Difference between Follow Vs Connect on Linkedin

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1. Follow on LinkedIn

Follow on LinkedIn is a feature that allows users to stay updated on the activities and content shared by other LinkedIn members without establishing a direct connection. When you follow someone on LinkedIn, their posts, articles, and updates will appear in your feed, providing you with insights into their professional endeavors, industry knowledge, and thought leadership.

The primary benefit of following on LinkedIn is the ability to access and engage with valuable content from influencers, companies, industry experts, and thought leaders. It allows you to stay informed about the latest trends, news, and insights relevant to your professional interests. By following industry leaders and influencers, you can gain access to their expertise, learn from their experiences, and broaden your knowledge base.

Following on LinkedIn is particularly useful when you want to maintain a passive association with someone, such as staying connected with industry peers, influential figures, or companies. It enables you to keep track of their updates without the need for a direct connection or communication.

To follow someone on LinkedIn, you can simply visit their profile and click on the "Follow" button. Their updates will then appear in your LinkedIn feed, keeping you informed and engaged with their professional activities.

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2. Connect on LinkedIn

Connect on LinkedIn is a feature that allows users to establish direct connections and build professional relationships with other LinkedIn members. When you connect with someone on LinkedIn, you are essentially adding them to your network, creating a more personalized and interactive connection.

The primary benefit of connecting on LinkedIn is the ability to foster professional relationships, expand your network, and enhance your opportunities for collaboration, job prospects, and industry insights. By connecting with individuals in your field or related industries, you can tap into their network, gain access to new connections, and potentially open doors for career advancement.

Connecting on LinkedIn is particularly useful when you want to establish a more direct and interactive relationship with someone. It enables you to send messages, exchange recommendations, share insights, and collaborate on professional endeavors. Connecting can be beneficial for seeking mentorship, exploring partnership opportunities, or simply expanding your professional circle.

To connect with someone on LinkedIn, you can send them a connection request by visiting their profile and clicking on the "Connect" button. It's advisable to personalize the connection request with a brief message explaining why you want to connect or how you found their profile relevant to your professional interests.

It's important to note that while connecting opens up more interactive possibilities, it's essential to approach connection requests respectfully and considerately, ensuring that they align with your professional goals and interests. Building a meaningful network on LinkedIn requires thoughtful engagement and nurturing of relationships over time.

Can I get the skinny on the LinkedIn “Follow” vs “Connect” buttons on a profile page? I’ve been getting a LOT of connection requests (which is great!) but wondering if I should be doing something else...?

— Michael Thrasher (@Mike_Thrasher) August 30, 2019

When deciding whether to follow or connect with someone on LinkedIn, there are a few factors to consider. Here are some guidelines to help you make the right choice:

1. Professional Relationship: If you have an existing professional relationship with the person, such as a colleague, client, or industry contact, it's generally more appropriate to send a connection request. Connecting allows for more direct interaction and engagement, fostering a closer professional relationship.

2. Level of Familiarity: If you are not personally acquainted with the individual but find their content or updates valuable, following is a suitable option. Following allows you to stay informed about their professional activities without establishing a direct connection. It is particularly useful for industry influencers, thought leaders, or companies.

3. Networking Objectives: Consider your networking goals and objectives. If you aim to expand your network, connect with individuals who can provide valuable insights or potential career opportunities. On the other hand, if you primarily seek to gain knowledge and industry updates, following can be more beneficial.

4. Personalization and Interaction: Connecting on LinkedIn enables you to personalize your communication, exchange messages, and engage in deeper conversations. If you foresee a need for direct interaction or if you want to engage in meaningful professional discussions, connecting is the preferred option.

5. Privacy and Visibility: It's important to note that when you connect with someone, your shared connections can see your connection and vice versa. If you prefer to maintain a more private or discreet network, following allows you to access updates without the mutual visibility that comes with connecting.

Remember that these guidelines are not strict rules, and the decision ultimately depends on your individual preferences and networking strategy. You can mix and match both approaches based on different profiles and objectives to optimize your LinkedIn experience and build a diverse and meaningful network.