Remote learning is here to stay—and it’s opening doors for coaches and sports enthusiasts everywhere. Now’s the time to take that next step in your career, connect with like-minded people, and grow your network.

Football is a game full of opinions, ideas, and different approaches. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. While Online education and Licenses help open doors, it’s the people you connect with that help you move forward and bring your ideas to life.

Today, we’re focusing on LinkedIn and how you can instantly grow your coaching network! 

1. Connect with people you know on LinkedIn

The #1 tip for networking on LinkedIn? Start with the people you already know—friends, family, colleagues. These are the people who can vouch for your character and work ethic. Use LinkedIn’s “People You May Know” feature under the “My Network” tab to connect with those who went to your school, work in similar roles, or live nearby.

Staying connected is just as important as making the connection. Set a reminder to check in with close contacts every six weeks—ask what they’re working on, celebrate milestones, or just say hello. Genuine, consistent communication builds strong relationships over time. You can also engage with their posts by liking or commenting to show your support. It all adds up!

2. Customize your connection invitation

One of the biggest mistakes on LinkedIn? Sending a generic connection request. Always personalize your invite with a short message explaining why you’d like to connect. It shows intention and starts the relationship off on the right foot—especially if you don’t know the person yet.

Once they accept, don’t stop there. Start a conversation! Mention a shared interest, industry topic, or recent post you found insightful. It’s a simple way to build meaningful, professional relationships that can lead to real opportunities.

3. Publishing and Sharing Content

Another great way to grow your LinkedIn network is by increasing your visibility—regularly share content that’s relevant and valuable to your audience.

Share blog posts, portfolio pieces, or industry news that reflects your interests and expertise. LinkedIn is a professional space, so keep it focused—no memes or vacation pics here.

Avoid overwhelming your network. Instead, post consistently and thoughtfully. Choose content that adds value, sparks conversation, and aligns with your goals. The more helpful and relevant your posts, the more likely you are to attract meaningful connections.

4. Ask your network for help

When you connect with people you know on LinkedIn, your feed becomes more relevant—and you often uncover hidden opportunities within your extended network. For example, you might find out your cousin’s college roommate runs HR at a company you admire. That connection could open the door to an introduction or even an interview.

Asking for introductions is a powerful way to grow your digital network with trust and credibility.

No matter where your path leads, your professional community is there to support you. Want to make the most of it? Explore this free LinkedIn tutorial for tips, tools, and expert advice on how to stay engaged and grow your network online.

5. Ask questions and write recommendations

Behind every LinkedIn profile is a person working to build credibility. One great way to do that is through endorsements—where former bosses, colleagues, professors, or classmates can vouch for your skills.

Showing genuine appreciation and professionalism on LinkedIn goes a long way. People are more likely to support you when they see your sincerity. But remember: trust takes time. Building a strong network doesn’t happen overnight. It’s all about consistent interaction, meaningful dialogue, and staying visible.

Avoid asking for endorsements from people you barely know, and don’t endorse others just to get something in return. Instead, focus on giving thoughtful referrals to those you’ve truly worked with—it strengthens your profile and builds long-term trust.

6. Interaction with other professionals and companies

Interaction is key on LinkedIn—it’s what makes the platform a true professional network. Engaging with your contacts helps boost your visibility, strengthen relationships, and build a valuable presence. Here are a few tips to increase engagement:

• Turn on notifications so you never miss updates from people or companies you follow.
• Like, comment, share, and tag others in posts to join meaningful conversations.
• Join LinkedIn groups to connect with professionals who share your interests.
• Celebrate milestones—comment on promotions, anniversaries, or achievements your contacts share.
• Share relevant events, articles, or meetings publicly or via direct messages.
• Always respond to thoughtful messages—connection starts with conversation.

By staying active and authentic, you’ll grow a network that supports your career goals and reflects who you are.