LinkedIn uses various symbols and icons throughout the platform to indicate different types of information. One symbol that sometimes appears next to a user’s name or photo is a yellow background with the LinkedIn logo in the center.
The Meaning of the Yellow LinkedIn Symbol
The yellow LinkedIn symbol indicates that the user is an open networker. Open networkers are LinkedIn members who have adjusted their settings to signal that they are willing to connect and network with almost anyone on the platform.
By default, LinkedIn members can choose to connect only with people they know and trust, such as coworkers, classmates, friends, etc. Open networkers expand those connection settings to welcome connection requests from a broader range of LinkedIn users, even if they don’t know them personally.
Displaying the yellow open networker badge signals that the user is open to networking, collaborating, and connecting with new people on LinkedIn. It serves as an invitation for others to send connection requests.
Why People Choose the Open Networker Badge
There are several reasons why LinkedIn members may choose to display the open networker badge on their profile:
- To grow their network – Having more connections can expand a user’s reach and visibility on LinkedIn.
- To meet new people – The badge allows users to connect with professionals outside of their immediate circles.
- To increase exposure – A larger network provides more opportunities to get endorsements and recommendations.
- To find new job opportunities – Connecting with more people, especially recruiters, can aid the job search process.
- To establish themselves as industry experts – Connecting with many professionals can bolster a user’s reputation.
- To generate new business opportunities – The expanded network creates more sales and partnership potential.
In summary, displaying the yellow open networker badge tends to be a strategic move by LinkedIn users looking to maximize the size and reach of their network for professional growth and advancement.
How to Change Your Open Networker Settings
The open networker badge is not displayed by default. LinkedIn members have to actively change their settings to show the yellow symbol next to their name.
Here are the steps to adjust your open networker status on LinkedIn:
- Go to your LinkedIn profile page.
- Click on the “Me” icon at the top of your LinkedIn feed.
- Select “Settings & Privacy” from the dropdown menu.
- Click on “Preferences” in the left sidebar.
- Under “Communications,” toggle on “Open to job opportunities.”
- Under “relationships,” toggle on “Let anyone follow you without approval.”
- Under “visibility,” toggle on “Your profile photo, name, headline, and public profile URL can be searched by non-members.”
- Save your changes by clicking “Save” at the bottom of the page.
Once you enable the above settings, the yellow open networker badge will appear next to your name and profile photo on your LinkedIn profile.
Limitations of Open Networker Status
While displaying the open networker badge can help expand your LinkedIn network, there are some limitations to keep in mind:
- Lower quality connections – Opening your network to everyone may result in more connections, but not necessarily meaningful or valuable connections.
- Spam risks – Publicly signaling you are open to any connection request could lead to more spam or unauthorized solicitations.
- Profile visibility – Your profile and some info can be seen by non-members of LinkedIn when the open networker setting is enabled.
- Time investment – Vetting and managing a large number of connections takes more time and effort.
- Harder to change later – If you eventually want to revert back to a more selective network, it can be difficult to prune a very large list of connections.
The open networker settings do make your profile more visible and open to new connections. But users should weigh the pros and cons based on their specific professional goals on the LinkedIn platform.
Conclusion
The yellow LinkedIn logo indicates that a user has adjusted their settings to be an open networker. This makes their profile more visible and means they are receptive to receiving connection requests from a wide range of LinkedIn members, even strangers. Displaying the open networker badge can help expand someone’s professional network, but also comes with risks like lower quality connections and increased spam.
Users should think strategically before enabling the open networker settings on LinkedIn. While it can provide networking and exposure benefits, it also requires more effort to manage the increased connection volume. Weigh the trade-offs and alignment with your professional goals before choosing to display the yellow open networker symbol on your LinkedIn profile.
Professional Goal | Open Networker Recommendation |
---|---|
Job search | Recommended to enable open networker settings to connect with more recruiters and hiring managers. |
Network expansion | Recommended to increase overall number of connections. |
Build industry reputation | Can be helpful to display expertise but weigh risks of lower quality connections. |
Sales prospects | Recommended to connect with more potential customers. |
Find mentors/advisors | Not recommended, focus on selective quality connections. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the yellow symbol mean my LinkedIn account is verified?
No, the yellow symbol does not indicate a verified LinkedIn account. It simply means the user has enabled LinkedIn’s open networker settings.
Can I remove the yellow open networker symbol?
Yes, you can remove the yellow badge at any time by going to your LinkedIn account settings and disabling the options for open networking. The symbol will disappear once those settings are turned off.
Is the yellow symbol only visible to some people?
No, the open networker badge is publicly visible to anyone who views your LinkedIn profile. It is not restricted or hidden from certain connections or groups.
Does the yellow symbol mean someone will definitely accept my connection request?
No, the yellow symbol does not guarantee connection acceptance. It simply indicates the user is open to a broader range of connection requests, but they may still decline requests at their discretion.
Can I filter searches by open networker status?
Yes, LinkedIn’s advanced search allows you to filter by open networker status. You can search for all open networkers in a given industry, location, company, etc.
Key Takeaways
- The yellow LinkedIn symbol indicates a user has enabled open networker settings.
- Open networkers are open to connecting with a broader range of LinkedIn users.
- The badge serves as an invitation for connection requests.
- Displaying the symbol can expand your network but has limitations.
- Users should weigh the strategic value for their goals before enabling open networker status.