How do I connect to mutual connections on LinkedIn?

LinkedIn is a powerful networking tool that allows you to connect with professionals in your industry. One of the best ways to grow your network on LinkedIn is by connecting with your mutual connections – the people you are both connected to. Here are some tips on how to find and connect with mutual connections on LinkedIn.

What are mutual connections on LinkedIn?

Mutual connections refer to people who are connected to both you and another person on LinkedIn. For example, if you are connected to John, and Mary is also connected to John, then Mary is a mutual connection between you and Mary.

LinkedIn shows you mutual connections to help you expand your network. Connecting with mutual connections allows you to grow your network with relevant professionals who come recommended through your shared connections.

Why connect with mutual connections on LinkedIn?

Here are some of the benefits of connecting with mutual connections on LinkedIn:

• Get introduced to relevant professionals in your industry
• Grow your LinkedIn network faster with recommended connections
• Stand out in mutual connections’ notifications by highlighting your shared connection
• Keep up with industry trends and build stronger relationships through your expanded network
• Gain additional insight into a mutual connection’s background through your shared connection

Connecting with mutual connections helps you expand your LinkedIn network exponentially with relevant and vetted professionals. It enables you to tap into new opportunities and knowledge through second-degree connections.

How to find mutual connections on LinkedIn

There are a few ways to find mutual connections on LinkedIn:

1. Search for mutual connections

You can search for mutual connections using LinkedIn’s search bar. Here are the steps:

1. Go to your LinkedIn homepage
2. Type the name of the person in the search bar at the top of the page
3. Select “Mutual Connections” under “Filters” on the left side of the page

This will display a list of your mutual connections with that person. You can then connect with any you want.

2. Check profile pages

You can also find mutual connections on someone’s profile page. Here’s how:

1. Go to the profile page of the person
2. Scroll down and check the “People Also Viewed” section
3. Any mutual connections will be badged with “Mutual Connection”

You can click on the mutual connections to view their profiles and connect.

3. View connection recommendations

LinkedIn proactively recommends connections for you to consider based on mutual connections, schools attended, companies worked at, shared interests, etc.

You can view these recommendations by going to the My Network page and scrolling down to the “People You May Know” section.

Mutual connections in this list will be badged, allowing you to easily identify and connect with them.

How to connect with mutual connections

Once you’ve identified your mutual connections with someone, sending them a connection request is simple:

1. Go to their LinkedIn profile page
2. Click “Connect” next to their name
3. Type a message highlighting your mutual connection if you want
4. Click “Send”

Tips for personalizing your request:

• Mention the name of your shared connection
• Explain where you met or worked together
• Note any shared interests or experiences

Personalizing the request makes you stand out and gives context on the relevance of the connection.

Other tips for connecting with mutual connections

Here are some additional tips to help you effectively leverage mutual connections on LinkedIn:

Customize your request message

Personalize the text of your connection request to mutual connections. Mention your shared contact and provide context.

Highlight your shared connection

When requesting to connect, choose the option “I know [name of shared connection]” under the message box.

Connect strategically

Review mutual connections’ profiles before connecting and prioritize connecting with mutuals who are most relevant for your goals.

Keep your network organized

Use LinkedIn’s grouping feature to categorize connections and stay organized as your network grows.

Engage with your new connections

Follow up with new mutual connections by liking and commenting on their posts to build rapport after connecting.

Turn on LinkedIn notifications

Turn on notifications for mutual connection activity so you never miss opportunities to expand your network. Here’s how:

1. Go to your LinkedIn Settings
2. Select “Notifications” on the left sidebar
3. Under “Relationship-Based Notifications”, turn on notifications for mutual connections

This ensures you get notified when you share new mutual connections with people, allowing you to quickly send connection requests.

Join LinkedIn Groups with your connections

Join LinkedIn Groups that your connections are in to engage in group discussions and further strengthen your relationships.

Follow up with new connections

After connecting with mutual connections, engage with them by commenting on their posts, sharing their content, and messaging them.

Following up helps transition new connections from strangers to trusted contacts.

Review your mutual connections regularly

Make it a habit to periodically check your mutual connections on LinkedIn and send requests. Your shared network is always expanding.

Turn on LinkedIn Open Networking

Enabling Open Networking under Settings allows any LinkedIn member to connect with you without a mutual connection, expanding your networking reach.

Conclusion

Connecting with mutual connections is one of the most effective ways to grow your meaningful professional network on LinkedIn. Mutual connections come recommended through the overlaps in your networks, so they are likely to be valuable additions.

By personalizing your connection requests, following up after connecting, and regularly reviewing mutual connections, you can tap into the power of your extended network. The larger your quality network, the more opportunities you can uncover to help advance your career or business goals.

So focus on cultivating mutual connection relationships. You never know what doors they might open through the power of second-degree LinkedIn connections.