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According to an in-depth research analysis of social media usage during COVID-19, social media usage is skyrocketing.
As of July 2020, more than half of the world’s population uses social media. This is a whopping 10% increase over last year’s numbers.
LinkedIn’s global user base grew by more than 25 million over the past 3 months alone.
What does this mean for you? It means that now is the time to double down on your LinkedIn networking efforts.
At Find My Profession, we work with professionals and business owners every day to help optimize their LinkedIn profiles. Since COVID-19 began, we’ve seen the highest number of responses to LinkedIn networking messages. This means more professional connections and networking opportunities than ever before.
1. LinkedIn is the Largest (and Growing) Business Network
LinkedIn is the leading business social media network. You can use LinkedIn to gain new business, network with key decision-makers, and start conversations that otherwise would not have happened.
Right now, there have never been more professionals working from home. Without their bosses looking over their shoulders, more people will inevitably be checking their social media accounts.
2. Increased Time Spent on Devices
Over 70% of internet users aged 16 to 64 have reported spending more time on their smartphones or mobile phones due to COVID-19. The same survey reported more than 47% of laptop computer users and 33% of PC or desktop computer users are spending more time on these devices due to COVID-19.
With so much online activity, there has never been a better time to network on LinkedIn. There’s no saying what will happen in months to come. So, take this opportunity to find your target audience where they are now - social media.
3. People Are Looking for Things to Do
Some jobs have slowed down due to COVID-19. There are people out there who are looking for things to do and ways to stay productive. In this downtime, companies are shopping for new vendors, strategizing their corporate initiatives, and planning for the future.
Taking the time to network with business professionals on LinkedIn can plant the seed for future initiatives. The connections you make today can grow to become extremely valuable tomorrow.
4. LinkedIn Networking is About the Long Game
The best things in life take time to achieve. The best cheese and wine on the market has had time to age and mature. The same is true for the connections you make on LinkedIn. Networking on LinkedIn isn’t just about the immediate results you will have. It’s about the long game.
By building up your network now, when people are most likely to be active on LinkedIn, you will have a huge list of contacts when the time is right. Not every company has budgeted for new initiatives right now, but they will eventually. By increasing your LinkedIn network now and asking for nothing, you will have a great opportunity in the future to call on your new connections.
5. There’s a Whole Lot to Talk
As this global pandemic progresses, there’s an increasing amount that we have in common with our global neighbors. We now, more than ever before, have something in common with nearly every person in the world. We can sympathize and relate to individuals in different cities, states, and even countries.
Whether you like it or not, COVID-19 has brought the world closer together. Use this time as an opportunity to connect with others. Send them your best wishes. Tell them you hope that they are staying well during these unorthodox times. Show your sympathy while building your LinkedIn network and you will build lasting relationships.
Mike Podesto is the CEO of Find My Profession, a resume writing and career coaching company. Founded in 2015, Find My Profession provides elite, personalized, and highly effective career services for professionals and executives.