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LinkedIn Connections - Degrees

by Darlene McDaniel on September 6th, 2007

Part 6 Of My Series About LinkedIn

LinkedIn Degrees - First, Second or Third. What do these terms mean? Let me define them as I understand them.

First Degree LinkedIn Connections are people who you know. People that you have invited into your network and they have accepted your invitation.

Second Degree LinkedIn Connections are people that your network of people know. Your First Degree Connection is the link between you and the people they know.

Third Degree LinkedIn Connections are people that know the people your Second Degree Connections know.

Tonight I went out to see what I could find out about networking with Second Degree Connections and Third Degree Connections. I realized that I am not sure what the protocol is for reaching out to someone you don’t know. What I will say is I think it is important that you don’t just go and complete your profile and do nothing with it. Why waste the time. Challenge yourself to make a connection with someone.

What I have done this week so far:

1. I have done a search to see if I could find people I know. The result of the search, I found one person who I haven’t spoken to since November 2001. We have swapped emails.

2. I found another person during the same search. A previous boss. I sent an inmail to one of my First Degree Connections because the woman I use to work for is a Second Degree Connection for me. He has sent the request. I have not heard anything yet, but I am hopeful. I can tell you the relationship was good and I would like to hear about what she is doing today.

3. LinkedIn Answers! Ask a question and get some answers! I went to check out LinkedIn Answers and it will show people in your Connections. First, Second or Third Degree Connections. What an interesting way to start talking to people your friend’s know. It is simple to answer a question. And it is a great way to informally make a connection.

I have some thoughts about some other ways I might be able to connect with the people in my Second and Third Degree. So here is a homework assignment for those of you on this journey with me this month. I want you to find a creative way to connect with one of your Second or Third Degree Connections. Reach out to one and see where it takes you. When you have completed the assignment come back and share with the rest of us. I can’t wait to hear what you do and who your meet. I will be doing the same!
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The inspiration of this series of posts this month comes from Jason Alba’s new book, I’m On LinkedIn, Now What???

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