LinkedIn Connections?

The worst thing to do is to add people without writing a customized message explaining what you want from them...

If I add somebody I don't know, I make sure to write 2-3 sentences...

I'm trying to increase my network on Linkedin PM me if you are interested in adding each other

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Stop being so uncomfortable. Connect and in the body of the message tell them that you're interested in IB or w/e it is, and that you're looking for advice, then politely ask to set up a call over the coming days or weeks.

I'm not sure if I'm typical, but I wouldn't accept a random LinkedIn request from a college kid. I need to know the person offline, or at least have had a phone conversation before I'm willing to add someone.

I added some random Investment Bankers asking them for advice.

Hopefully they accept. Although you're probably right about them not randomly accepting a college kid.

Just wanted to give an update for people in the future wanting to try this:

It has worked. People from Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, etc. have added me. Looks like people are always happy helping others in Finance.

Adding people you don't know is completely pointless, in my book. I use LinkedIn to keep tabs on where people are these days. I can't imagine how it would be useful to add strangers. Someone tell me why it would be helpful.

SirTradesaLot:

Adding people you don't know is completely pointless, in my book. I use LinkedIn to keep tabs on where people are these days. I can't imagine how it would be useful to add strangers. Someone tell me why it would be helpful.

So according to your logic, you can't become friends or something with strangers?

WallStreetStandard:

SirTradesaLot:

Adding people you don't know is completely pointless, in my book. I use LinkedIn to keep tabs on where people are these days. I can't imagine how it would be useful to add strangers. Someone tell me why it would be helpful.

So according to your logic, you can't become friends or something with strangers?

SirTradesaLot:

WallStreetStandard:

SirTradesaLot:

Adding people you don't know is completely pointless, in my book. I use LinkedIn to keep tabs on where people are these days. I can't imagine how it would be useful to add strangers. Someone tell me why it would be helpful.

So according to your logic, you can't become friends or something with strangers?

No. My logic is that making awkward connections on LinkedIn to people you don't know, won't lead to a job. The people who don't know you who accept your connection requests are people that are usually not worth knowing.

Nailed it

SirTradesaLot:

Adding people you don't know is completely pointless, in my book. I use LinkedIn to keep tabs on where people are these days. I can't imagine how it would be useful to add strangers. Someone tell me why it would be helpful.

I'm added people with relevance. So for example they are all either alumni of my Highschool or my University.

Going off this, is it proper etiquette to bring up mutual connections? Let's say you go in for an interview / meeting and you look up the person before hand and notice a mutual connection. Is it okay to say I looked into your profile and noticed you also know X?

IBNazi:

SirTradesaLot:

Adding people you don't know is completely pointless, in my book. I use LinkedIn to keep tabs on where people are these days. I can't imagine how it would be useful to add strangers. Someone tell me why it would be helpful.

I'm added people with relevance. So for example they are all either alumni of my Highschool or my University.

SirTradesaLot:

IBNazi:

SirTradesaLot:

Adding people you don't know is completely pointless, in my book. I use LinkedIn to keep tabs on where people are these days. I can't imagine how it would be useful to add strangers. Someone tell me why it would be helpful.

I'm added people with relevance. So for example they are all either alumni of my Highschool or my University.

Ok.....but what exactly is the point of having a bunch of LinkedIn connections who you have never spoken to before?

Well I planned on asking for tips on how to maximize my stay in uni. Something like "if you could go back to uni what would you have wished you done?" and then I'd do everything they missed out, and prosper in that aspects. I could also get them to give me advice on how they went from uni to the job they're at.

I imagine that having people on LinkedIn is better than having no one on LinkedIn...

good

IBNazi:

SirTradesaLot:

IBNazi:

SirTradesaLot:

Adding people you don't know is completely pointless, in my book. I use LinkedIn to keep tabs on where people are these days. I can't imagine how it would be useful to add strangers. Someone tell me why it would be helpful.

I'm added people with relevance. So for example they are all either alumni of my Highschool or my University.

Ok.....but what exactly is the point of having a bunch of LinkedIn connections who you have never spoken to before?

Well I planned on asking for tips on how to maximize my stay in uni. Something like "if you could go back to uni what would you have wished you done?" and then I'd do everything they missed out, and prosper in that aspects. I could also get them to give me advice on how they went from uni to the job they're at.

I imagine that having people on LinkedIn is better than having no one on LinkedIn...

Don't 'plan on' doing anything, get out there and make that call. Your LinkedIN connections are useless unless you're following up and making a 'real connection'. Get them on the phone, don't sound like a complete idiot, and follow-up. Rinse and repeat. For some variety offer to meet in person.

I used LinkedIn to add alumni who are in IB/PE, then if they accept, I send them a personal message asking for advice and possibly setting up a phone call. I haven't had too much luck, probably because I think many of these people don't use LinkedIn on a regular basis (as in, they check once every few months or so). I know this because they'll approve my request months after I've added them, or they'll add me and won't reply to my message until a long while after. That being said, those who did get back to me were super helpful and very willing to talk about their experience. I've had several phone calls that went far beyond the standard 15 minute calls and built some good relationships.

IMO it's a much better idea to email instead of using LinkedIn, unless you aren't in a rush to get a reply.

To make the distinction clearer, I think it's fine if you're adding alumni, but again, it's not the most effective way to get in contact with them. If you're adding random people with no affiliation (school, fraternity, ect.) then obviously that's not very effective at all.

When you guys add people who you have met at a networking event, what do you select when it asks how you know them? I usually just go with "Friend" to avoid all the extra information you have to put in for the other choices.

I think LinkedIn functions somewhat like a business card exchange. I view it as a tool to solidify a relationship that has already been made in person elswhere.

DO NOT add random people unless you have a good reason and send a note along with the invite to explain why you want to connect.

I've had a lot of random analysts and recruiters try to add me and quite honestly it's creepy. You don't want to come off as desperate.

I have been successful connecting with Alumni on Linkedin. A little tip, if you plan on talking to someone a lot get their email address or phone number. It is annoying as hell to to keep track of long conversations on Linkedin

People who add you without knowing who you are probably aren't "strategic connections." I know that I wouldn't accept some random nobody's connection request. I don't work with moochers. I'm not calling you a "nobody" or a "moocher," but those are the people who usually send out completely random, generic connection requests.

IMO, if you have to do that, then you must have a very weak network, and you're probably unemployed. I wouldn't want to connect with that person. I don't think that anyone who has a solid list of contacts would.