Connect with Leaders on LinkedIn by Showcasing Their Work

By Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter

 

LinkedIn has become more than just a networking platform; it’s a space where professionals showcase expertise, share stories, and engage in meaningful conversations. If you’re looking to connect with leaders—especially those who might be hiring—you need to move beyond sending a connection request or an InMail. Two powerful yet often overlooked strategies are creating posts inspired by their work and featuring them in your own content. Let’s dive into how these tactics can help you stand out and build authentic relationships.

1. Create a Post Inspired by Their Work

Engaging directly with a leader’s work by creating a post inspired by it is an impactful way to catch their attention and demonstrate your thoughtfulness. Leaders are often looking for fresh perspectives, and when you highlight how their insights resonate with you, you’re not just another name in their inbox—you’re someone who values and builds upon their ideas.

How to Do It Right:

1. Follow Their Content Regularly: Stay updated with the articles, posts, or comments they share. Take note of recurring themes or ideas they are passionate about.
2. Find an Overlap with Your Expertise: Identify a topic where their ideas align with your knowledge or experiences. This makes your post more authentic and relevant.
3. Write a Post That Adds Value:
   • Start your post by referencing their work. For example:
     

     “I recently came across a post by [Leader’s Name] about [Topic], and it really resonated with me. As someone who works in [Industry], I’ve seen how [specific point from their work] plays out in real-life situations.”

   • Share your perspective, insights, or experiences to expand on their idea.
   • End with a question or invitation for others to discuss the topic. This creates engagement and encourages the leader to respond.
4. Tag Them: When you publish the post, tag the leader to give credit and ensure they see it. Avoid over-tagging or appearing overly promotional—keep it professional and focused on their contribution.

Why It Works:

This approach shows that you’ve taken the time to understand their work and think critically about it. Leaders appreciate when their ideas spark conversations, and by engaging in this way, you’re demonstrating your expertise and interest without directly asking for anything.

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2. Feature Them in Your Own Content

Another powerful way to connect with leaders is by featuring them in your content. Whether it’s a LinkedIn post, a poll, or even a blog, showcasing their insights or achievements positions you as someone who values the contributions of others and actively engages with industry leaders.

Ways to Feature Leaders in Your Content:

1. Highlight a Key Insight or Quote:
   • Review the articles, interviews, or posts they’ve published and pull out a standout quote or takeaway.
   • Use it as a jumping-off point for your own analysis or perspective. For example:
     

     “In a recent post, [Leader’s Name] shared, ‘[Insert Quote],’ and it got me thinking about how this applies to [specific challenge or industry trend]. Here’s my take…”

   • This not only recognizes their expertise but also positions you as someone who values thought leadership.
2. Create a LinkedIn Poll or Survey:
   • Craft a poll around a topic they’ve discussed. For example, if they’ve written about leadership styles, create a poll asking your network, “What leadership style resonates most with you?”
   • In the poll description, mention the leader and include a link to their content for context.
3. Write a “Lessons Learned” Post:
   • Share a post about key lessons you’ve learned from their work. For example:
     

     “After following [Leader’s Name] for a while, I’ve learned three important lessons about [Topic]. Here’s how these lessons have shaped my approach to [specific task or role].”

4. Host a Mini-Case Study or Analysis:
   • If they’ve shared an industry insight or solved a specific problem, write a short analysis on the impact of their work. For instance:
     

     “[Leader’s Name] recently shared an innovative solution to [problem]. Here’s why I think this approach could transform [industry].”

Best Practices for Featuring Leaders:

• Be Accurate and Professional: Ensure you represent their ideas or work accurately. Misinterpreting or oversimplifying can do more harm than good.
• Keep the Spotlight on Them: While it’s great to share your perspective, the focus should remain on their contributions.
• Tag and Engage: Always tag the leader and engage with any comments they or others leave on your post. This can open the door to meaningful conversations.

Why It Works:

Leaders enjoy being recognized for their work, and when you showcase their contributions, it not only validates their efforts but also fosters goodwill. Featuring them in your content demonstrates initiative, thoughtfulness, and a genuine interest in their expertise—qualities that can set you apart from the crowd.

Final Thoughts

Connecting with leaders on LinkedIn doesn’t always require a direct message. By creating thoughtful posts inspired by their work or featuring them in your content, you’re building a foundation for meaningful engagement. These strategies not only help you stand out but also allow you to demonstrate your own expertise while adding value to the LinkedIn community.

Next time you want to connect with a leader, take the creative route. Instead of asking, “Can we connect?” show them why they’d want to connect with you.

Ⓒ The Big Game Hunter, Inc., Asheville, NC 2025  

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