Get 4 million free contacts on LinkedIn

I did it. I broke the 4 million connections barrier!  

I now have access to over 4 million direct connections on LinkedIn and you can do it too. Why bother? You may ask yourself. Well, because by having more connections you get to see more profiles and LinkedIn becomes that much more useful.  

The best way to grow your network is to connect with what I like to call "super connectors." For example, if you link with me then any of my 703,700 2nd degree contacts you aren't already linked with will become your 3rd degree contacts. Its that easy. So invite me to join you today if you haven't already. (You'll need my email address which it over at my website.)  

But who are the other super connectors? Well, you can find them on LinkedIn by doing power searches (learn about that in my new CheatSheet) and you can find sites or groups that track that kind of data. For example, the top 50 most linked people are listed on TopLinked. Your network will grow faster by linking with a few super connectors than by adding hundreds of individuals. That's why I recommend doing a little of both.    

Here's what my network look like:  

You are at the center of your network. Your connections can introduce you to 4,011,700+ professionals - here's how your network breaks down:
Your Connections Your trusted friends and colleagues	8,161
Two degrees away Friends of friends; each connected to one of your connections	703,700+
Three degrees away Reach these users through a friend and one of their friends	3,299,800+
Total users you can contact through an Introduction Your network also includes 500+ users in your 31 LinkedIn Groups.	4,011,700+

 Notice that I have over 700k connections thanks to LinkedIn Groups. This is a great way to compliment your reach. In fact, I have a couple of groups of my own. One of them,  CyberSleuths on LinkedIn, is open to any recruiter interested in sourcing or research. To join just click the link. By joining you'll have access to the networks of other CyberSleuths worldwide.  

So what are you waiting for? Go grow your network! The last one to reach 5 million buys the first round at ERE San Diego :)  

Oh - if you want to get there even faster, get the "LinkedIn Networking Tips for Recruiters." Its a 2-page quick reference document revealing over 30 ways to build your network and online credibility. When you purchase it with the LinkedIn CheatSheet for recruiters featuring 5 never-before-seen hacks that take you above LinkedIn's limitations, you get both for under $20!  

Happy LinkedIn CyberSleuthing!