What is a connection request?
A connection request is a LinkedIn invitation asking someone to join your network, which, once accepted, lets you message them directly.
Also called: LinkedIn invitation.
In plain words
LinkedIn is built around connections. When someone accepts your request, they become a first-degree connection, you can message them normally, and you see more of each other's posts.
You can add a short note to a request. A note that says who you are and why you are writing is more likely to be accepted than a blank request or a sales pitch.
LinkedIn watches how many requests an account sends and how many are accepted. Lots of requests that go unanswered can lead to warnings or limits, and LinkedIn gives free accounts fewer requests than paid ones, especially with notes. You can withdraw a request that has been waiting a long time.
Quality matters more than volume. A handful of requests a day to people you have a genuine reason to meet, each with a line about why, usually builds a better network than a large batch to strangers.
How it works in Spaces
Your agent can send connection requests with an optional note, list the ones you have sent, withdraw one, and accept or decline requests you receive. Spaces limits them: 5 an hour, 20 a day, 100 a week (5 a day in week 1).
A routine can also start when a connection is accepted, for example to send a short thank-you note you wrote. Every send follows the LinkedIn limits.
Related terms
- InMail: InMail is a LinkedIn message you can send to someone you are not connected to, using InMail credits from your LinkedIn plan.
- Workflow: A workflow is a short series of messages sent with a delay between each one, which stops as soon as the person replies.
- Routine: A routine is a rule that runs on its own, on a schedule or when something happens, such as sending a set reply when a message with a keyword arrives.
- New conversation: A new conversation is a message you send to someone who has not written to you in that chat yet, as opposed to a reply in a conversation the other person started.
FAQ
How many connection requests can I send through Spaces?
5 an hour, 20 a day, 100 a week (5 a day in week 1).
Should I add a note?
A short, personal note explaining why you are connecting usually helps.
Can I withdraw a request?
Yes. Your agent can withdraw a request you sent.
Can something happen automatically when someone accepts?
Yes. A routine can start when a connection is accepted, such as sending a set thank-you message.
Why does LinkedIn limit requests?
Many unanswered requests look like spam. LinkedIn may warn or limit accounts that send too many.
Useful next: LinkedIn limits, LinkedIn API, Can you automate LinkedIn messages?. Every term: the glossary.