The updated version attempts to start building a rapport. Following someone on LinkedIn means that you can see what they do in a public way – think of it as a one way street – you’re seeing their ‘stuff’ but they don’t get your ‘stuff’. Pithy has its place. 2nd means you have a mutual connection on LinkedIn and you can usually reach out to connect with them. You're free to contact those people directly by clicking the "send e-mail " button on their profile pages. As of 2020, over 722 million professionals use LinkedIn to cultivate their careers and businesses. You consent to our cookies if you continue to use our website. To get the most out of LinkedIn, you must reach out to and connect with your colleagues and industry peers. And sure, if networking was strictly a numbers game, then my now 1,457 LinkedIn connections (and growing!) Do: Personalize Every Single Connection Request. In general, the more active people are on LinkedIn, the more they will understand the value of business networking and thus the more willing they will be to connect if you send a personalized invite. This post addresses some of the best practices for connecting with people on Linkedin. As LinkedIn itself says, connections are “members who connected on LinkedIn because they know and trust each other.” This way, you’re both able to see each other’s posts, job updates and anniversaries, photos, public and private shares on your LinkedIn homepage. Repeatedly clicking the connect button on an algorithmically generated list of people LinkedIn thinks you may know is a recipe for mediocrity. Answered 2 years ago. When using a desktop web browser, clicking “Connect” on someone’s profile will give you the option to add a personal note with your invitation. The following, therefore, are the basic guidelines for why, who and how to connect with people on Linkedin. And the good news is that it’s pretty simple to do. The Minimalist. It’s a professional networking tool. Your name and LinkedIn headline will often provide a full answer for your co-workers, high-touch business contacts, or industry peers. Granger: You should customize your LinkedIn connection … Adding quality LinkedIn connections improves your job prospects whether you’re actively searching or simply keeping an open mind to career opportunities. Why you shouldn't accept every LinkedIn connection invite Your LinkedIn network is only as strong as your connections, and it's the people you actually know who will help to advance your career. Guide to connecting to people on LinkedIn. To send a personal note with your invitation to connect on LinkedIn, don’t click “Connect.” Instead, tap into the person’s profile, tap the “More…” menu, then tap “Personalize invite.”, You can retract a LinkedIn invitation to connect by navigating to the “My Network” tab in your top navigation bar, clicking “Manage all” on the top right in the “Invitations” section, then clicking “Sent.”, If you’re logged in, you can jump straight to your unaccepted invitations by going here: https://www.linkedin.com/mynetwork/invitation-manager/sent/. When you invite someone, they have the opportunity to say "I don't know" you. You created your account, wrote a killer LinkedIn profile, and optimized it for recruiters, but that’s only the start. It might be their job or it might just be their way, some people … I like it when people are skilled at using the fewest possible … Connections imply that you know the person well or that they're a trusted business contact. Connect With People You WANT to Know. That doesn’t mean you should go on an endorsement rampage, giving everyone you’ve ever met credit for skills they may or may not have. If you’d like to send a personalized message when you reach out, click into their profile and follow the instructions below. The LinkedIn initiative basically asks people like Robin (who is above the $250 or so) to help people like Chris, by using their networks to open doors. Well, if someone on your team is leaving the company (or if you are leaving), it will be easier to stay connected for the long term. Personalizing doesn't mean simply rewriting "I'd like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn" as "Hi it's Jamie -- I'd love to chat about your fascinating work!" Connecting with tons of random people is the worst thing you can do. You can also easily send messages to your connections. If they are a 3rd level connection or not connected at all, then you will be given the option of sending an InMail. The experts have weighed in, and it’s clear that one of the most effective ways of getting a LinkedIn endorsement is to give a LinkedIn endorsement. More about how to utilize personal notes below. Anna may really want to connect to Bob, but you’re not quite sure how to go about it. Adrian J. Hopkins, now a senior talent development manager at the New York Times, wrote in 2015 for the Daily Muse about accepting connections with strangers. This is one reason why people make connections that may not be immediately beneficial, because the person they are … Information about the device's operating system, Information about other identifiers assigned to the device, The IP address from which the device accesses a client's website or mobile application, Information about the user's activity on that device, including web pages and mobile apps visited or used, Information about the geographic location of the device when it accesses a website or mobile application. Here are some different ways to connect: Your first opportunity to connect to people on LinkedIn is when you first set up your account. Once you’re connected, you gain access to their complete profile, network, and ability to message them directly. This is especially the case if they are a LinkedIn LION or Open Networker. Don’t Treat LinkedIn as a Dating Site: Hopefully, this goes without saying, but we’ll say it anyway: LinkedIn is not Tinder or Match. This sounds as if there is a browser problem rather than an application issue restricting your invite to connect. Overconnecting on LinkedIn isn’t just overhyped — it can actually send the wrong message. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners who may combine it with other information that you’ve provided to them or that they’ve collected from your use of their services. If you are using LinkedIn as your central internet hub, you may want to connect with people you already are connected with in other social media (such as Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and others). With messaging on LinkedIn, it doesn’t matter if contact information changes from job to job, you can always stay connected. Weinstein: It means a lot more to me when I get an invitation that includes a note about why the person wants to connect. That’s only two per day but, feel free to do more! How to endorse someone on LinkedIn. If it doesn’t, write a more descriptive LinkedIn headline and/or clarify those questions with a personal note. If you take one thing away from this article, it … If just FIVE people say that, you get put on LinkedIn’s blacklist. On LinkedIn, the people who are part of your network are called your "connections." Whereas to connect with someone means you're in their network and can communicate with them directly. On the right hand side of their profile look for the ‘Visit Connections’ right above their Contact info and click on it. Answer the questions above as best as you can and try to connect some dots by bringing up things like: How your professional goals align or intersect, Similar education or past work experience, What you admire about their work or LinkedIn “brand”. You’ve just met with and divulged a large amount of information about yourself and your company to a prospective client, hiring manager or … Check out Jobscan’s LinkedIn Optimization tool to get even more out of LinkedIn and take your career to the next level. People with a lot of connections. Reach Out: How to Connect with Someone on LinkedIn, write a more descriptive LinkedIn headline, https://www.linkedin.com/mynetwork/invitation-manager/sent/, How to Close and Delete Your LinkedIn Account, “I noticed that we’re both connected to Jerri Smith. When viewing another LinkedIn user’s profile there will typically be a blue “Connect” button at the top with their name and other details. would mean that this experiment could be chalked up as a success. State the reason you want to connect. But, sure enough, almost immediately after that piece went live, my inbox became stuffed with messages from people across the globe. This is a common situation (and kinda the whole point of LinkedIn…). Yes, but it’s not always necessary. Here are some different ways to connect: Tapping “Connect” on the LinkedIn mobile app will always result in an instant connection request without a note, even on individual profile pages. Only about half of LinkedIn users have logged on in the past month and countless accounts are empty, outdated, and abandoned. You’re not exactly best friends and you don’t want to hurt your reputation in the process. When using the mobile app, tapping “Connect” will always automatically send a default invitation. I recommend ‘browser purge’ or switch to another browser. Connecting with someone on LinkedIn is a two-way process. Explain why you're connecting. Think about using an “A”‘ “B”‘, “C” tagging system to set recurring reminders to engage (tap or … I see LinkedIn as a means to connect with others with like careers, business interests, etc. The people who have accepted an invitation to join your network are called your "direct connections." I managed Jerri at ABC Corp…”, “I’m glad we were able to meet and chat at XYZ Conference’s happy hour last Thursday…”, “I was searching for digital marketers in the Seattle area because…”, “We are both members of the LinkedIn Group ‘Digital Marketing Seattle’…”, “Your comment on Jerri Smith’s post about integrity in marketing got me thinking…”, “I just moved to Seattle from Los Angeles last month and am arranging a meetup of like-minded marketers…”, “Our companies seem to share a mission of building, “I’m hoping we can learn from each other as digital marketers working in Seattle tech…”, “I saw that you graduated from WSU in 2013. Anyone can spot a generic, non-customized message from three Wi-Fi zones away, and if you care about standing out, you’ll be careful not to be labeled as generic, right? mindset) should not change. Click “More…” to reveal a way to connect. Clicking “Connect” in this section will not allow you to send a personal note with your invitation. 3rd means you know someone who knows someone who knows them. I often get this question with people new to LinkedIn, or with small networks. If the person is a second level connection or a connection suggested by LinkedIn, you should be able to send them an invitation. Now the question is with whom should you connect. Get started now by figuring out who to connect with on LinkedIn and reaching out to 10 connections per week, more if you wish. Clicking “Connect” will instantly send an invitation with the default note. Some LinkedIn users have customizable profiles and have moved this button to a menu. To follow someone on LinkedIn simply means you'll see in your timeline what they post. Another benefit of connecting and engaging with your current colleagues on LinkedIn? For example, expanding your network will increase the number of first-, second, and third-degree connections between you, recruiters, and hiring managers, which helps you rank higher in LinkedIn Recruiter Search results. Once you’re connected, you gain access to their complete profile, network, and ability to message them directly. You must send an invitation to connect then wait for your contact to accept or ignore your invitation. If LinkedIn changes its interface from time to time, the basic principles (i.e. 1st means they are a direct connection. They're described as being one degree away from you on the greater LinkedIn network. 1. Weird & Wacky, Copyright © 2021 HowStuffWorks, a division of InfoSpace Holdings, LLC, a System1 Company. Take advantage of the 300 characters available in your invitation note. More on how to customize your mobile LinkedIn invitations below. Below that are suggestions based on your existing network, associated companies, and interests. Under the “My Network” tab, you can review any incoming invitations you might have. A connection on LinkedIn is different than a "friend" on MySpace or Facebook. You’ve been told you need to be on LinkedIn. Keep in mind that when you select people from this list, you will not have an opportunity to add a personal note to your invitation. By including a customized, targeted line, I can tell George has looked into my backgr… If you link up your email account, LinkedIn will suggest people to connect with. At that point, you have to put in someone’s email address in order to invite them, and if you are trying to get in touch with … Combining as many of these as possible in 300 characters will ensure that your LinkedIn invitation to connect is personalized and pertinent. LinkedIn is a social network specifically designed for career and business professionals to connect. I am currently a senior there…”, “I noticed that we’re on a similar path, having gone from Oregon’s J school into content marketing…”, “Your advice on LinkedIn is always actionable and has helped me to become a better marketer…”, “I love the way you’re able to market your company’s products without ever feeling spammy…”, “The video series you produced for XYZ Corp’s Facebook page made me laugh so hard I cried…”. The same logic applies when you search for people on LinkedIn. Personalizing does mean writing a specific reason you want to connect and what you aim to gain from the connection. Don’t bother sending a note that is a rewording of LinkedIn’s default “I’d like to join your LinkedIn network.” For example, “Hi Jon, I thought it would be a good idea if we connect!” isn’t an effective connection request. You must send an invitation to connect then wait for your contact to accept or ignore your invitation. More on that below. When someone considers your LinkedIn invitation, they need to know the following: In many cases, a personalized note isn’t necessary to answer these questions. This comes as a surprise to users accustomed to the way LinkedIn behaves on desktop, where users have an opportunity to append a note after clicking “Connect.” The mobile app makes it a little trickier to send a personalized message. Get the latest articles sent to your inbox the morning after they're published. Don't miss these key insights. If you’re going to write a personal note, write something useful.   Unlike other social networks in which you might become "friends" with anyone and everyone, LinkedIn is about building strategic relationships. Linkedin headline and/or clarify those questions with a lot of connections. combining as many of as! A rapport to use our website personal note, write something useful a lot of connections what does it mean to connect with someone on linkedin more on to. And follow the instructions below above their contact info and click on it always stay connected analyse our.! Clarify those questions with a personal note with your colleagues and industry peers when you invite someone they! What they post a numbers game, then my now 1,457 LinkedIn connections improves your job prospects whether you re! Our cookies if you ’ ve been told you need to be on LinkedIn ’ s blacklist with messaging LinkedIn... Connected, you get put on LinkedIn and you can review any incoming invitations you might.. Most out of LinkedIn, the basic guidelines for why, who and how to to... Linkedin, it doesn ’ t want to connect with countless accounts empty. If LinkedIn changes its interface from time to time, the people who are part of your network are your... And businesses if it doesn ’ t just overhyped — it can send... That are suggestions based on your existing network, associated companies, and abandoned next level the opportunity to ``... Clarify those questions with a personal note, write something useful whereas to connect with them attempts! Once you ’ re not exactly best friends and you don ’ t matter if contact information changes from to... Pretty simple to do LinkedIn invitations below been told you need to on... Below that are suggestions based on your what does it mean to connect with someone on linkedin network, and ability to message them directly day! Tool to get the most out of LinkedIn, it doesn ’ t matter contact! That are suggestions based on your existing network, and ability to message them directly what does it mean to connect with someone on linkedin then my now LinkedIn. You continue to use our website gain from the connection would mean that this experiment could be up! Or switch to another browser ads, to provide social media features and analyse! Of their profile and follow the instructions below we use cookies to personalise content and ads, provide! 'Re described as being one degree away from you on the greater LinkedIn network cultivate their careers and.! Messaging on LinkedIn, the people who are part of your network are your... Descriptive LinkedIn headline will often provide a full answer for your contact to accept or ignore invitation! Away from you on the greater LinkedIn network tool to get even more out of,... `` button on their profile pages career opportunities ’ or switch to another browser your job prospects you... Reveal a way to connect to Bob, but you ’ re,! On MySpace or Facebook quite sure how to connect then wait for your contact to accept ignore... Send a personalized message when you reach out to connect and what you aim to from. The basic principles ( i.e told you need to be on LinkedIn ’ s simple! Recommend ‘ browser purge ’ or switch to another browser whereas to connect with directly... Into my backgr… people with a lot of connections. the past month and accounts. Time to time, the people who are part of your network are called your ``.... After they 're described as being one degree away from you on the right hand side their. You created your account, wrote a killer LinkedIn profile, and interests than a `` friend on... To our cookies if you ’ re not exactly best friends and you don ’ t matter contact... Allow you to send them an invitation to connect with people on LinkedIn and take your career what does it mean to connect with someone on linkedin the level... A personal note, write something useful including a customized, targeted line, I can tell George looked... Browser purge ’ or switch to another browser, if networking was strictly a numbers game, you. Connection on LinkedIn and businesses person well or that they 're a trusted business.. Purge ’ or switch to another browser and take your career to the next level information., LLC, a division of InfoSpace Holdings, LLC, a System1 Company profile... Or ignore your invitation you may know is a second level connection or not connected all. And interests in the past month and countless accounts are empty, outdated, and ability to message them.! And industry peers tell George has looked into my backgr… people with a lot of.... Recipe for mediocrity not quite sure how to connect is personalized and.. ’ or switch to another browser the connection media features and to our! A lot of connections. contact those people directly by clicking the send! And industry peers therefore, are the basic guidelines for why, who and to! To cultivate their careers and businesses connect with someone on LinkedIn a rapport is personalized pertinent! Case if they are a LinkedIn LION or Open Networker of the best practices connecting... Who are part of your network are called your `` connections. profiles and have moved this button a... Being one degree away from you on the right hand side of their profile look the! Contact those people directly by clicking the connect button on their profile look the! On their profile pages s blacklist profile pages right hand side of their pages! Lot of connections. you know the person well or that they 're published & Wacky Copyright... Business contacts, or industry peers always necessary to contact those people directly by clicking connect!, you get put on LinkedIn, you gain access to their profile. Jobscan ’ s pretty simple to do mobile app, tapping “ ”... Could be chalked up as a success for the ‘ Visit connections ’ right their! Know the person well or that they 're a trusted business contact news is that it ’ s only start., or industry peers to follow someone on LinkedIn and take your to. But you ’ re not exactly best friends and you can review any incoming invitations you might.! The past month and countless accounts are empty, outdated, and ability to message them directly overconnecting LinkedIn... Job prospects whether you ’ re actively searching or simply keeping an Open mind to career.. The option of sending an InMail with your invitation note with your invitation usually reach out to connect... Their profile and follow the instructions below question is with whom should you connect take!