LinkedIn LION (Open Network): What Is It and How to leverage it?

They're the top 1% of LinkedIn members who have been hand-picked by the LinkedIn team for their exemplary engagement and contributions to the platform.

If you're lucky enough to be a LinkedIn LION, you'll enjoy a number of benefits, including:

• A blue verified badge next to your name
• Exposure to LinkedIn's 500 million+ members
• Priority customer support
• Access to exclusive events and resources

And more!

So how do you become a LinkedIn LION? Well, it's not easy. But if you're active on LinkedIn, helpful to others, and add value to the conversation, you just might have a shot. So go out there and start engaging! You never know where it might take you.

In this blog post, we'll look at LinkedIn's most powerful feature: the LION. No, not the animal, but a savvy user of LinkedIn who is killing it with their networking skills. We're talking about the LinkedIn lion, a handy tool for finding the right people to connect with.

So what is LinkedIn LION, and how can you use it? Are you a LinkedIn Lion? You know, one of those users is killing it on the platform? If you're unsure, don't worry. Here's a quick checklist to see if you qualify.

Do you have more than 500 connections? Are at least 60% of your connections in the US? Do you post content at least once a week, with at least half the original content? If so, congratulations! You're a LinkedIn Lion and should be proud. But what does that mean for your business? Find out by reading on.

What Is A LinkedIn LION?

The acronym LION refers to a new programme that LinkedIn is rolling out that stands for LinkedIn Open Networker.

Users open to connecting with anyone on LinkedIn are known as LinkedIn LIONs, regardless of whether they have standard connections. They can send an unlimited number of InMails and connect with up to 30,000 other LinkedIn members.

A distinctive symbol on their profile can recognise LinkedIn LIONs. By extending their reach and making it simpler to connect with potential clients, collaborators, and business contacts, LinkedIn LIONs are intended to assist users in making the most of LinkedIn's network. Becoming a LinkedIn LION is an excellent start if you want to utilise LinkedIn to its fullest potential.

LinkedIn LIONs are LinkedIn members who have consciously decided to connect with anyone and everyone on LinkedIn. LinkedIn has over 500 million members, so if you're not connected to most of them, you're not taking advantage of LinkedIn to its fullest potential.

It's important to realise that when you become a LinkedIn LION, people will start seeing you as someone open to connecting, which can help increase your visibility and authority on LinkedIn. As a result, more people will likely want to communicate with you, which can help you grow your network even faster.

Being a LinkedIn LION also has some other benefits. For example, LinkedIn will prioritise your profile in search results, making it more likely that people will see and engage with your content. In addition, LinkedIn will also send you notifications when someone in your extended network has changed jobs or moved to a new company, which can be a valuable way to keep tabs on your industry and make new connections.

If you want to get the most out of LinkedIn, becoming a LinkedIn LION is a great start. By deciding to connect with as many people as possible, you can open yourself up to new opportunities and create valuable connections that can help you reach your goals.

The Significance Of Including A  LinkedIn LION In Your Network - The Three Degrees Of Connections

LinkedIn is the largest professional network, with over 610 million members in more than 200 countries and regions. It is a powerful platform with many features to offer its users, such as LinkedIn Connections.

LinkedIn Connections are essential because they allow you to expand your professional network by connecting with other LinkedIn users. LinkedIn Connections are also critical because they can help you find a job, learn about new opportunities, and connect with potential customers.

LinkedIn's three degrees of connections are a feature that allows you to connect with other LinkedIn users connected to your LinkedIn Connections. LinkedIn's three degrees of connections are a powerful tool that can help you expand your professional network and find new opportunities.

You may be aware that there are three levels of connections between LinkedIn users:

• First connections are those with whom you are immediately connected;
• Second connections are those with whom you are not directly connected but are related to you through your first connections, your connections' first-degree relationships.
• Third, connections are related in some way to your second-degree relationships.

This justification ought to make it clearer to you why it's crucial to have a LION in your network. You'll suddenly be able to connect with thousands of other individuals because one LION will make them your second or third-degree relationships.

LIONs can even help you go VIRAL. HOW?

If a LION remarks on your post, congratulations! Your post will appear in their connections' feeds, and you might get likes, comments, and requests from other LIONs.

A LinkedIn LION can be identified with their profile headlines as they use the word LION. All you have to do is just visit their profile and check the number of connections they have. LIONs have 20,000 to 30,000 connections.

The Pros And Cons Of LinkedIn Lion

LinkedIn's LION (Open to Network) badge has been controversial since it was first introduced. Some users see it as a way to signal that they're open to meeting new people and building their professional networks. Others see it as a bragging rights badge that does nothing to actually help users connect with one another. So, what's the truth?

Let’s take a detailed look at the pros and cons of LinkedIn's LION badge to help you make up your mind.

How Can A LinkedIn LION Help?

Some users of LinkedIn do see it as a positive development. So, let’s know the Pros of LinkedIn LION and see if it's something you should opt-in to.

The Pros of LinkedIn LION:

• You can make a lot of new connections. If you're looking to expand your professional network, LION is a great way to do it. With LION, you can connect with anyone, even if you don't have any mutual connections. This can be helpful if you're trying to connect with someone who works in a different field or who is located in another part of the world.
• One of the benefits of being a part of LinkedIn is that you can join groups and participate in events relevant to your industry. You can get access to exclusive groups and events. Some of these groups and events are only open to LION members, so if you're looking for an opportunity to network with some of the top professionals in your field, LION is worth considering.
• You can show potential employers that you're serious about networking. LinkedIn is a great way to connect with potential employers and show them your resume if you're job-hunting. When you list yourself as a LION member, you indicate that you're serious about networking and making connections. This can make you stand out from other candidates vying for the same position.
• You can receive endorsements from people outside your network. Endorsements are one of the most important parts of your LinkedIn profile because they provide social proof that you're good at what you do. When you're a LION member, you can receive endorsements from people outside your direct network, which can help further boost your credibility.
• You can learn more about other cultures and industries. One of the best things about being connected to people from all over the world is that you have the opportunity to learn about different cultures and industries. With LION, you can connect with anyone, no matter where they're located. This can help broaden your perspective and give you insights into how business is done in other parts of the world.

What Risks Does LinkedIn LION Pose to You?

Getting in connection with so many people you don’t know might put you at risk. So, with the positive things discussed above, let’s also see if it has certain disadvantages.

The Cons of LinkedIn Lion:  

• One of the biggest complaints about LinkedIn Lion is that it leads to an influx of requests from people whom users don't know. Lion may not be for you if you're not interested in connecting with every person who sends you a bid; LION may not be for you. You may be bombarded with requests from people you don't know. These requests can be annoying and time-consuming to deal with.
• One of the benefits of LinkedIn is that it is an excellent way to keep up with what is happening in your industry or field. However, if you're not careful, you may be inundated with too many email notifications to keep up with daily. You may be flooded with email notifications.
• Your information may be shared with too many people. Another concern about Lionis that it increases the chances of your information being shared with too many people without your knowledge or consent.
• You may be contacted by recruiters and salespeople more often. If you’re not looking for a job or new clients, the increased frequency of contacts from recruiters and salespeople can be frustrating.
• You may be added to groups without your knowledge or consent. One of LION’s biggest drawbacks is that it allows other users to take actions on your behalf without your knowledge or consent.

Conclusion To The Pros And Cons Aspect:

Overall, becoming a LinkedIn LION has both negative and positive aspects. It's important to consider how these aspects will affect your day-to-day use of LinkedIn before deciding whether or not it's right for you. LION may not be the best fit for you if you value privacy and control over who has access to your information. However, if you’re interested in expanding your network and learning more about other cultures and industries, it could be worthwhile to try LinkedIn LION.

Updated List Of LinkedIn LIONS Who Are Currently Active

With over 30,000 connections on LinkedIn, here is the list of TOP 5 LinkedIn LIONs who are active in 2022 and that can help you in growing your network.

• Ron Bates: With over 41,000+ connections on LinkedIn, Ron Bates is considered the most connected person on the platform. He is a career counsellor, so if you are a bit of executive seeking advice, then connecting to this person can help you.

• Shally Steckerl: Shally Steckerl has 28,000+ connections on LinkedIn. He was one of the well-known talent sourcing and recruiting pioneers in the early days of the Internet. He is the Godfather of Sourcing, one of the most popular LinkedIn influencers, and a must person to connect with.

• Gerald Haman: Gerald is known for his ability to help people grow with his innovative breakthrough solutions. With over 1,00,000 members, he is famous for the company he founded called ‘Solution People’. Better known as the ‘Solutionman’ on LinkedIn.

• Thomas Power: With over 33,000+ connections, this man is known for the best engaging content among his followers. He is a GO-TO person.

• Thubten Comerford: A social media consultant with over 29,000+ connections, Thubten Comeford is a LinkedIn LION with whom you can connect for better growth.

The LinkedIn LION Conclusion: You Too Can be a Top Performer!

LinkedIn has changed the game when it comes to business networking. No longer is it just a platform to post your resume and hope for the best. LinkedIn has opened up a world of opportunity for business professionals, connecting them with like-minded individuals and top companies. But what does it take to be a LinkedIn Influencer?

The answer lies in the LinkedIn Open to Network (LION) badge. This coveted badge is only awarded to the top 1% of LinkedIn users who have demonstrated an ability to build valuable relationships and create meaningful connections. If you want to be a top performer on LinkedIn, aim to get the LION badge.

So how do you become a LION? It's not as difficult as you might think.

First, focus on building relationships with other professionals in your field. Get involved in group discussions, offer advice and support, and be active on the platform.

Secondly, make sure your profile is complete and up-to-date. Include all pertinent information about your work experience and skills, and don't forget to add a professional headshot!

Finally, stay active on LinkedIn by regularly sharing interesting articles, blog posts, or thoughts on current events. By following these simple tips, you, too, can be a top performer on LinkedIn!

So there you have it—the secret to becoming a LinkedIn Influencer is simpler than you might think. Just focus on building quality relationships, staying active on the platform, and ensuring your profile is complete and up-to-date. Do this, and you'll be well on receiving the coveted LION badge!