filling gas tankLet me start this week’s learning with one of my most basic teachings on how to be successful on LinkedIn:

“Connections are the gasoline in the LinkedIn tank. 
The more you have the farther you will go.“

With this concept in mind, I am excited to share some thoughts on LinkedIn’s “People You May Know.” This feature, which happens to be the #3 rated feature on LinkedIn based on my latest user survey, was recently greatly improved and is definitely one of the most helpful LinkedIn tools for filling up your connections tank. 
.
It is very easy to find as it sits in its own box on the top right of your home page, but the real fun starts when you click “See more” in the bottom right of the box. 
.
On this page LinkedIn serves up what seems like an endless number of LinkedIn members you may know and with whom you may want to connect. The names are pitched to you based on a secret algorithm LinkedIn uses based on…well, nobody really knows, but surely some of the facts it takes into account are:
.
  • People who are already part of your extended network at the second or third degree
  • Groups you are in
  • Schools you attended
  • Companies you have worked for in the past.
.
The recent upgrade allows you to send a connection request to the individual without leaving this page. Once you do that, you can continue on through the list. 
.
It is as simple as clicking the word “Connect” in the blue area right below the person’s picture (or their “blue nubby head”). Then simply delete the standard “I’d like to add you to my professional network” and add your own personalized connection message (300 character limit). This shows greater respect for the person you are inviting into your valuable network.
.
To increase your acceptance rate when using the “People You May Know” feature, I suggest you do one or both of the following:
.
  1. Remind him/her where you met or how you know each other
  2. Suggest how you might be able to help each other 
.
Utilizing the new and improved “People You May Know” will help you fill your tank and get you to your destination — which, of course, is growing your network and your business.  
.
For more help, check out my article titled “LinkedIn Connections Strategy: Do You Have One?”