Think connecting with bestselling authors, industry experts, and thought leaders on LinkedIn is out of reach? We're here to tell you it's not only possible, it's something we do regularly.
In this episode, we're pulling back the curtain on the exact strategy we use to connect with influencers and micro-influencers in our space, including people like Andy Crestodina (author of Content Chemistry), Travis Bradberry (author of Emotional Intelligence 2.0), and Lee Salz (author of Sell Different).
Here's the truth most people miss: when you send a connection request to someone with a significant following, they're not just clicking "accept." They're vetting you. And if your profile doesn't pass the five-second test, your request gets ignored just like everyone else's.
We break down exactly what influencers look for before accepting a connection request, and more importantly, how you can position yourself as someone worth connecting with.
In This Episode, You'll Learn:
The reality check about how influencers vet connection requests before accepting
Why your LinkedIn profile is doing the heavy lifting (before you even say hello)
The four key elements every profile needs to establish instant credibility
Real examples of how we've connected with industry leaders and turned those connections into podcast collaborations
How to make your outreach genuine without coming across as salesy
The long game of building follower count, newsletter subscribers, and recommendations (and why these numbers actually matter)
What You Can Do Right Now:
Stop sending generic connection requests to people who matter. Start by fixing your LinkedIn profile so it does the work for you. Your background banner, headline, featured content, and social proof all play a role in whether someone accepts your request or scrolls right past it.
Consistency wins. You're not going to go from where you are now to 35,000 followers overnight, but showing up with valuable content, building your network, and growing your credibility will open doors you didn't think were possible.
Free Resource Mentioned in This Episode: LinkedIn Post Templates to Boost Engagement Want to start posting content that builds your credibility and attracts the right connections? Grab our free LinkedIn Post Templates here: 3 High-Impact LinkedIn Post Templates
👥 ABOUT THE TIME TO GROW: We help coaches, consultants, and service-based professionals build sustainable businesses through foundational strategies, personal branding, and LinkedIn lead generation. Our programs include Expert Foundations, Expert Content Society, and Expert Authority.
🔗 CONNECT WITH US: LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancyevans1/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottaaroncoach/
Website: The Time To Grow
📚 RESOURCES MENTIONED:
Content Chemistry by Andy Crestodina
Emotional Intelligence 2.0 by Travis Bradberry
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