Whether you do it online on platforms such as LinkedIn or at in-person events, networking is an important part of business and personal development.
When you’re spending time building relationships with people and businesses, it can be hard to keep track of thoughtful details that can be valuable as you build rapport with someone. Little things such as remembering which event you met, how to pronounce someone’s name correctly, and birthdays can make a difference.
In this article, we will explore the importance of notetaking and provide you with practical tips on how to take notes that you can share with your team using folk.
The role of personal notes in networking on LinkedIn
While LinkedIn provides a convenient way to connect with people, it can be easy to lose track of who's who and what conversations you've had.
This is where personal notes come in. Taking the time to jot down key points about your interactions with contacts can help you build stronger connections. On top of that, you can use these details to write a strong follow-up message so that you can leave them with a good impression.
Imagine attending a networking event where you meet dozens of professionals in your industry. You exchange business cards, have brief conversations, and promise to connect on LinkedIn. However, as the days go by, you struggle to recall the specifics of each interaction. Did you discuss a potential collaboration opportunity with that one person? Did you mention a shared interest with another? These details can easily slip through the cracks without personal notes, leaving you with a generic and mediocre message when it is finally time to follow up.
Currently, there isn't a way to add personal notes on LinkedIn directly without using a third party tool. But with folk, you can have everything on one CRM platform – including notes on each contact from LinkedIn. This way, you can work more collaboratively with your team without the fuss of using multiple platforms. Before we walk you through how you can make the most of our note taking feature, follow these easy steps to export your LinkedIn contacts into folk in moments.
How to use folk to take notes collaboratively with your team
Unless you’re using LinkedIn Sales Navigator, you won’t be able to take notes on your LinkedIn contacts directly on that platform. Fortunately, with folk, you’ll be able to take notes on interactions and set up alerts so that you know exactly when to follow up with someone.
In folk, you can create specific notes that you can pin to individual contacts or companies. This way, you can use them to remember when to follow up after a call, keep personal notes and assign someone on your team who can follow up with them.
You can easily configure who can access your notes. Ultimately, this depends on whether you’re in a private group or a shared group:
- If you're in a private group, the notes you add to your contacts will be private and only visible to you.
- If you're in a shared group, notes you add to your contacts will be shared with other members of that specific group.
Best Practices for Taking Notes on LinkedIn Contacts
Now that you know the importance of personal notes and how to set up your LinkedIn account for note-taking by using folk, let's dive into some best practices for writing effective personal notes.
When it comes to writing personal notes on LinkedIn, there are a few key elements to keep in mind. These elements will not only help you remember past conversations and interactions with your contacts but also enable you to build stronger professional relationships.
What to Include in Your Notes
When writing personal notes on LinkedIn, it's essential to include relevant details that will help you remember past conversations and interactions with your contacts. This goes beyond just jotting down their name and the date of your conversation. Instead, focus on capturing the essence of your discussion and any important takeaways.
One effective strategy is to include information about their professional goals. By understanding what your contact is striving to achieve, you can tailor your future interactions to align with their objectives. Additionally, noting recent accomplishments can help you celebrate their successes and show genuine interest in their career progression.
Furthermore, it's helpful to jot down any challenges they're facing. This allows you to offer support or resources in the future, demonstrating your willingness to assist and adding value to your professional relationship.
Lastly, don't forget to include any personal anecdotes they shared with you. These little details can help you establish a more personal connection and make your notes more memorable.
Maintaining Professionalism in Your Notes
While personal notes allow for a more personalized approach, it's crucial to maintain professionalism throughout. Remember, LinkedIn is a professional platform, and your notes should reflect that.
Avoid including any sensitive or confidential information in your notes. It's important to respect boundaries and ensure that your notes are appropriate for the professional context. Stick to capturing details that will help you strengthen your professional relationships.
One way to maintain professionalism is by focusing on the impact of your contact's achievements rather than delving into personal matters. This allows you to acknowledge their accomplishments while keeping the conversation centered on their professional growth.
Additionally, make sure your notes are concise and well-structured. A cluttered or disorganized note may be difficult to read and comprehend, diminishing the effectiveness of your message. This way your teammates will be able to understand exactly how to follow up with someone.
Lastly, always proofread your notes before sending or referring back to them. Spelling or grammatical errors can undermine your professionalism and attention to detail.
Privacy and Confidentiality
As you write personal notes, it's crucial to understand the privacy policies and ensure that your notes remain confidential. It's always important to be mindful of what you're sharing and with whom. Avoid including sensitive or confidential information in your personal notes, as the platform is designed for professional networking.
Regularly Updating and Reviewing Your Notes
Make it a habit to regularly review and update your personal notes on LinkedIn. Relationships evolve over time, and it's essential to stay current with the latest developments. Set aside dedicated time to review your notes, make any necessary edits, and add new information that you've gathered from your interactions with contacts.
Conclusion
The little details you remember about someone can make a huge difference in building and maintaining professional relationships.
By understanding the importance of these notes, how to take effective ones, and following best practices you can make the most of your networking efforts.
Remember to organize your notes by using folk’s CRM so that you can have everything in one place that your team can access easily. Make sure to review and update them regularly, and keep them confidential. With these strategies in place, you'll be well-equipped to nurture meaningful connections.