The 4 1 1 rule is a strategy for building connections and growing your network on LinkedIn in a meaningful way. It involves sending 4 connection requests to new people per week, leaving 1 personalized message when sending each request, and following up with 1 piece of valuable content to send to your new connections.
Why is the 4 1 1 rule effective?
The 4 1 1 rule works because it helps you connect with new people in an authentic way that provides value. Here’s why each component of the rule matters:
- 4 connection requests per week – This keeps your networking active but manageable. Trying to connect with too many people at once can seem spammy.
- 1 personalized message – Taking the time to write a unique message shows you care about each connection. Generic messages come across as inauthentic.
- 1 follow up piece of content – Providing value helps nurture relationships. This content demonstrates your expertise and gives you something to bond over.
Together, these actions help you build a diverse network while developing meaningful relationships. The 4 1 1 rule strikes the right balance of being proactive yet thoughtful when expanding your connections on LinkedIn.
Who should use the 4 1 1 rule?
The 4 1 1 rule can benefit anyone looking to grow their professional network in an effective way. It’s especially useful for:
- Job seekers – Widening your connections increases visibility with hiring managers and recruiters.
- Freelancers/consultants – Networking brings new project and client opportunities.
- Entrepreneurs – Connections provide potential partnerships, investors, mentors, and promoters for your business.
- Professionals seeking career growth – A strong network gives you inside knowledge of new roles and expanded career options.
- Subject matter experts – Connections allow you to share your expertise and gain industry insights.
- Speakers/authors – Networking helps you connect with events and publishers to showcase your thought leadership.
No matter your profession or goal, a thoughtful networking approach like the 4 1 1 rule helps open doors and elevate your profile.
How to implement the 4 1 1 rule
Putting the 4 1 1 rule into action takes consistency and creativity. Follow these steps to make it work:
- Connect with 4 new people per week – Search LinkedIn for relevant profiles and send connection requests. Mix up who you target – colleagues, old contacts, experts in your industry, etc. Vary how you source names, like exploring company pages, groups, content hashtags, and other people’s connections.
- Personalize your request message – Write a unique note highlighting why you want to connect, like complimenting their work or expertise. Refer to shared connections or experiences. This takes more effort than a generic invite, but leaves a good impression.
- Follow up with value – After connecting, send your new contact something helpful like an article, video, or other content related to their work. Include a warm note. This shows you want to build a relationship, not just collect connections.
- Engage beyond the initial exchange – Don’t let the relationship go cold. Occasionally check in by liking and commenting on updates, congratulating promotions, and sending relevant content. Offer help and advice when you can.
- Track your progress – Monitor how many requests you send each week. Maintain a spreadsheet of new contacts and interactions. This helps ensure you stick to the 4 1 1 cadence.
Make the effort personal and genuine, and your thoughtfulness will show. The 4 1 1 rule ultimately helps you build a trusted professional network that mutually benefits all involved.
4 1 1 rule templates
While you should customize your messages, templates can help craft your initial outreach. Here are sample templates you can modify:
Connection request template
Hi [name],
I wanted to connect with you here on LinkedIn because [I’m impressed by your experience in X/we share a connection through X/I love the insights you share about X]. I would enjoy staying updated on your work and exchanging ideas and opportunities related to [our shared interest/industry/background]. I look forward to connecting!
Best,
[Your name]
Follow up message template
Hi [name],
It was great connecting with you on LinkedIn! To follow up, I thought you might find value in this [article/video/other content] about [relevant topic]. Your perspective on [topic] would be fascinating.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if I can ever be a resource! I hope we can stay in touch and exchange ideas.
Best,
[Your name]
Common LinkedIn etiquette to follow
When applying the 4 1 1 rule, be sure to follow proper LinkedIn etiquette. This ensures your outreach is respectful and well-received.
- Make requests individually vs. using LinkedIn’s bulk invite tool.
- Use a warm, personable tone in your messages.
- Respect people’s time – keep messages brief but meaningful.
- If someone doesn’t respond, don’t take it personally or hound them with follow-ups.
- Personalize content you share based on the person’s interests.
- Avoid overly promoting yourself, products, or companies.
- Honor privacy settings – if someone chooses not to connect, graciously move on.
Essentially, apply the “golden rule” – engage others as you would want to be engaged. Genuine networking is a two-way street.
Benefits of using the 4 1 1 rule
Applying the 4 1 1 rule delivers many advantages that boost your career and business:
- Expands your professional network organically
- Surfaces new job opportunities and access to hiring managers
- Generates more sales prospects and partnerships
- Keeps you up-to-date on industry news and innovations
- Provides support and mentorship for career growth
- Distributes your thought leadership content to more audiences
- Grows your brand and reputation as an expert
- Allows you to support and add value to others
The rule is called “4 1 1” because it’s designed to give you critical information–access, exposure, knowledge, connections–that boost your success. When done right, everyone profits from the exchange.
Mistakes to avoid with the 4 1 1 rule
While powerful, it’s important to apply the 4 1 1 rule selectively and strategically. Watch out for these common missteps:
- Sending mass connection invites without personalization
- Focusing on numbers, not quality relationships
- Not respecting boundaries or professionalism
- Spamming contacts with too frequent, low-value updates
- Making it all about you and your needs rather than mutual benefit
- Forgetting to follow up after connecting
- Letting relationships go dormant after initial outreach
The 4 1 1 rule relies on gradually cultivating meaningful relationships. Avoid treating it like a shortcut numbers game. With care and authenticity, it delivers powerful networking results.
LinkedIn limits to know
For optimal results, be aware of the limits LinkedIn sets on invitations and messages:
- You can only send a certain number of connection requests and messages per week before you’re asked to slow down. This number varies based on your account history.
- Sending long vague messages can trigger spam detection filters.
- You may be unable to message some higher-level connections without paying for premium services.
Work within these boundaries to maintain good standing on LinkedIn. Monitor notification warnings and adjust your outreach cadence accordingly.
Alternatives to the 4 1 1 rule
The 4 1 1 rule is commonly cited, but not the only option. Here are a few other effective networking models to consider:
The 10-4-1 Rule
Send 10 connection invites per week, leaving a custom message with 4 of them, and follow up with 1 piece of content.
The 80/20 Rule
Spend 80% of your time networking with the top 20% of connections who drive the most value.
The WARM Method
Focus on building networking relationships that are:
- Worthy – Select key strategic connections
- Accessible – Start with people in your extended network
- Relevant – Target those aligned to your goals
- Motivated – Prioritize genuinely interested contacts
The Give First, Ask Second Rule
Lead with generosity by sharing your knowledge and connections without expecting anything immediate in return.
Experiment to find the best approach that works with your individual style and goals. The common thread is being deliberate, yet personable, in expanding your network.
Tips for getting the most from the 4 1 1 rule
To maximize results from the 4 1 1 rule on LinkedIn:
- Start slowly – don’t overwhelm yourself or contacts as you build momentum.
- Be patient – relationships take time to develop through consistent nurturing.
- Track your efforts – monitor stats to identify what works best.
- Share thoughtfully – choose content tailored to each connection’s interests.
- Make introductions – connect people in your network who would benefit from knowing each other.
- Say thanks – show appreciation for advice, support, or referrals contacts provide.
- Don’t let messages pile up – try to respond to incoming messages within a day or two to keep conversations fresh.
The more care you put into each component of the 4 1 1 rule, the greater the payoff in meaningful, mutually beneficial connections.
Conclusion
The 4 1 1 rule provides a smart, ethical approach to proactive networking on LinkedIn. By consistently reaching out to new contacts, personalizing invites, and sharing value, you pave the way for expanded career and business opportunities. Avoid treating it like a numbers game. Instead, focus on building trusting relationships within the platform’s limits. With a thoughtful 4 1 1 strategy, you can grow your reach and visibility while helping others in your network thrive as well.