Are you using LinkedIn but not tracking your Social Selling Index (SSI)? That’s a bit like playing golf without keeping score—you’re out there swinging, but you’re not quite sure if you’re getting better. The SSI isn’t just a number; it’s a real-time reflection of how well you’re building relationships, creating value, and growing your influence on LinkedIn. Despite its value, few professionals check their SSI, missing out on how to boost opportunities, reputation, and revenue. Your SSI helps you see how effectively you’re cultivating your network—and ignoring it leaves you guessing in one of your most important professional spaces.
What Is the Social Selling Index? Think of your SSI as your LinkedIn report card—except you receive feedback every day, not just at the end of the term. Your SSI is a score between 1 and 100, measuring four pillars of success:
- Establishing your professional brand – Is your profile complete, compelling, and up to date?
- Finding the right people – Are you connecting with decision-makers and influencers?
- Engaging with insights – Do you share useful content and take part in smart conversations?
- Building relationships – Are you nurturing connections into trusted business relationships?
Too often, the SSI is forgotten. But knowing your score helps you spot where you shine and where you can improve, so you’re always making progress.
How to Find Your SSI Dashboard Locating your SSI is easy—just go to linkedin.com/sales/ssi. There, you’ll see:
- Your overall SSI score
- How you rank in your industry
- How you stack up in your own network
These aren’t empty numbers. They’re practical insights to guide your networking strategy. If your industry or network ranking falls behind, you know exactly where to put in the work.
Why a 70+ SSI Score Is a Game Changer Most people don’t realize that crossing the 70-point threshold can supercharge your LinkedIn experience. When your SSI hits 70+, LinkedIn’s algorithms favor your profile and content. You generate:
- More views on your posts
- Higher engagement with your content
- Greater visibility among your target connections
- Increased credibility in industry discussions
Did your Industry and Network SSI scores and rankings land in the top 5-10%? If so, this signals to the wider professional community that you’re a valuable connector—someone worth listening to.
The 25-15-10 Weekly Networking System Vague advice gets you nowhere. Here’s a simple, proven plan you can put into action right away:
- 25 Connection Requests Weekly – Make these count by reaching out to prospects, industry leaders, and potential collaborators. Be intentional—not random.
- 15 Meaningful Conversations – Go beyond the “like.” Leave thoughtful comments, share helpful resources, or send a personal message each week.
- 10 Calls Per Week – The fastest growth happens offline. Aim for 10 phone calls per week —about two per business day —to deepen relationships and move deals forward. This approach isn’t just about boosting your score—it’s about building real, productive relationships that last.
Why SSI Is Like Deep Sea Fishing Let’s look at an analogy: Social selling is a lot like deep-sea fishing. You need the right gear (an optimized profile), the right bait (relevant insights and comments), and the patience to wait for big opportunities. If you’re stuck with a toy rod in a puddle (low SSI), you’re unlikely to hook the big fish. The folks who succeed take the time to understand the water, refine their technique, and use the right tools. Your SSI tells you whether you’re game for the big leagues or just wading in the shallow end.
The Power of Offline Conversations You can’t build trust on likes and comments alone. While LinkedIn is a phenomenal research and connection tool, the magic happens when you go offline. Phone calls, video chats, and face-to-face meetings are still the fastest ways to turn contacts into clients and acquaintances into advocates.
A high SSI shows you’re making that leap from online networking to real, meaningful interaction. The stronger your offline connections, the more value you’ll add—and the higher your SSI will climb.
Track, Adjust, and Succeed SSI isn’t a “set it and forget it” metric. Check it weekly for continuous improvement. Zero in on weak spots, then tweak your activities:
- Check your SSI every Monday.
- See which pillar needs the most work.
- Focus your LinkedIn actions for that week on improving that area.
- Track your progress over a month for the best results.
Consistent monitoring helps you shift from scattershot networking to building a reliable, productive system.
Take Action: Move Your Needle Knowing your SSI is only the beginning. Real results come from acting on the insights. Take charge of your networking, check your score, and start using the 25-15-10 strategy to achieve tangible results week after week.
Want expert advice tailored to your LinkedIn goals? Connect with me on LinkedIn for fresh insights or visit www.speakwithterry.com to schedule a Discovery Call. For urgent questions, just call 682.208.1111—let’s get your network working for you. Your SSI is your professional compass. If you haven’t checked it lately, now is the perfect time. The only real question: Are you ready to take control of your LinkedIn success?
About Terry Sullivan: Terry Sullivan is an internationally recognized expert in LinkedIn Branding and Social Selling. Each year, he delivers over 100 presentations and has trained thousands of professionals across the country, Europe, and South Korea on how to find, connect, and develop relationships with your key contacts and prospects using his advanced LinkedIn Branding and Social Selling tips and strategies. Before founding BuzzPro, Terry served as Director of Marketing at Verizon Communications, where his leadership helped the company acquire over 456,000 new customers and significantly reduce churn rates, even amid pricing challenges and competitive pressures. He holds an MBA from Texas State University and a Social Media Marketing Certificate from Agorapulse, and is a certified AI user with Jasper.ai, further establishing his expertise in digital marketing.
