Maximizing LinkedIn Engagement: 5 Levels to Build Lasting Professional Relationships

Imagine you're at a party, and you meet someone new. The first time, you might only catch their name and face, leaving a vague impression. But as you interact more, you start to build a deeper connection. You learn about their job, interests, and personality. If you meet them again in person, you'll likely remember even more details for years to come.This party scenario illustrates the five levels of relationships that can form on LinkedIn, according to an image by Prateek Sanjay. Just like in-person interactions, the depth of your LinkedIn connections depends on the level of engagement.At the first level, someone simply reads your post and finds it interesting, vaguely remembering your name or face. It's a fleeting impression, similar to catching someone's name at that party.The second level kicks in when they like or comment on your post. Now they're expressing gratitude and will likely remember your profile picture, much like recognizing a face from the party.If you take it to the third level by reaching out for a text conversation, you're getting to know each other personally. They'll remember your name, picture, and job title for a couple of years – the digital equivalent of exchanging basic background information.Level four involves a virtual meeting over Zoom with the camera on. Now they're picking up on your personality, voice, and facial expressions. Just like an in-depth conversation at the party, they'll remember key details about you for around five years.But the deepest connection happens at level five – an in-person meeting. By experiencing your body language and subconscious signals firsthand, the interaction becomes highly memorable. They'll likely remember significant things about you for over a decade, just as you'd recall someone you really clicked with at that party years later.The key takeaway? While digital platforms offer convenience, deeper personal interactions lead to stronger, longer-lasting impressions and connections. So if you want to truly stand out on LinkedIn, aim for those higher-level engagements.Of course, not every connection needs to hit level five. The appropriate level depends on your goals and relationship with each person. But by understanding this hierarchy, you can be more strategic about investing your time and effort into the right relationships.And as a low-code or non-technical entrepreneur, mastering these levels of LinkedIn engagement can be a game-changer. In today's digital world, your online presence and network are crucial assets. By building deeper connections through higher-level interactions, you'll make yourself far more memorable and impactful to potential partners, investors, or customers.So don't settle for vague, surface-level impressions. Take the time to nurture those relationships that truly matter, just as you would at any great networking event. With the right strategy and effort, you can turn those fleeting LinkedIn encounters into lasting, fruitful connections that propel your entrepreneurial journey forward.