Start Where You Are and How to Leverage Low-Hanging Fruit in Your Network to Drive Leads and Business
- Brainz Magazine
- Apr 11
- 3 min read
Tati Rainer is an Interview Coach and LinkedIn Profile Expert with over 25 years of corporate experience. She empowers professionals globally to excel in interviews and optimize their LinkedIn profiles to attract career and business opportunities.
You don’t need thousands of followers or a viral post to start generating leads. What you do need is a new perspective on the network you already have. When I coach professionals and entrepreneurs on how to use LinkedIn to grow their careers or businesses, one of the first things I say is: start with your low-hanging fruit. These are the people who already know, like, and trust you or are just one genuine conversation away from it.
Let’s talk about how to identify, activate, and nurture those connections to create real opportunities.
1. Reframe your existing network
We often think growth comes from more followers, more cold outreach, more visibility. But growth often starts by going deeper, not wider.
Your low-hanging fruit includes:
Former colleagues who loved working with you
Happy clients who have already experienced your value
Silent supporters who like your posts but never comment
Warm referrals from people who trust you
Friends and family who can connect you to the right person
Start by revisiting your LinkedIn connections. Filter by past companies, cities, industries, or keywords. You’ll be surprised how many great contacts are already there, quiet but accessible.
2. Reconnect with intention
You don’t need to show up “selling.” Just show up as someone who cares.
Send a simple message like:
“Hey [Name], I saw your update. Congratulations! I’d love to hear how things are going. Want to catch up over a virtual coffee?”
Or:
“You popped into my mind the other day. Just wanted to say hi and see how things are going on your end.”
Small check-ins like these can spark big conversations.
3. Show up with value (not just offers)
One of the best ways to activate your network is to start sharing value. You don’t need a perfect content strategy; just be helpful and human.
Post about:
A recent challenge you helped a client solve
A behind-the-scenes look at how you work
Practical tips from your area of expertise
Your own story and lessons learned
And yes, talk about your offer. Be clear about how you help people. The more visible and consistent you are, the more people will remember you when the right opportunity comes up.
4. Invite conversations, not sales
The goal here isn’t to pitch. It’s to connect.
Try a light and open CTA like:
“If this resonates with you, let’s chat. No pressure. I’d love to learn more about what you’re working on.”
Or:
“I have a few spots this month for 1:1 calls. If you’re curious how I can support you, just send me a message.”
When you lead with authenticity, people feel it. And that’s what opens doors.
Start now with what you have
Sometimes, we get so focused on what’s missing that we overlook the opportunities sitting right in front of us.
That former client, that old teammate, that quiet cheerleader in your DMs they might be your next referral, partner, or client. But they won’t know unless you show up.
So stop waiting. Start reaching out. Start posting. Start asking.
Your next opportunity might already be in your network, just one conversation away.
Read more from Tati Rainer
Tati Rainer, LinkedIn Specialist, Sales Navigator Trainer & Interview Coach
Tati Rainer is a renowned Interview Coach and LinkedIn Profile Expert, with over 25 years of experience helping professionals elevate their careers. After mastering the art of excelling in interviews and optimizing LinkedIn profiles, she now empowers individuals globally to position themselves as leaders in their industries. Tati's expertise has helped countless clients secure dream jobs, build powerful personal brands, and create impactful online presences. As a Brainz Magazine contributor, Tati shares actionable insights on career development and leadership.
