Transferring your LinkedIn connections from one account to another can be a tedious process, but it is possible. Your network of connections is one of the most valuable assets you have on LinkedIn, so you will want to make sure you properly transfer all of those connections when switching between accounts.
There are a few different reasons why you may need to transfer your LinkedIn connections:
- You are switching from a personal account to a business account
- You have changed jobs and want to keep your network
- You want to start fresh with a new account
No matter what the reason, transferring your connections properly will ensure you don’t lose touch with your network. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk through all the necessary steps to make sure your LinkedIn connections seamlessly transfer over to your new account.
Can I export my LinkedIn connections?
Many people wonder if you can simply export your LinkedIn connections and import them into a new account. Unfortunately, LinkedIn does not allow you to export your entire connection list.
You can download a limited list of about 500 connections, but there is no tool to mass export your full connection list. That means you have to manually rebuild your connection list in the new account.
How long does it take to transfer LinkedIn connections?
The amount of time it takes to rebuild your LinkedIn connections in a new account depends on the size of your network. If you have 500+ connections, it can take several hours to individually connect with each person again.
The process is tedious, but it’s worth it to properly maintain your professional network. With focus and diligence, most people can transfer even large connection lists (1,000+) within a week.
Step 1: Download your existing connections
While you can’t export your full connection list from LinkedIn, you can download a list of up to 500 connections:
- Go to your LinkedIn connections page
- Click on the ‘Manage synced and imported contacts’ link near the top
- On this page you will see an option to ‘Get a copy of your LinkedIn connections’
- Click the ‘Download’ button to save a list of your connections (up to 500) to your computer
This will let you see who is in your network and make it easier to reconnect with them.
Step 2: Create your new LinkedIn account
If you don’t already have one, create a new LinkedIn account that you want to transfer your connections over to. Make sure the new account is fully set up before moving on.
Step 3: Reconnect with your 1st-degree connections
Your 1st-degree connections are people you are directly connected with on LinkedIn. To transfer these connections:
- Go through the list of connections you downloaded and look for people you want to reconnect with
- Search for these connections one-by-one on LinkedIn by name
- Send them a new connection request from your new account
- You can customize the message to say you are reconnecting from a new account
This process takes time, but is necessary to rebuild your 1st-degree network. You may also uncover some contacts you want to remove during this process.
Step 4: Ask for recommendations from old connections
A great way to accelerate new connections is to reach out to past colleagues for recommendations.
- Look through your downloaded connections for former co-workers or managers
- After connecting with them, send them a message asking for a recommendation
- Choose connections who can vouch for your skills and abilities
- Having recommendations on your new profile will make you look more impressive
Quality recommendations can give your new account a major boost in credibility.
Step 5: Follow companies you want to work for
In addition to connecting with individuals, take time to follow companies you want to work for in the future. This will position you to see job openings and company news.
- Make a list of target companies you want to connect with
- Search for these companies on LinkedIn and click ‘Follow’
- Stay up to date on company news through your LinkedIn feed
- Pay attention to new job postings at these companies
Following companies you want to work for will keep you in the loop on new opportunities.
Step 6: Join relevant LinkedIn Groups
LinkedIn Groups are communities centered around shared interests and professional industries. Join Groups relevant to your field to expand your reach.
- Search for LinkedIn Groups within your industry
- Browse different Groups and join ones that seem interesting
- Engage in Group discussions when possible
- Connecting with Group members can lead to new opportunities
Networking in industry Groups will help you connect with more relevant professionals.
Step 7: Engage with company feeds
Start engaging more with company pages you follow:
- Like and comment on company posts to stand out
- This shows you are interested and following the company
- Your engagement can lead to networking opportunities
- You can react to news, job postings, articles, and more
Proactively engaging with company feeds makes you visible as an interested follower.
Step 8: Export connections from other networks
If you have robust professional networks elsewhere, look for ways to export those connections to LinkedIn.
You can export connections from platforms like:
- Gmail
- Outlook
- Your phone contacts
Syncing connections from other networks to LinkedIn can accelerate your progress.
Step 9: Turn on LinkedIn connection notifications
Getting notifications when someone views your profile or accepts your connection can help you keep track:
- Go to your LinkedIn Settings
- Select the Privacy tab
- Toggle on notifications for:
- Someone views your profile
- You gain a new connection
These notifications will alert you in real-time when your network is growing.
Step 10: Use advanced search to find connections
LinkedIn’s advanced search gives you robust filters to find specific sets of people. Use it to uncover previous co-workers, classmates, or colleagues.
You can filter by:
- Company
- Title
- Location
- School
- Industry
Advanced search is a powerful tool for reconnecting with peers from your past.
Conclusion
While transferring LinkedIn connections takes effort and diligence, it is worthwhile to retain your valuable network. Use the strategies outlined in this guide to methodically transfer your connections and reset your professional community. With focus and patience, you can rebuild your LinkedIn network from the ground up.