Have you ever seen the numbers 1st, 2nd or 3rd next to someone’s LinkedIn username? These numbers are key to understanding the structure of your LinkedIn network and how you can interact with other professionals on the platform.

What Does 1st Mean on LinkedIn ?

1st Degree Connections: Your Immediate Network

1st degree connections are people you have connected with on LinkedIn. These are your direct contacts and will see your posts and updates. To grow and manage your direct network effectively connect with colleagues, industry peers and people you’ve met at events. Personalise your connection requests to increase acceptance rates and have meaningful conversations. 🌟

What Does 2nd Mean on LinkedIn ?

2nd Degree Connections: One Step Away

2nd degree connections are people connected to your 1st degree connections. These are a big opportunity to grow your network. They can be bridges to new opportunities and introductions to other professionals. To reach out to 2nd degree connections without being too pushy, request introductions through mutual contacts or engage with their content to build rapport before connecting directly. Remember you can’t message 2nd degree connections unless you use LinkedIn InMail or send a connection request. 🚀

What Does 3rd Mean on LinkedIn ?

3rd Degree Connections: Two Steps Away

3rd degree connections are connected to your 2nd degree connections. Although further away, they still play a part in growing your network. Engage with their content or join common groups to make initial contact. You can also use LinkedIn’s introduction features to reach out to these connections.📬

LinkedIn Member (Out of Network)

LinkedIn members with the “out of network” label are so far removed from your connections that you don’t share any direct connections. However you can still reach out to them if you have InMail credits. This allows you to contact them even if they are not in your immediate network.🌐

Connection Display on LinkedIn

LinkedIn’s algorithm suggests new connections based on shared interests, mutual connections, work history and group memberships. For 2nd and 3rd degree connections you’ll see an icon indicating the degree of connection and can use the “Connect” or “Follow” buttons to get closer to them.🔗

1st Degree LinkedIn Connections

Share updates and content that reinforces your professional relationship and shared interests. These posts can be more personal and detailed to deepen existing relationships.💼

2nd Degree LinkedIn Connections

Create content that showcases your expertise and encourages mutual connections to engage, you’ve probably been heard of so proving your value is key.🏆

3rd Degree LinkedIn Connections and Beyond

Share industry wide insights and thought leadership pieces to position yourself as an expert in your field. Engage with industry wide discussions to reach a wider audience.🌍

Adjust your profile settings to control how you appear to others when they visit your profile, this will impact how likely they are to connect with you. Review and update your profile regularly to find the balance between being open and private.🔒

LinkedIn’s Networking Beyond 3rd Degree Connections

Professionals beyond your 3rd degree connections can still be valuable additions to your network. Use LinkedIn’s search and content engagement features to find and connect with these people. Join relevant groups and engage in discussions to bridge the gap to these “out of network” professionals.💡

Invest in LinkedIn InMail

LinkedIn InMail is a powerful way to reach out to people outside your network. Make sure your messages are short, personal and show genuine interest in the recipient’s expertise or business.💌

Ethical and Effective Networking

Build your LinkedIn network by connecting with people who offer real professional synergy. Provide value to your connections through content and meaningful interactions not just personal gain.🌱

Networking on LinkedIn

Use LinkedIn’s advanced search to find and connect with potential contacts. Filters like location, industry and current company can help you find people who match your networking goals. Personalised connection requests and follow up messages are key to making an impression. Engage in LinkedIn groups and discussions to connect with like minded professionals and thought leaders.🗣️

Don’t send generic messages to new connections. Focus on maintaining and growing existing connections while expanding your network. Be assertive not aggressive and always respect your connections boundaries.🚫

How LinkedIn’s Connection Tiers Can Help You

Understanding LinkedIn’s connection degrees is key to strategic networking. Each tier in your LinkedIn network serves a purpose in your professional growth and opportunities:

• 1st Degree Connections: People who can endorse your skills and introduce you.

• 2nd Degree Connections: Bridge to a wider professional network.

• 3rd Degree Connections: Access to a vast number of industry professionals and opportunities.

Review your 1st degree connections regularly to find opportunities to deepen the connection. Expand your network by connecting with 2nd degree contacts where there’s mutual benefit. Engage with 3rd degree connections content to get warm introductions. Keep your profile up to date, share valuable content and engage in discussions to stay visible.

Show us your LinkedIn

Share about connections that led to job opportunities, partnerships or valuable learning experiences. Ask your connections to engage with your success story by asking questions or sharing their experiences.🌟

Upcoming Networking and LinkedIn News

Stay up to date with the latest LinkedIn features and opportunities. Subscribe to the LinkedIn blog or newsletters and attend webinars and online events to learn about advanced networking. By engaging with the community and staying informed you can get the most out of networking.📢

• 1st Degree Connections: People on your LinkedIn.

• 2nd Degree Connections: Connected to your 1st degree connections.

• 3rd Degree Connections: Connected to your 2nd degree connections.

• Outreach Strategy: Adjust your approach according to the connection tier.

• Network Potential: Engage with the community and stay informed with LinkedIn.

Use LinkedIn’s connection tiers to build your network.