The Random Networker's Dilemma
Alex had been "active" on LinkedIn for a year. He commented on posts, sent connection requests, liked updates, and occasionally messaged people. But when I asked him if any of that activity had led to real opportunities—calls, collaborations, clients, or jobs—he paused.
"Not really," he admitted. "I'm doing all the right things, but nothing's happening."
Here's the problem: Alex was networking randomly, not strategically. He was stuck in what I call "activity without progression." He was engaging, but he wasn't moving people through a LinkedIn networking funnel—the intentional path from stranger to collaborator.
Once he understood the funnel, everything changed. Within three months, Alex turned LinkedIn connections into three paid consulting gigs and a speaking opportunity. Not because he worked harder—but because he worked smarter.
This guide will show you how to build and use your own networking funnel so every interaction has purpose and momentum.
What Is a LinkedIn Networking Funnel?
A networking funnel is a strategic framework that moves people from awareness (they know you exist) to opportunity (they want to work with you). It's not about mass outreach—it's about intentional progression.
Here's what the funnel looks like:
- Awareness: They see your name/profile for the first time
- Recognition: They see you repeatedly through comments, posts, or engagement
- Conversation: You move from public interactions to private DMs
- Connection: You have a call, meeting, or deeper exchange
- Collaboration: You work together, refer each other, or create opportunities
Most people stop at stage 1 or 2. They get stuck in "engagement limbo," where they're visible but never convert visibility into relationships. The funnel gives you a roadmap for moving people forward—intentionally.
The Difference Between Activity and Progression
Activity: Commenting on 10 posts per day without any follow-up
Progression: Commenting on posts, then transitioning warm engagers to DMs
Activity: Sending 50 connection requests to strangers
Progression: Connecting with people after engaging with their content, then starting a conversation
Activity: Posting content and hoping someone reaches out
Progression: Posting content, noticing who engages, and following up with those people directly
See the difference? The funnel turns activity into relationships. And relationships create opportunities. This builds on the principle of consistent, strategic networking over random activity.
Stage 1: Awareness—Getting on Their Radar
At this stage, your goal is simple: make people aware you exist. This is where most networking begins, and it's the foundation of your funnel.
How to Build Awareness
- Comment on their posts: Leave thoughtful, value-adding comments on content from people you want to connect with
- Engage with their network: Comment on posts they engage with—you'll show up in their notifications
- Send personalized connection requests: Reference something specific about their work or content
- Post your own content: Share insights, stories, or lessons that attract your ideal network
Goal for this stage: Get your name and face in front of 10–20 people you'd like to build relationships with. Don't worry about replies yet—just establish presence.
Stage 2: Recognition—Becoming Familiar
Awareness is a one-time impression. Recognition is repeated exposure. This is where consistency becomes your superpower.
How to Build Recognition
- Show up repeatedly: Comment on their posts every week (not every day—that's too much)
- Be memorable: Leave comments that are specific, insightful, or add a unique perspective
- Engage beyond likes: Reactions are fine, but comments build recognition faster
- Stay consistent: Don't engage once and disappear. Show up regularly so they start to recognize your name
Timeline: It takes 4–6 touchpoints for someone to recognize you as a familiar presence. Think of this as "warming up" the relationship. The micro-interactions you build during this stage create familiarity and trust.
The Recognition Test
You'll know you've reached this stage when:
- They start liking or replying to your comments
- They engage with your posts or profile
- They mention your name in replies or conversations
Once you see these signals, you're ready to move to the next stage.
Stage 3: Conversation—Moving to Private Dialogue
This is where most people hesitate—and where most opportunities are lost. Public engagement is great, but real relationships happen in private conversations.
How to Start Private Conversations
The key is to make the transition feel natural, not forced. Here's how:
Trigger 1: They Reply to Your Comment
If someone replies thoughtfully to your comment, that's a warm signal. Wait 1–2 days, then send a DM like this:
"Hey [Name], really enjoyed our thread on [topic]. I thought of [resource/idea/example] that relates to what you were saying. Figured you might find it useful. Would also love to hear more about your experience with [related topic] if you're open to chatting sometime!"
Trigger 2: They Engage with Your Content
If someone comments on your post or shares it, follow up:
"Hey [Name], thanks for the comment on my post about [topic]! Your take on [specific point] was really insightful. Have you written or posted about that? I'd love to read more."
Trigger 3: Shared Interests or Experiences
If you notice a shared interest, industry, or challenge, use it as a conversation starter:
"Hi [Name], I saw your post about [topic] and realized we're both navigating [shared challenge]. I'd love to compare notes if you're ever up for a quick chat. No agenda—just always good to connect with people in the same boat."
Pro tip: Reference the public interaction so your DM doesn't feel out of the blue. Context makes everything warmer. Learn more about this in our guide on turning comments into conversations.
Stage 4: Connection—Taking It Off LinkedIn
Once you've exchanged a few DMs and built rapport, it's time to deepen the relationship. This usually means a call, video chat, or in-person meeting.
How to Suggest a Call (Without Being Pushy)
Keep it casual, specific, and low-pressure:
"Hey [Name], I've really enjoyed our conversations about [topic]. Would you be open to a quick 20-minute call sometime? I'd love to hear more about [their work/project] and share what I'm working on. Let me know if that sounds good—totally flexible on timing!"
Why it works:
- You set a time limit (20 minutes = low commitment)
- You show genuine interest in their work (not just yours)
- You're flexible and non-demanding
Most people say yes to this kind of invitation because it feels like a conversation, not a sales pitch.
What to Discuss on the Call
This isn't a pitch meeting—it's a relationship-building conversation. Focus on:
- Learning about their work, challenges, and goals
- Sharing your own experiences and insights
- Finding areas of overlap or mutual interest
- Exploring ways you might collaborate or support each other
End the call by staying in touch: "This was great—let's definitely keep the conversation going."
Stage 5: Collaboration—Creating Real Opportunities
This is the final stage of the funnel: turning a connection into a real, tangible opportunity. Collaboration can take many forms:
- Working together on a project
- Referring clients or opportunities to each other
- Co-creating content (podcasts, webinars, articles)
- Hiring each other for freelance or consulting work
- Making strategic introductions
Not every relationship will reach this stage—and that's okay. But the ones that do are where LinkedIn becomes genuinely valuable.
How to Initiate Collaboration
Once you've built trust, collaboration often happens naturally. But you can also be proactive:
"Hey [Name], I've been thinking about [idea/project] and thought you'd be a great fit to [collaborate/contribute/partner]. No pressure, but if you're interested, I'd love to explore it together."
Or, more casually:
"Hey [Name], if you ever need [specific help/skill you offer], I'd be happy to support. And same goes the other way—let me know if there's anything I can do to help you!"
Collaboration is built on reciprocity. When you offer value first, opportunities follow. This aligns with the principles in building digital rapport and moving from stranger to supporter.
Putting It All Together: Your Weekly Funnel Routine
Here's how to work the networking funnel every week:
Monday: Build Awareness
- Identify 5–10 new people to connect with
- Send personalized connection requests
- Comment on 3–5 posts from people in your target network
Wednesday: Build Recognition
- Engage with people you've already connected with (comments, replies)
- Post your own content to stay visible
Friday: Start Conversations
- Review who engaged with you this week
- Send 2–3 thoughtful DMs to people who replied to your comments or engaged with your posts
Ongoing: Deepen Connections
- Schedule calls with people you've built rapport with
- Follow up after calls to keep momentum
- Look for collaboration opportunities
This routine takes 30–45 minutes per week. That's all you need to build a networking funnel that turns LinkedIn activity into real opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to move someone through the funnel?
It varies, but most people move from awareness to conversation in 4–6 weeks with consistent engagement. From conversation to collaboration can take 2–6 months, depending on timing and fit.
What if someone doesn't respond to my DM or call request?
Don't take it personally. People are busy, and not every connection will progress. Follow up once after 1–2 weeks, then focus your energy on people who do engage back.
Do I need to move everyone through the full funnel?
No! Not every connection needs to become a collaboration. Some relationships stay at the recognition or conversation stage—and that's perfectly fine. Focus on deepening the relationships that feel most aligned.
Can I use this funnel if I'm not posting content?
Absolutely. The funnel works even if you focus solely on engagement (comments, DMs). Posting helps with awareness, but it's not required. You can build a strong network through thoughtful engagement alone.
Next step: Take control of your LinkedIn relationships — Try ANDI Free.
