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I am often asked, “How do I invite people on LinkedIn?” Invitations are so fundamental and, yet, many remain frustrated about the “right” and “wrong” ways to connect.

So let’s go back to basics and review the LinkedIn invite process.

First and foremost, LinkedIn requires an invitation for two people to connect. One must invite; the other must accept.  If you invite someone who is not yet an LI member, he or she must become a member to accept the invitation.

When you send an invite, and the person accepts, he or she is now a “first degree” connection. LinkedIn strongly suggests you thoughtfully select whom you will invite, choosing only those you know and trust, i.e., family, friends, current or former classmates or colleagues…

LI assumes that, at some point, you will request a recommendation from a first degree connection, or vice-versa. This is why quality is far more important than quantity. Sure, it’s fun to brag about having thousands of connections. However, unlike Facebook, LinkedIn network members are not collected; they’re selected.

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Additionally, recommendations can improve page rank within the LI network. Someone exactly like you, but with more recommendations, would ostensibly rank higher than you in LI network search. A higher rank might mean enhanced connections and better lead generation.

Specific Steps for LinkedIn Invitations

Now, on to the good stuff, with a few simple connection options:

1. Invite one contact at a time:

Enter the person’s name and email address using the “Add Connections” link on the home page.

2. Invite one contact at a time and add a personal message:

Click the “Add ___ to your Network” link (right side of the other person’s Profile.)

3. Invite “who you already know”:

a.    Click on the green “Add Connections” link at the top right of your home page.

b.    Find the box titled “See Who You Already Know on LinkedIn”.

c.     Enter your email/password to access your email address book.

d.    Click “Login to…” or “Continue” (the button varies depending on your email server)

e.    Log into your webmail account.

f.      LI will download your contacts from the webmail service into a box.

g.    Select those contacts you wish to invite.

h.    Click on “Invite selected contacts”.

4. Invite Colleagues or Classmates:

Colleagues have worked or do work for one of the companies you have listed on your Profile, during the same time periods you have listed.

To connect to colleagues:

a.    Click on the green “Add Connections” button located at the top right of your home page.

b.    Click on “Colleagues”.

c.     Click on “Find New” under one of the companies you have listed on your Profile.

d.    Select former colleagues to invite. Consider including a personal note.

e.    Click on “Send Invitation(s)”.

Classmates have attended the same educational institutions you have listed on your Profile, during the same time periods you have listed.

To connect to classmates:

a.    Click on the green “Add Connections” button located at the top right of your home page.

b.    Click on “Classmates”.

c.     Select a school from one you have listed on your Profile.

d.    Click “Invite”, to the right of the person’s name you wish to invite.

NOTE: LinkedIn will not allow you to insert web site URLS or links within an Invitation. This information can be shared only after a connection is accepted.

Consider this article a LinkedIn Connection Primer, because these methods are just a few ways to get connected. More to follow on this topic in the near future.

Next week: How to Showcase Your Expertise on LinkedIn…Without Giving Away the Farm

Victoria Ipri is CEO of Modello Media, Inc., an e-marketing strategy firm based in suburban Philadelphia, PA. She welcomes your questions and comments on this forum, or contact her directly at: ModelloMedia@gmail.com

Connect with members of Green Buzz Agency on Linkedin: Tod Plotkin, Sara Evans, Jared Lee, and Jennie Ryon. And join the Green Buzz Agency Linkedin Group.