The Data Point #7: Leverage Community to Accelerate Growth

Utilizing community for your data career is like a superpower.

Whether you’re searching for a job, trying to advance to the next step in your career, upskilling, or just looking for people to relate to, community has much to offer.

The data community especially has a thriving online presence, specifically on LinkedIn. Getting involved can do wonders for your career if you have relationships.

However, the hard part is building quality connections and inserting yourself into the community. With tens, if not hundreds of thousands of data people swimming in the great sea of LinkedIn, it can feel intimidating. How do you stand out?

It depends on your end goal, but let’s talk about some strategies for building quality connections.

The order here is important!

1| Engagement

Pick 5-15 content creators whose content you really enjoy and comment on their posts regularly. But don’t stop there, reply to other people’s comments too.

This is the ultimate icebreaker.

When you do this, you’ll start to find that you run into the same people in the comment thread. Engaging with their comments is an informal way of interacting with them and getting to know them. The same is true for the creator whose post you’re commenting on. They’ll begin to recognize you too.

2| Connecting

After you’ve had some consistent engagement with people in the comment threads of posts, consider taking the relationship to the next level.

This is why the icebreaker we just mentioned is so important.

Generally, people will be much more willing to accept a connection invite if they recognize you.

You two will have already interacted in the past via comments so formally connecting on LinkedIn will feel much more natural here. Certainly better than seeing a connection request from a total stranger whom you don’t recognize.

3| Messaging

Either after you’ve connected, or with the connection request, send a thoughtful DM.

The keyword here is thoughtful.

I can’t tell you how many DM’s I’ve received that are either rude, pushy or just plain awkward.

When you send a DM, don’t ask people for a job, to review your resume, or for step-by-step advice on how to do XYZ.

It’s way too much, way too soon.

Instead, keep these things in mind:

• Be outward-focused - think about how you can lift them up. Compliment them or explain how something they said impacted you.

• Don’t ask for anything - at least, not in the initial message. You just met this person so don’t expect them to give their time to someone they still don’t know too well.

• Keep it brief - don’t send them a 5-paragraph essay. They probably won’t read it. Just keep it short and sweet with a few sentences.

Remember, you’re still getting to know the person with a formal connection so take it slow.

That brings me to my last point.

4| Play the long game

When it comes to building quality connections, give it time.

I would much rather have a handful of solid relationships that I spent months building rather than dozens of “connections” with people who don’t even talk to me. If you play the long game and are patient, you’ll find that you have a community around you of people who care, want you to succeed, and are willing to help.

This method sounds simple, and it takes time, but it is proven.

This is the approach I take even now, but that I also took when I was brand new to LinkedIn.

In a year’s time, I’ve made legitimate friends on LinkedIn in my field, who I don’t just DM, but also text and call.

The long game takes patience, but you’ll develop connections that will last a lifetime and become REAL assets to your career.

That’s it for this week friends.

See you next time ✌️

Whenever you’re ready, there are 2 ways I can help you:

1. If you’re looking to create a data portfolio but aren’t sure where to start, I’d recommend this ebook:

   1. The Data Portfolio Guidebook: Learn how to think like an analyst, develop a portfolio and LinkedIn profile, and tackle the job hunt. Join 400+ learners here.

2. For help navigating the data job hunt, consider booking a 1:1 career call with me.

   1. Schedule a time here.