This weeks tip comes via a reader question “I’m wondering why sometimes I can do a “connect” invite to some secondary connections (without having to say how I know them), but not others? Thanks Paul” – Joe
This is not something you can control because it is how others have their settings on accepting invitations. It is something that you want to check for your own profile so that if you ensure you are only being invited to connect by those you want to be invited by.
Here are the steps;
1. Hover over the small headshot icon in the top right hand side of your LinkedIn account.
2. Click on the “Privacy & Settings” line in the drop down menu.
3. Look under the ‘Communications’ tab of your settings.
4. Go to ‘Who can send you invitations’ , see what setting you have and check one of the three following options;
- Everyone on LinkedIn (recommended)
- Only people who know your email address or appear in your “Imported Contacts” list
- Only people who appear in your “Imported Contacts” list
5. Then Close.
When it comes to inviting people to connect it should always be remembered that you should always look to create a personal invitation letting them know why you want to network with them. This can only be done from their profile page. If you click the Connect from anywhere else inside the LinkedIn platform you run the risk of an automatic, generic invite being said without your being able to provide any context.
Do you have a LinkedIn question? Hit reply and I will find the answer for you and may even include it in an upcoming tip.
P.S. I have recently completed a couple of live LinkedIn consulting/training sessions with clients, using screen sharing and accessing their LinkedIn profiles so they can see the changes, understand better how to use the platform and have great, personally branded profiles too. Would you like some similar help? We can work on any aspect of LinkedIn that you need and the consulting can be broken up in to 3 one hour sessions over a period of time – click here for the details.