"Noble Studios, 87 connections changed jobs in 2010. Did you reconnect?"

If you are on LinkedIn, you recently received an email indicating the number of connections in your network who changed jobs in 2010. This is your green light! Now, you have a reason to follow up and wish them luck in their new position without “selling” them. 

In addition to congratulating them on their new position, your email from your LinkedIn account should include:

1. Start the email off with something personal or refer to your last meeting. Show them you care about more than their business. Remember, people like doing business with people they like.
2. If they changed companies, ask them about the company and what kind of referrals they are interested in. This makes your connection appear selfless and positions you as a referral source.
3. Ask them what their new responsibilities are and if there is anything you can do to make their job easier.
4. Invite them to an event but make sure it is an event beneficial to their profession.
5. Send them an interesting article related to their industry. You are doing their homework for them and providing them with relevant selfless content.
6. Keep your message brief and the lines of communication open. Do not try to sell them anything. Right now, you are simply asking them to remember you and the name of your business. You want them to see you as a referral source, networker and leader. 

If you have a LinkedIn profile but you aren’t using it to its fullest potential, it is time to start connecting and building your personal brand as well as your company’s. The best ways to engage are through connections, direct messages, groups, status updates and following company pages. Following company pages will also give you talking points for future communications.