LinkedIn is a professional networking site that has been around since 2002. With over 700 million users, it is a platform designed to connect professionals with each other. But, if you’re new to LinkedIn, you may be wondering what the terms “1st” and “3rd” mean when it comes to connections.
First-degree connections, or “1st” connections, are people who you are directly connected with on LinkedIn. These are people who you’ve connected with and have accepted your invitation to connect. On the other hand, third-degree connections, or “3rd” connections, are people who are two connections away from you. These are people who are connected with one of your 2nd-degree connections.
Understanding 1st and 3rd on LinkedIn
LinkedIn is a powerful platform for professionals to connect and network with other professionals in their industry. One of the unique features of LinkedIn is the “1st” and “3rd” connections that are displayed on profiles. In this article, we will explore what these terms mean and how they impact your LinkedIn network.
What are 1st Connections on LinkedIn?
Your 1st connections on LinkedIn are people that you are directly connected to on the platform. These are people that you have sent a connection request to, or who have sent you a connection request and you have accepted. Your 1st connections are the most valuable connections on LinkedIn because they are the people that you can directly message, see their activity on the platform, and potentially refer business to.
It’s important to note that your 1st connections can also see your activity on the platform, so it’s important to be mindful of what you are posting and sharing on LinkedIn.
What are 2nd Connections on LinkedIn?
Your 2nd connections on LinkedIn are people that are connected to your 1st connections, but not directly connected to you. This means that you share a mutual connection with these individuals, but you are not directly connected to them.
Having 2nd connections can be valuable because it allows you to expand your network and potentially connect with new people in your industry. However, it’s important to note that you cannot directly message 2nd connections unless you have a Premium LinkedIn account.
What are 3rd Connections on LinkedIn?
Your 3rd connections on LinkedIn are people that are connected to your 2nd connections, but not directly connected to you. This means that you share a mutual connection with these individuals, but you are not directly connected to them or their 1st connections.
Having 3rd connections can be valuable because it allows you to expand your network even further and potentially connect with new people in your industry. However, it’s important to note that you cannot directly message 3rd connections unless you have a Premium LinkedIn account.
Benefits of 1st Connections on LinkedIn
There are many benefits to having 1st connections on LinkedIn. Some of the key benefits include:
- Directly messaging your connections
- Seeing your connections’ activity on the platform
- Potentially referring business to your connections
- Building stronger relationships with people in your industry
Benefits of 2nd and 3rd Connections on LinkedIn
While your 2nd and 3rd connections may not be as valuable as your 1st connections, there are still benefits to having these connections on LinkedIn. Some of the key benefits include:
- Expanding your network and potentially connecting with new people in your industry
- Building brand awareness by having more people see your profile and activity on the platform
- Potentially being introduced to new business opportunities through your extended network
1st vs 2nd vs 3rd Connections on LinkedIn
When it comes to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd connections on LinkedIn, it’s important to understand the differences between them and how they impact your network. Here’s a quick breakdown of the pros and cons of each type of connection:
| Connection Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Connections | Directly message, see activity, potentially refer business | Requires a connection request to be accepted |
| 2nd Connections | Expand network, potential new connections | Cannot directly message without Premium account |
| 3rd Connections | Further expand network, potential new connections | Cannot directly message without Premium account |
Conclusion
Understanding 1st and 3rd connections on LinkedIn is important for building and expanding your professional network. While 1st connections are the most valuable, 2nd and 3rd connections can still provide benefits and help you connect with new people in your industry. By leveraging these connections, you can build stronger relationships and potentially generate new business opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 1st mean on LinkedIn?
On LinkedIn, 1st refers to a first-degree connection. These are people who you are directly connected with on the platform, either because you have accepted their invitation to connect or they have accepted yours. First-degree connections can see each other’s full profiles, send messages to each other, and endorse each other’s skills.
However, keep in mind that LinkedIn limits the number of first-degree connections you can have to 30,000. Once you reach this limit, you won’t be able to add any more first-degree connections unless you remove some of your existing connections.
What does 3rd mean on LinkedIn?
On LinkedIn, 3rd refers to a third-degree connection. These are people who are connected to your second-degree connections. In other words, they are two degrees away from you on the platform. You can see their name and profile picture, but you won’t be able to view their full profile unless you connect with them directly.
While third-degree connections may seem distant, they can still be valuable for networking purposes. You can ask your second-degree connections to introduce you to their third-degree connections if you think they could be helpful for your career goals.
What is the difference between 1st and 2nd connections on LinkedIn?
On LinkedIn, first-degree connections are people who you are directly connected with on the platform. You have either accepted their invitation to connect or they have accepted yours. You can see each other’s full profiles, send messages to each other, and endorse each other’s skills.
Second-degree connections, on the other hand, are people who are connected to your first-degree connections. While you can’t see their full profiles, you can see their name, profile picture, and headline. You can also send them a connection request or ask your first-degree connection to introduce you to them.
Can I message someone who is a 3rd connection on LinkedIn?
If someone is a third-degree connection on LinkedIn, you can still send them a message, but it may be more difficult to get their attention. Before you can send them a message, you’ll need to connect with them directly or ask one of your mutual connections to introduce you.
To increase your chances of getting a response, make sure your message is personalized and relevant to their interests or career goals. You can also consider joining groups or participating in discussions where they are active to increase your visibility and establish a connection.
How do I increase my 1st connections on LinkedIn?
To increase your first-degree connections on LinkedIn, start by optimizing your profile and making it easy for people to find and connect with you. This includes adding a professional profile picture, headline, and summary, as well as highlighting your skills and experience.
You can also start by connecting with people you know personally or professionally, such as colleagues, classmates, or former employers. Joining groups or participating in discussions related to your industry or interests can also help you expand your network and connect with new people. Finally, consider reaching out to people who you admire or who are in a position you aspire to, and ask them for an informational interview or to connect on LinkedIn.
In conclusion, understanding what 1st and 3rd mean on LinkedIn is essential for anyone looking to build a strong online professional presence. Being a 1st connection means that you are directly connected with someone on the platform, while being a 3rd connection means that you are separated from that person by two degrees of connection.
Having a large network of 1st connections can be incredibly valuable for networking, job searching, and building your personal brand. However, it’s important to remember that the quality of those connections is just as important as the quantity. Building strong, meaningful connections with others on LinkedIn can lead to great opportunities and long-lasting professional relationships.
Overall, whether you’re just starting out on LinkedIn or you’re a seasoned user, understanding the significance of 1st and 3rd connections can help you make the most of this powerful platform. Focus on building a network that reflects your professional goals and values, and you’ll be well on your way to success.