Understanding how to connect and interact with people on LinkedIn is essential for expanding your network and building meaningful relationships. In this guide, we’ll dive into the significance of LinkedIn connection degrees and how understanding these can boost your lead generation and networking strategies.
What Are LinkedIn Connection Degrees?
LinkedIn defines different types of users based on their relationship to you, which are called connection degrees. These degrees help you understand how close someone is within your LinkedIn network and determine how you can interact with them.
There are four degrees of connections on LinkedIn:
1st-Degree Connections
2nd-Degree Connections
3rd-Degree Connections
Out-of-Network Users
1st-Degree Connections
Definition:
These are individuals with whom you have a direct connection on LinkedIn. You’ve either sent a connection request that they accepted, or vice versa.Identification:
Marked with a “1st” label beside their name on their profile.Interaction:
Send unlimited direct messages.
View their full profiles, including contact info (if shared).
Engage directly with their posts.
Key Takeaway:
1st-degree connections are the closest connections on LinkedIn, allowing you to engage freely and build deeper relationships.
2nd-Degree Connections
Definition:
These individuals are connected to your 1st-degree connections but are not directly in your network.Identification:
Marked with a “2nd” label beside their name.Interaction:
You cannot message them directly unless you send a connection request.
Use InMail (for Premium members) to reach out.
See mutual connections and potentially request introductions.
Key Takeaway:
2nd-degree connections provide an opportunity to grow your network through introductions by mutual connections.
3rd-Degree Connections
Definition:
These users are connected to your 2nd-degree connections, but you have no direct mutual connections with them.Identification:
Marked with a “3rd” label beside their name.Interaction:
You can only send connection requests or reach out via InMail (Premium feature).
Limited profile access unless you are connected.
Key Takeaway:
3rd-degree connections offer an extended network, but you need to work harder to establish contact and credibility.
Out-of-Network Users
Definition:
These are users beyond your 3rd-degree connections, and they are often labeled as “LinkedIn Member.”Identification:
They will not have a specific connection degree label, and their profile might be very limited.Interaction:
You can send connection requests or attempt introductions via mutual connections.
Limited profile visibility and no direct messaging.
Key Takeaway:
Out-of-network users are far removed from your immediate connections, but with the right strategy, they can still be a valuable part of your network.
Comparison Table: LinkedIn Connection Degrees at a Glance
Connection Degree | Definition | Messaging Options | Visibility & Interaction |
1st Degree | Direct connections – users in your network. | Unlimited messages | Full profile access; view contact info (if shared); engage with posts |
2nd Degree | Connected to your 1st-degree connections. | Connection request or InMail | Limited profile visibility; see mutual connections |
3rd Degree | Connected to your 2nd-degree connections. | Connection request or InMail | Limited profile visibility; may require shared groups for engagement |
Out-of-Network | Users beyond your 3rd-degree connections. | InMail or introduction | Very limited profile visibility; often requires premium tools or mutual connections for engagement |
Tips for Expanding Your Network Beyond 1st-Degree Connections
1. Leverage 2nd-Degree Connections
Engage with content from your mutual connections.
Send connection requests, referencing shared contacts to improve acceptance rates.
2. Reach 3rd-Degree Connections
Find common ground or shared interests and request introductions through mutual connections.
Use LinkedIn Sales Navigator or InMail to engage more effectively.
3. Utilize LinkedIn Tools for Networking
LeadDelta Sidebar: Use this tool to track 2nd and 3rd-degree connections and convert them into valuable leads, even without direct access.
InMail: If you have a Premium account, use InMail to message 2nd and 3rd-degree connections directly.
Why You Should Add Connections Outside of Your Network
Expanding beyond your 1st-degree connections allows you to:
Create lists of potential leads, recruits, or partners.
Organize contacts using custom tags and notes to streamline outreach efforts.
Discover more about users and get contact details like email and phone numbers via LinkedIn tools.
Grow your LinkedIn network past the 30,000 connection limit.
How to Find and Connect with 2nd and 3rd-Degree Connections
1. In LinkedIn Feed
Engage with posts and content shared by your 2nd and 3rd-degree connections.
2. On Company Pages
Explore employees in companies you're interested in, and connect with them directly or via mutual contacts.
3. Get Introductions Through Your Team’s Network
Use LinkedIn team management tools to identify mutual connections within your team, and leverage introductions for a warmer outreach.
Conclusion
Understanding and strategically engaging with the different connection degrees on LinkedIn will help you build stronger relationships, generate more leads, and create opportunities for growth. Whether it's reaching out to 1st-degree connections or building relationships with 3rd-degree connections, mastering LinkedIn's network structure is key to optimizing your outreach efforts.
Explore more about LinkedIn Restrictions and What You Need to Know to Stay Safe.
Happy Prospecting!