Build Your LinkedIn Network

You may have a LinkedIn profile, but are unsure if you should send connection requests to coworkers and partners. When deciding whether to send an invitation or accept a connection, first consider whether connecting with this person could help further the goals of your professional network.

Deciding whether to connect comes down to your personal preference. Some people are open to connecting with everyone while others prefer to limit their network to professional ties, such as current or former colleagues only.

If you're focused on building a strong network, consider the "favor test." Ask yourself, "Would I do a favor for this person or ask him for a favor?" If so, send an invite or accept the person's connection. If not, you may choose to refrain from connecting or decline the invitation.

Below are five tips to build your LinkedIn network.

Find Connections

You can find someone by searching in Google or LinkedIn as two quickest routes. For instance, try “Rich Besser” or “Rich Besser LinkedIn” when on the Google search page. Or if you are logged into Linkedin, find the search box at the top left of the homepage. Type in a name and click search to filter the results. Once you pull up the person’s LinkedIn profile, click to “Connect.”

You can also import your email contacts. Select “My Network.” Next, key in the email provider to see the ways you can find email connections on LinkedIn. Once you provide your email, LinkedIn will ask you to authenticate your LinkedIn account to use your Yahoo ID, Google Account, or any other email provider you specify here.

Next, you will see a screen listing your email contacts, preselected by default. The next screen will show any profiles on LinkedIn that match any of those email addresses. Select the checkbox next to the accounts of people you want to connect with or deselect those you do not wish to connect to.

When you import your address book from any of these email providers, LinkedIn will upload detailed information about your contacts to the LinkedIn servers. They will use this information to suggest relevant connections for you, to help you browse, search, and organize your contacts on LinkedIn, and for other uses explained in their Privacy Policy.

If you’re asked to enter your password, they will use it once to authenticate your account. For more info, visit LinkedIn’s Help Center.

Personalize Connection Requests

Add a little substance and personalization to that optional personal message before you send an invitation to connect. Your request is more likely to catch the receiver’s eye and will encourage them to remember you from an event or meeting.