How Gen Z is Revolutionizing LinkedIn Networking

Gen Z is doing what many thought was impossible: making LinkedIn cool. Forget the boring, cookie-cutter profiles and robotic networking tactics. This generation is bringing authenticity and creativity to the forefront of professional networking. 

It's time to stop resisting the change and start learning from the digital natives who are taking over LinkedIn.

Who Are These Gen Z-ers Anyway?

• Defining the Generations: Let’s get our facts straight first. Gen Z, born roughly between 1997 and 2012, is the first true digital-native generation. They’ve never known a world without smartphones, social media, and Google answers to every question under the sun. They’re diverse, socially conscious, and allergic to anything that feels fake.
• Why It Matters for LinkedIn Networking: If you’re trying to build connections on LinkedIn and you’re still stuck in the old-school, buttoned-up style, you might be missing out. Gen Z is all about staying authentic, and that’s changing how everyone else networks, too.

9 Things You Think You Know About Gen Z

Fast Company laid out nine things people think they know about Gen Z. Let’s run through them and see what’s true, what’s sort of true, and what’s just plain wrong.

1. Gen Z Is the Purpose Generation: True! They want to work for companies that stand for something. This means if you’re just about making a profit, they might not be interested.
2. They’re Tech Wizards: Duh! They’ve been swiping and tapping since before they could talk.
3. Open-Minded and Accepting: Mostly true. They’re more accepting of diversity and different viewpoints, but they’re not immune to bias.
4. Not Afraid to Speak Up: Absolutely. They’re vocal, especially online, and they’re not shy about calling out things they don’t like.
5. Keeping It Real: Yes! They have a low tolerance for insincerity and value authenticity.
6. Big on Diversity and Inclusivity: Definitely. They expect it in the workplace and in their networks.
7. They Love a Good Story: True. They want to know the why behind what you’re doing, not just the what.
8. Cause-Driven: Yep. Causes and social issues are big for them.
9. Generation of Researchers: Yep, they do their homework. They’ll check out your LinkedIn profile, your company’s Glassdoor reviews, and even your Twitter history before connecting.

What This Means for You: Forget the sales pitch and start thinking about how you can connect with people on a deeper level. If you want to engage with Gen Z on LinkedIn, you need to show that you’re authentic, purpose-driven, and ready to have a real conversation.

The Old-School LinkedIn Vibe (And Why It’s Fading Fast)

• What Used to Work: LinkedIn used to be all about polished profiles, formal connections, and sharing safe, sanitized updates. It was like everyone was wearing a suit and tie, even if they were posting from their couch.
• Why That Doesn’t Fly Anymore: Gen Z doesn’t want to connect with a corporate robot. They want to know the real you—the person behind the job title. If you’re still using LinkedIn like it’s a never-ending job interview, it’s time to change it up.
• Actionable Advice
  • Ditch the Jargon: Talk like a human, not a press release. Your profile should sound like you, not your resume.
  • Show Your Personality: Share posts about your real interests, whether it’s supply chain innovations or your latest Netflix binge.
  • Be Honest: If you’re posting about a win, share the challenges you faced getting there, too.

How Gen Z is Making LinkedIn Fun Again

• Gen Z’s Game-Changing Moves: Forget the old way of doing things. Gen Z is bringing a fresh vibe to LinkedIn, and it’s all about being real, relatable, and ready to build genuine connections.
• Their New Rules
  • Authenticity is King: No more corporate facades. Gen Z wants to connect with the real you. “Networking as a concept was highly intimidating to me until I reframed it as ‘making friends,’” says Arin Goldsmith, Senior Talent Marketing Specialist at Blizzard Entertainment.
  • Peer Power: They focus on building relationships with peers, not just climbing the corporate ladder. Think of it as networking across, not just up.
  • Digital First: They’re masters of digital communication. Face-to-face is great, but they’re just as happy to keep things online.
  • Unprecedented Openness: Gen Z is breaking down the walls of formality on LinkedIn by being incredibly open about their values, experiences, and even their failures. This generation is not afraid to share their personal stories, challenges, and what makes them tick. They use this openness to create genuine connections that are based on mutual understanding and shared experiences.
• Real-World Example: Genesis Gutierrez, CEO of Harness Magazine, makes networking a daily habit by focusing on relationship-building rather than transactions. "Networking has led to more speaking engagements, clients, and even media features. It’s all about making genuine connections and being present."
• Actionable Advice
  • Be Yourself: Share your true thoughts and experiences, even if they’re a little messy. People connect with honesty.
  • Engage Actively: Comment on posts, share articles, and message people—don’t just hit ‘connect’ and move on.
  • Network Horizontally: Connect with people at a similar professional level and exchange ideas and experiences.

Tips from Top Gen Z Influencers

• Lead with Empathy: Genesis Gutierrez, CEO of Harness Magazine, focuses on understanding people first, not just what they can offer professionally. "I never try to sell anyone anything. I focus on getting to know the human rather than their position." She proves that starting with empathy creates stronger, more genuine connections that last longer than any transactional relationship ever could.
• Break the Ice with Humor: Zaria Parvez, who runs Duolingo’s TikTok account, uses humor and authenticity to build connections. "Networking is always an opportunity to learn. No matter how cliché that sounds, I try to find someone whose path seems intriguing." Don’t be afraid to break the ice with a light-hearted comment or a joke—being relatable and down-to-earth can make all the difference.
• Create Value First: Meagan Loyst, founder of Gen Z VCs, emphasizes the importance of offering value before asking for something. Whether it’s connecting someone with a relevant contact, sharing insightful resources, or supporting their content, leading with what you can give rather than what you can get is a game-changer.
• Stay Active and Engaged: Travis Chen, an account executive at Amazon Web Services, likens networking to "planting a digital seed." He believes that the initial connection is just the start. To make it meaningful, you have to nurture that relationship. "Engaging with people’s content regularly and following up is key to building lasting professional relationships."
• Build Communities: Gigi Robinson, an award-winning artist and public speaker, emphasizes the power of building a community. "I always show up as my most authentic self, and if we don’t connect, it was not meant to be." By consistently showing up authentically, she has created a supportive network of professionals who are not just contacts but collaborators and friends.

LinkedIn Networks for Supply Chain Pros

Most Popular Groups

Being part of the right LinkedIn groups can provide invaluable insights and help you stay updated on the latest trends and challenges in the electronics manufacturing industry. Here are some groups worth joining:

• Procurement Professionals Group: A community of procurement professionals sharing knowledge, discussing challenges, and exploring new strategies.
• Supply Chain Management Group: This group focuses on best practices, current issues, and innovative solutions in supply chain management, making it perfect for electronics manufacturing professionals looking to connect with peers.

Gen Z Supply Chain Influencers

To get the most out of LinkedIn, follow thought leaders and influencers who regularly share valuable content. Here are a few recommendations:

• Katie McEwen: Known for her insights on procurement and supply chain strategies, Katie shares practical advice that’s particularly useful for professionals in electronics manufacturing.
• Daniel Barnes: A seasoned professional with deep expertise in global supply chain dynamics, Daniel frequently posts about trends, challenges, and solutions in the industry.
• Mathew Shulz: Mathew offers a wealth of knowledge on supply chain management and logistics, with a focus on technological advancements and innovation.

Ready to Transform Your LinkedIn Experience?

The shift from polished professionalism to personal authenticity on LinkedIn is more than just a trend—it’s a movement led by Gen Z. According to Suzi Owens of LinkedIn:

“Younger generations in the U.S. are growing their network at a faster rate than older generations, including 28.7% more monthly connections than millennials, 54.7% more than Gen X, and 143.5% (over twice as many) than boomers.” 

This explosive growth reflects a new era where being real, engaging, and building genuine relationships is what truly matters. The time to adapt and thrive on LinkedIn is now.