If you’re new to LinkedIn, building your network can feel intimidating. You see people with hundreds or thousands of connections and wonder: Where do I even start?
Here’s the good news: networking on LinkedIn isn’t about adding random people. It’s about building meaningful, professional relationships one step at a time. In this article, I’ll show you exactly how to make connections on LinkedIn, even if you’re just starting out.
1. Start With Classmates, Colleagues, and Mentors
This is the obvious one, but your first connections should be people who already know you:
- Classmates from school or professional programs
- Current and past colleagues from work
- Mentors, coaches, or supervisors who guided you
Why start here? These people are most likely to accept your requests because they already recognize your name. This gives your profile credibility as you begin expanding.
2. Look at “People You May Know”
LinkedIn suggests potential connections based on your background. Scroll through this list and connect with:
- People in your industry
- Leaders at companies you admire
- Alumni from your school or military service
Tip: The more detailed your experiences, educations, and profile overall is, the better these suggested connections will be. Just be sure not to send dozens of requests at once. Focus on quality over quantity.
3. Always Send a Personalized Connection Request
The default “I’d like to add you to my professional network” is forgettable. Instead, take 30 seconds to write a note that explains why you want to connect.
- Mention how you know them.
- Highlight something you have in common.
- Keep it short and professional.
4. Use These Example Scripts for Beginners
Here are simple templates you can copy and adjust:
- For classmates:
“Hi [Name], great to have been in [class/program] with you. I’d love to stay connected here on LinkedIn.” - For colleagues:
“Hi [Name], I enjoyed working with you on [project/team]. Let’s connect and keep in touch.” - For mentors/supervisors:
“Hi [Name], thank you for your guidance during [role/project]. I’d appreciate staying connected on LinkedIn.” - For alumni or professionals you admire:
“Hi [Name], I noticed we both studied at [School]. I’m just getting started in [field] and would love to connect with a fellow alum.” - For someone whose content you follow:
“Hi [Name], I enjoyed your recent post on [topic]. I’d like to connect and keep learning from your insights.”
5. Be Consistent and Respectful
Networking isn’t about sending 50 requests in one day. It’s about steady, intentional growth. A good pace for beginners is:
- 2–3 personalized requests per day
- 5 per week minimum
This gives you time to write thoughtful notes and keeps your growth sustainable.
Take Action This Week
✅ Choose five people (classmates, colleagues, or mentors).
✅ Send them a personalized connection request using the scripts above.
✅ Repeat weekly and watch your LinkedIn network grow steadily.
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