LinkedIn is a popular professional networking platform used by over 700 million members worldwide. One of the key features of LinkedIn is the ability to connect with other professionals in your industry or location. But can you see how many connections another LinkedIn member has?
The short answer is: it depends. LinkedIn gives users some control over the visibility of their connections list. However, there are still a few ways to get an estimate of the size of someone’s LinkedIn network.
LinkedIn’s Default Settings
By default, LinkedIn members can choose whether they want the number of their connections to be publicly visible or not. If a user hasn’t changed the default setting, here’s what you’ll see:
– On desktop, the number of connections is displayed publicly on their profile. You can see the exact number of connections they have.
– On mobile, you can only see that they have 500+ connections. The exact number is not visible.
So if someone has left the default setting unchanged, getting the number of their connections is straightforward on desktop. But only a minimum number is displayed on mobile.
When Connections are Hidden
Many LinkedIn members choose to hide the size of their network. In this case, their profile simply says “500+ connections” on both desktop and mobile.
If the full number is hidden, here are some ways to estimate it:
Look for Other Public Profiles in Their Network
When you view someone’s profile, LinkedIn will often suggest other profiles to check out like “People also viewed” and “People in common.” If any of these suggested profiles have a public number of connections, take note of that number. For example, if a suggested connection has 750 connections, the profile you’re viewing likely has around that many as well.
Use LinkedIn’s Search Filters
LinkedIn’s advanced search allows you to filter by number of connections. Try searching for the person’s name or company and filter the results to profiles with 500+ connections. Where does their profile appear in the results? The closer they appear to the top, the more connections they likely have.
Use a LinkedIn Connections Checker
There are some third-party services that claim to estimate the number of LinkedIn connections for profiles with hidden connection counts. These services use various data points like connections in common to provide an estimate. However, the accuracy can vary greatly.
Check Their Recent Activity
If you’re connected to the profile, check their recent activity to see how many people are liking and commenting on their posts and updates. Profiles with lots of engagement likely also have a large number of connections.
Estimate Based on Their Position
You can make a general guess at connections based on someone’s industry and role. For example, an engineering director at a large tech company likely has 1000+ connections, while a recent college grad might have around 500.
Ask for an Introduction
If you have a mutual connection, you can ask to be introduced and optionally mention you saw they have 500+ connections. They may voluntarily disclose the number if they feel comfortable with you knowing it.
Should You Disclose Your Own Number of Connections?
Now that you know how to find the size of someone’s network, should you make your own number of connections public? Here are some pros and cons to consider:
Pros
– Demonstrates you are well-connected in your industry
– Gives you credibility and social proof
– Allows connections to estimate the size of your network
Cons
– Poses privacy concerns for some users
– Could be used competitively by recruiters and sales professionals
– Number may be misinterpreted without context
Alternatives
Instead of disclosing the exact number, you could:
– Say you have “500+ connections” to give a minimum
– Round to the nearest hundred (ex. ~800 connections)
– List types of connections instead of number (ex. connections at top tech companies)
So in summary, consider both your own preferences and professional environment when deciding whether to reveal your total number of LinkedIn connections.
Does the Number of Connections Matter?
While visibility settings impact how easily the number of connections can be seen, the size of someone’s network is just one data point. The quality and relevance of connections matter more than pure quantity.
Some key indicators of an impactful LinkedIn network include:
Strategic Connections
– Decision-makers and leaders in their field
– Influencers who amplify their brand and content
– Potential partners, customers, or mentors
Active Engagement
– Shares content andparticipates in discussions
– Provides thoughtful comments and feedback
– Offers advice, support, and recommendations
Strong Relationships
– Connections made in-person at events and conferences
– Warm introductions from mutual contacts
– Ongoing, reciprocal communication over time
So instead of obsessing over the number of connections, focus on nurturing the right relationships in your network. A supportive community of 50 relevant connections will likely be more useful than 500 random contacts.
Tips for Growing Your LinkedIn Network
While the number of connections is not the priority, a larger network can help expand your professional opportunities and amplify your personal brand. Here are some best practices for growing your network organically over time:
Engage With Your Existing Connections
– Like and comment on updates from your connections. This raises your profile and keeps you top of mind.
– Share and react to their content. This helps expand their reach and may inspire them to do the same for you.
– Congratulate them on work anniversaries, new jobs, and other milestones. This strengthens your relationship.
– Offer help and advice when you have relevant expertise. Become a valuable member of their network.
Join Industry and Interest Groups
– Search for established groups related to your profession or passions. Look for active discussions.
– Introduce yourself and engage with members through likes, comments and posting your own content.
– Once you’ve demonstrated value, ask to connect with other active members.
Expand Your Offline Network
– Attend conferences, trade shows, and networking events for your industry.
– Connect in-person with fellow attendees and speakers whose work you admire.
– Add them on LinkedIn while the conversation is still fresh to continue engaging.
Find 2nd and 3rd Degree Connections
– Use LinkedIn’s advanced search to find connections of your existing contacts.
– Focus on those who seem aligned with your professional interests or share a group.
– Ask for an introduction through your mutual contact before connecting directly.
Conclusion
While you may not always be able to see the exact number of connections someone has, there are still ways to estimate the size of their LinkedIn network. However, it’s important not to judge connections solely based on quantity. The relevance and level of engagement of a network matters more than its raw size. Focus on nurturing quality connections, contributing value, and building relationships that support your professional goals. With time and consistency, your worthwhile LinkedIn network will continue to expand.
