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You've bought into the LinkedIn concept as a business tool. You like the free version. You can do just about everything, but you have some questions. Here are some answers:
1. How to disconnect with someone.
We've all been there. You accepted an invitation. Afterwards, it just doesn't feel right. Maybe you connected with me! I'm getting annoying! What can you do?
Action: Drop them as a connection. The Profile page has a "More" tab. One of your choices is "Remove Connection." You can also get there through "My Network." View your list of connections. Click on the three dots (…). You will see "Remove Connection."
2. How to stop hearing from someone.
You are getting too much from this person. Maybe it's not relevant at this moment. You still want to stay connected, just not see their posts all the time.
Action: Posts on your home page have three dots (…) to the right. One option is "unfollow." They will remain a connection, but you won't see their posts. There is an unfollow choice on their profile page, too. It's under "More," but doesn't have the explanation.
3. Try connecting with a high-profile person.
Ever search for people at a specific firm and discover their profile offers the option to "Follow" instead of "Connect"? You can often try connecting using a different route.
Action: On their Profile page, click the "More" tab. One of the options should be "Connect." In the text box, put together a compelling reason why they should connect with you. It might require you to know their email address. You might know how their company structures their email addresses.
4. Determining who to connect with.
You want people working at a certain firm or doing a specific job as connections. You search and find many. I prefer second-level connections because it shows shared connections and their names.
Action: Your personalized message makes the case why they should connect, along with the number of shared connections. The fact that they see familiar names or many, many shared connections can work in your favor.
5. You have shared connections, but can't see them.
This happens to me occasionally. We are second-level connections, but I don't see who we know in common. Here's the likely reason: They have shielded their list of connections. Even when you are connected, you still won't be able to see them.
Action: Since they will likely be able to see my shared connections, I include in the invitation "We have at least one shared connection." If LinkedIn shows us as second-level connections, this should be true.
