Whether you’re starting a new business, transitioning into a new industry, or aiming to elevate your professional presence, mastering the art of connecting on LinkedIn is crucial in 2025.
As the leading platform for career advancement and professional networking, LinkedIn provides you with opportunities to make valuable connections, attract potential clients, and unlock new career possibilities. Unlike traditional social media, LinkedIn is designed specifically for professional relationships, which means using it effectively is key to achieving your goals.
Why LinkedIn is Still Essential in 2025
LinkedIn remains the top platform for professionals across industries. Whether you’re a freelancer, business executive, job seeker, or entrepreneur, LinkedIn offers access to:
- Career opportunities
- Industry experts
- Business partners and collaborators
- Clients and B2B leads
- Professional insights and learning
For those in B2B sectors, LinkedIn continues to be one of the most powerful tools for generating leads and cultivating professional relationships.
6 Effective Ways to Connect with People on LinkedIn
If you’re new to LinkedIn or want to expand your network more strategically, here are six easy ways to connect:
- Directly Connect via Profile
Visit someone’s profile and click “Connect.” Always include a short, personalized message explaining who you are and why you’d like to connect. - Use LinkedIn’s “Grow Your Network” Feature
This tool allows you to import contacts from your email account and easily connect with people you already know. - Search and Connect Directly from Results
When searching for individuals by name, role, or company, you can directly send connection requests from the search results. - Accept Incoming Connection Requests
Under the “My Network” tab, you’ll see invitations from others. Accept requests that align with your professional interests and goals. - Request Introductions from Mutual Connections
If someone is a second-degree connection (a contact of a person you know), you can request an introduction—just like traditional networking. - Leverage the “People You May Know” Feature
LinkedIn offers recommendations for potential connections based on your profile, existing connections, and industry. Use these suggestions to expand your network strategically.
LinkedIn Etiquette: Dos and Don’ts
Since LinkedIn is a professional environment, it’s important to follow proper etiquette when reaching out to others:
What You Should Do:
- Personalize connection requests with a brief message.
- Be clear and respectful about your intentions.
- Connect with people relevant to your industry, expertise, or goals.
What to Avoid:
- Sending generic connection requests without a message.
- Pitching products or services right away.
- Treating LinkedIn like a casual social media platform.
Building meaningful relationships requires a thoughtful and genuine approach.
Understanding 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Connections on LinkedIn
It’s essential to know how LinkedIn’s connection levels work to understand your relationship with others and how you can interact with them:
- 1st-degree connections: These are people you’re directly connected to. You can message them freely.
- 2nd-degree connections: These are contacts of your 1st-degree connections. You can either send a connection request or message them using InMail.
- 3rd-degree connections: These individuals are connected to your 2nd-degree contacts. You may need a mutual group or InMail access to connect.
If someone is outside of your extended network (no connection level listed), you can only contact them through InMail or by joining the same LinkedIn group.
How to Write a Great Connection Request on LinkedIn
To stand out and improve your chances of getting a connection accepted, avoid sending generic or spammy requests. Here’s how to send an impactful request:
- Review their profile first. Look for common ground—shared interests, experiences, or connections.
- Write a personalized note. Mention how you found them and explain why you’d like to connect.
- Be concise but meaningful. Share how the connection could benefit both of you.
Taking a moment to personalize your message goes a long way in creating a meaningful connection.
How to Withdraw a LinkedIn Connection Request
If you’ve sent a connection request by mistake or have changed your mind, you can withdraw it by following these steps:
- Click “My Network” at the top of your LinkedIn page.
- Select “See all” next to Invitations.
- Click the “Sent” tab to view your pending requests.
- Hit “Withdraw” next to the request you want to cancel.
Note: Once you withdraw a request, you must wait 3 weeks before sending another invitation to the same person.
Final Thoughts: Building a Strong LinkedIn Network Requires Strategy
Now that you know how to connect with others on LinkedIn, you can start building a meaningful network that helps you achieve your professional goals.
Remember, LinkedIn isn’t about collecting as many connections as possible—it’s about fostering authentic, relevant relationships that are mutually beneficial. With the right approach, you can grow your influence, expand your opportunities, and leverage LinkedIn as a powerful tool for career and business growth.
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