yourself:
What kind of relationships am I looking to build?
How can I add value to my network?
What do I want to be known for?
Clarity in your intentions will guide your content, conversations, and networking efforts.
b. Share Valuable, Relatable Content
Your content is your voice on LinkedIn. Use it to:
Share insights from your industry or niche.
Tell stories that highlight your values and experiences.
Offer practical advice that solves real problems for your audience.
Remember, the goal is to educate, inspire, or entertain—not to sell.
c. Engage Authentically
Engagement is the lifeblood of LinkedIn. To build real connections:
Comment thoughtfully on posts that resonate with you.
Join conversations in groups or hashtags relevant to your industry.
Celebrate others’ successes and milestones.
The more you engage, the more visible and approachable you become.
d. Use Subtle Calls to Action
While you don’t want to bombard people with sales messages, it’s okay to let them know how they can work with you. For example:
End your posts with, “If you’d like to learn more about this, feel free to reach out!”
Add a line to your profile summary inviting people to connect for specific reasons (e.g., “I love discussing leadership strategies—let’s connect!”).
e. Build Relationships Before Selling
If you want to offer your services, start by building a relationship. Get to know the person, understand their challenges, and look for ways to help them (even if it’s not through your services). When the time is right, they’ll be more open to hearing your pitch.
5. The Bottom Line: Connection First, Business Second
LinkedIn is a tool, and like any tool, its value depends on how you use it. If you approach it as a space to build genuine connections, share valuable insights, and engage authentically, you’ll find that opportunities will come naturally—without the need for pushy sales tactics.
So, what’s your LinkedIn strategy? Are you focusing on connection, or are you falling into the trap of constant promotion? If you’re ready to build a network that aligns with your values and goals, start by showing up as your authentic self.
💬 Let’s start a conversation: What’s your biggest challenge when it comes to using LinkedIn? Share your thoughts in the comments or reach out—I’d love to connect!