EP #050: The CEO’s Guide to Building a Powerful LinkedIn Network

Most CEOs treat LinkedIn as a broadcast channel—posting content and hoping for engagement.

But here’s the truth: Your network is your biggest asset.

The right connections can lead to new clients, partnerships, media opportunities, and hiring top talent.

Yet, most CEOs make two critical mistakes when building their LinkedIn network:
❌ They passively wait for inbound connection requests.
❌ They send generic, salesy invites that get ignored.

Today, I’ll show you a better way to build a powerful LinkedIn network—without sounding transactional.

The Daily 5-Minute Habit That Grows Your Network on Autopilot

Most people think networking requires hours of outreach.

But here’s the simple system I recommend to CEOs:

📌 Step 1: Check LinkedIn daily (5 minutes max).
📌 Step 2: Send 3-5 targeted connection requests.
📌 Step 3: Personalize each invite (without overcomplicating it).
📌 Step 4: Engage with your network by commenting on their posts.

That’s it.

🚀 Results: Over time, this habit compounds—leading to a stronger, engaged network full of decision-makers and industry leaders.

How to Connect with Decision-Makers (Without Sounding Salesy)

Most connection requests fail because they feel cold and transactional.

💡 Here’s what NOT to do:
❌ “Hey [Name], I’d love to connect and learn about your business.”
❌ “Let’s connect! I help CEOs scale their revenue by 10x.”
❌ “Hi [Name], do you have 15 minutes for a quick call?”

🚫 These messages scream sales pitch—and get ignored.

Instead, use a warm, value-driven approach:
✅ Comment First: Engage with their content before connecting.
✅ Reference Common Ground: Mention a shared connection, event, or industry.
✅ Keep It Casual: Aim for rapport, not a pitch.

📌 Example Messages That Work:

👥 Same Industry Approach:
“Hey [Name], I’ve been following your insights on [topic]. Your last post on [specific point] really resonated. Would love to connect!”

🎤 Podcast/Event Approach:
“Hey [Name], I heard you on [podcast/event] and loved your take on [insight]. Would love to connect and stay in touch!”

📝 Mutual Connection Approach:
“Hey [Name], we both know [mutual contact]. They spoke highly of your work at [company]. Would love to connect!”

🚀 Results: This approach builds trust first—leading to higher acceptance rates and stronger relationships over time.

Why Your Network is Your Biggest Asset (and How to Leverage It)

A well-built LinkedIn network isn’t just about collecting connections.

It’s about leveraging relationships strategically.

💡 Here’s how to make your network work for you:

✅ Engage Weekly: Leave thoughtful comments on posts from key people in your industry.
✅ Ask for Introductions: Don’t cold-message decision-makers—get warm intros from mutual connections.
✅ Give First, Ask Later: Share insights, offer value, and be generous before making an ask.

Your network is your net worth—but only if you engage consistently and authentically.

Final Thoughts: Relationships > Reach

Most CEOs chase likes, followers, and vanity metrics.

But what actually moves the needle?

🔑 A high-quality network of engaged, influential connections.

Build it daily. Nurture it consistently. And the opportunities will come.

PS: Know a CEO who should be sharing their knowledge on LinkedIn? Send them this newsletter!

PPS: Are you a CEO who needs support sharing your insights on LinkedIn? That’s what we do for a living… let me know if we can help.

PPPS: Want to go deeper? Check out my CEO’s Guide to LinkedIn. This 83-page PDF contains everything I know about LinkedIn… and it’s 100% free.

— Justin

Justin M. Nassiri | Founder & CEO
M: 650.353.1138 | E: [email protected]
250 Fillmore St Suite 150, Denver, CO 80206
www.ExecutivePresence.io

Executive Presence specializes in helping top-tier executives boost their visibility, activate their network, and position themselves as thought leaders via our premium, fully-managed LinkedIn service.

Our unique process involves ex-McKinsey, BCG, and Bain consultants conducting monthly hour-long interviews with our clients, and turning them into impactful daily LinkedIn posts to establish their unique voice and authority. On average, our clients see a 500% bump in engagement in their first 30 days with us. Data is continuously analyzed to improve engagement and identify impactful messaging that you can use for conferences, podcasts, and internal communications.