How Well Do You Access Those “2nd Connections?”

How Well Do You Access Those “2nd Connections?”

It is widely understood in the world of job search that if there is one place your professional presence should be on social media, it is with the tool “LinkedIn.” LinkedIn gives an individual a place to provide a history of their work career, a summary to indicate the types of issue they help solve, the training and background that they have, and the opportunity for others to recommend their services.

While everyone is not on LinkedIn, and admittedly some move to it grudgingly once they learn of its power in the job search process, one area where I feel that many do not use the tool to its maximum effect is in the area of going beyond their first connections. For those unfamiliar with LinkedIn, a first connection is someone with whom you are directly connected on the social media site. A connection occurs when one person reaches out to another asking to connect. The person being asked can accept the request, ignore the request, (which is basically a rejection), or not respond to the request at all which means it stays pending. However, once you agree to connect to a person, you are not only connected to them, (and they to you), but you are also connected to all the other 1st connections in their Linked In profile network. These individuals are considered “2nd Connections” to you, (unless they are people to whom you are already connected, and so they are 1st connections to you on your LinkedIn profile).

Those who use LinkedIn to help further grow their professional network are either directly or indirectly saying, I want to be connected with other professionals. I don’t care if those professionals live near me, live in another State or Country from me, share the same profession as me or are in a profession that complements mine. There is a benefit, (whether it be immediate, or possibly sometime in the future), for me to be able to quickly access this person.

It takes time to build up a robust number of connections on Linked In. For those new to the tool, it can seem frustrating as they attempt to grow their network. However, where many fail to take advantage of an option to grow their network is in the “learning” about their 2nd connections. For example, I tell anyone who connects with me, (especially new clients), that when you connect with me on LinkedIn you are not only connecting with me, but over 1,700 of my closest friends. Am I truly close to all those people. No, not necessarily. But, a large number of them I do know well either as fellow coaches, people in my business networking groups, former clients, or those that I have met with whom I truly have a personal and professional relationship. I say to my new connection, you may see someone in my network, (who is now your 2nd connection), that may be of interest to you. Feel free to reach out and ask them directly if they want to connect. If you feel awkward doing that, reach out to me. I am connected to both of you. I am more than willing to provide a mutual introduction note to the 2 of you, introducing you and suggesting why I believe you would be a good connection for each other.  This is something I have done often, and have connected many people who would likely not have met each other.

However, it goes further than that. Whether 1st connections or 2nd connections, people can remain just placid, online connections, unless you and the person you are connected to look to take it further. Perhaps you would like to have a phone call with each other. Maybe, you will meet in person for coffee. If you live too far away from each other, a telephone call, or even a face to face phone or computer chat will work.

So, if you are being told, or even realize, I need to grow my professional network, so I learn of more opportunities for myself, don’t forget those individuals beyond your immediate 1st connections. They can be 2nd connections on Linked In, the relatives and friends of those that know you, that may have a contact that does similar or complementary things to what you do. Or they can be complete strangers, where you reach out, introduce yourself, learn about them, and indicate that you would love to expand the relationship further. Your ability to expand your network is going to directly relate to how well you move forward with the professional opportunities you seek both in the world of today and the world of tomorrow.