how to connect on linkedin

How to Connect on LinkedIn

Connecting with professionals on LinkedIn is a pivotal step in expanding your professional network. Here's how you can connect with others on the platform:

Standard Connection Requests

1. Navigate to the profile page of the member you want to connect with.
2. Click or tap the Connect button on their profile page.
3. If you're on a desktop, you may click the More button in their introduction section and select Connect from the dropdown menu.
4. On mobile, tap the More icon in the introduction section and then tap Connect.
5. To personalize your invitation, which is highly recommended, add a note explaining how you know them or why you'd like to connect.

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Connecting via Search and Suggestions

1. Use the Search feature to find individuals and click Connect to the right of their name in the search results.
2. On the My Network page, you can accept pending invitations or use suggestions under People you may know.

Importing Contacts

1. Go to the Grow Your Network page.
2. Import contacts by entering their email addresses. LinkedIn will then suggest connections based on your imported contacts.

Leveraging Mutual Connections

1. Ask a mutual connection to introduce you to someone you want to connect with.
2. Send a message to your existing network asking who can help you connect with a 2nd-degree connection.

Following Members

If you come across a member with a Follow button as their primary action, you can still send them a connection request:

1. Click the More button on their profile and select Connect from the dropdown.
2. Upon sending the invitation, you will immediately start following them, which allows you to see their posts on your feed.

Additional Tips

• Remember to only send invitations to people you know and trust, as per LinkedIn's User Agreement and Professional Community Policies.
• Be aware that your account may be temporarily restricted from sending invitations if members report them as spam.
• LinkedIn members can have a maximum of 30,000 1st-degree connections, so connect wisely.

By following these steps and tips, you can effectively grow your professional network on LinkedIn.