If you’re stepping into a new career path, launching a business, or simply expanding your professional circle, understanding how to connect with people on LinkedIn is essential in 2025. As the world’s top platform for professional networking, LinkedIn gives you access to opportunities, industry leaders, potential clients, and like-minded professionals.
While platforms like Facebook or Instagram are more casual, LinkedIn is built specifically for business connections, networking, and career growth. But unlike those platforms, you can’t just connect with everyone at random—it takes a bit more strategy and etiquette.
Why LinkedIn Still Matters in 2025
LinkedIn remains one of the most powerful platforms for making meaningful professional connections. It’s a space where you can:
Build your personal brand
Discover job opportunities
Network with industry peers
Generate B2B leads
Reach key decision-makers in your field
For B2B professionals especially, LinkedIn is one of the most effective ways to find potential customers, partners, or collaborators.
How to Connect with People on LinkedIn: 6 Smart Ways
Here are the most effective ways to build your network on LinkedIn:
1. Send a Connection Request from a Profile
Go to someone’s LinkedIn profile and click “Connect.” Always include a short, thoughtful message to explain why you’d like to connect.
2. Import Your Email Contacts
Use the Grow Your Network feature to sync your contacts and quickly find people you already know.
3. Use the LinkedIn Search Tool
Search for people by name, job title, or company. You can send a request directly from the search results by clicking “Connect.”
4. Accept Invitations from Others
Under the My Network tab, you’ll find connection requests from others. Review and accept requests that make sense for your goals.
5. Ask for Introductions
If someone is a 2nd-degree connection, you can ask a mutual contact to introduce you—just like you would in person.
6. Connect with Suggested Users
LinkedIn recommends people you might know based on your current connections and work history. You’ll find these under “My Network.”
LinkedIn Etiquette: Connecting the Right Way
Because LinkedIn is a professional space, it's important to approach networking respectfully. Here’s how to make a good impression:
✅ Best Practices:
Personalize your messages. Always add a brief note when connecting.
Be professional. Keep your tone friendly but businesslike.
Be intentional. Focus on connecting with people who align with your goals.
❌ Avoid:
Sending bulk connection requests with no message.
Pitching your services immediately after connecting.
Treating LinkedIn like other social media platforms.
The goal is to build genuine, valuable connections—not just collect names.
What Do 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Mean on LinkedIn?
If you’ve noticed numbers like “1st,” “2nd,” or “3rd” next to people’s names on LinkedIn, here’s what they mean:
1st-degree: These are people you're directly connected to. You can message them freely.
2nd-degree: These are contacts of your direct connections. You can request to connect or send a message via InMail.
3rd-degree: These are contacts of your 2nd-degree connections. In some cases, you may need InMail or a shared group to connect.
You may also come across users with no connection degree—this means they’re completely outside your network. To contact them, you may need LinkedIn Premium or join the same group.
Tips to Make Your Connection Requests Stand Out
A personalized request goes a long way. Here’s how to boost your chances of getting accepted:
Check their profile first. Look for something you have in common—like interests, groups, or mutual connections.
Keep it short and specific. Mention how you found them and why you’d like to connect.
Offer a reason. Briefly explain how connecting could benefit you both.
Avoid generic, copy-paste messages—they rarely work and may even come off as spammy.
How to Cancel a Connection Request on LinkedIn
If you’ve sent a connection request by mistake, you can cancel it easily:
Click My Network in the top menu.
Select “See all” next to Invitations.
Open the Sent tab.
Click Withdraw next to the request you want to cancel.
? Tip: Once you withdraw a request, you’ll have to wait 3 weeks before sending another one to the same person.
Final Thoughts: Build Your LinkedIn Network with Purpose
Now that you understand how to connect with people on LinkedIn, you’re ready to build a professional network that supports your career and business goals.
When you focus on meaningful connections, add value, and follow LinkedIn etiquette, the platform becomes a powerful resource for growth, visibility, and opportunity.
