How to Influence People on LinkedIn

Last week, we looked at the 6 steps to Win Friends on LinkedIn.

Now here are the 10 time-tested principles on how to Influence People from the all-time best selling “self-help” book: How to Win Friends and Influence People


1. The Only Way To Get The Best Of An Argument Is To Avoid It

Leave the arguments on Facebook.

On LinkedIn, you’ll build your influence with insights.

Yes, it’s ok to take a contrarian view in your posts and comments.

But back it up.

Share your reasons why you disagree with a common belief.

Never, ever attack someone’s character.

They’re a sign of weak thinking and they never work in winning people to your side.


2. Show Respect For The Other Person’s Opinion.
Never Say, “You’re Wrong.”

Follow Abraham Lincoln’s wisdom.

Lincoln wrote a scathing letter to General Meade, blasting his failure to attack General Lee in the days following the Battle of Gettysburg.

He expressed how wrote General Meade was in failing to attack General Lee who was trapped in his retreat from crossing the Potomac River.

Lincoln wrote the letter.

And never sent it.

If you strongly disagree with a post or a comment on LinkedIn, it’s best to write your comment…

And never click “Post”

3. If You Are Wrong Admit It Quickly And Emphatically

If you’re active posting and commenting on LinkedIn, chances are you don’t always get it right.

Or you made mistakes in the past.

Admit when you’re wrong.

Own your mistakes and failures.

Practice humility.

This is perhaps the most powerful ways to connect with people and win them to your way of thinking.

4. Begin In A Friendly Manner

Don’t be a jerk.

Always, always avoid pushing your agenda or need to make a sale.

Start with the other person’s interests first.

5. Get The Other Person Saying “Yes, Yes”

In your LinkedIn messages, make it easy for the person to say “Yes”.

Ask permission first.

“I wrote an article talking about how to pre-screen new hires and avoid costly Work Comp claims. Would you like me to send you the link?”

“It seems that you might find having a New Hire Pre-Screening process in your business would help you lower your work-related injuries and turn your Work Comp Program into a competitive advantage.

Does in make sense to schedule short call?”

6. Let The Other Person Do A Great Deal Of The Talking

Again, in your LinkedIn Direct Messages, keep your messages short.

Ask questions to qualify and get the other person to respond.

Get them talking to find out if they have a problem and determine if you can help them.

Drop your pitch.

7. Let The Other Person Feel That The Idea Is His Or Hers

Keep in mind: On LinkedIn most of your potential clients are Lurkers.

They never Like or comment on any of your posts.

However, if you’re consistently showing up in their Feed with valuable content, when they’re ready they’ll reach out to you.

Have the long-game mindset on LinkedIn.

Rather than chasing potential clients or strategic partners…

ATTRACT them.

Show up and build relationships.

8. Try Honestly To See Things From The Other Person’s Point Of View

Drop your agenda.

Open your mind to new ideas and different viewpoints.

Seek to first understand if you want to be understood.

Work on asking smart questions in comments and Direct Messages.

Check out Josh Braun’s posts , grab his Ditch The Pitch newsletter, or invest in his Badass B2B Growth Guide.

Josh consistently breaks down how to flip the script, get out of your own head, and in an honest way,

9. Be Sympathetic With The Other Person’s Ideas And Desires

Often times, other people have a different view of the future.

They have ideas that are at odds with our way of thinking and how things work.

Dig in and embrace these differences.

Many times, it takes asking a series of questions to get at the true seed of the other person’s idea or desire.

And it takes having the courage to ask the tough questions.

Asking the tough questions without upsetting or offending takes grace and tact.

And putting you ego aside.

10. Appeal To The Nobler Motives

Remember everyone has a deep craving to be appreciated, to feel important.

Affirm what is good in another’s post, what you find in reading a Profile, or a comment someone leaves.

Let your Connections and Followers know how valuable they are.

Affirm that people in your network matter.

Rise above the noise.

“Every man is entitled to be valued for his best moments.” -Emereson

Treat people as if they are already what they should be. Help make them what they should be.

You have greatness inside you.

Share it.

Leave a Comment