1st, 2nd, and 3rd degree connections
LinkedIn's distance labels: 1st = connected to you, 2nd = connected to your connections, 3rd = beyond that. Each degree changes what outreach is possible and how warm it lands.
Connection degree helps choose a channel. Verify it for the actual sending seat: ordinary direct messages require a recorded first-degree relationship, while invitations and InMail have different requirements. A shared network can provide context, but does not establish interest in outreach.
In practice
Check whether Maya is connected to the actual sending seat before choosing a DM, invitation, or InMail.
What to check
Connection degree is specific to an account. A connection to one teammate does not make someone a first-degree connection of every seat.
Use it in LinkedBoost
- check_linkedin_connection
Verify and record whether a person is a first-degree connection of a seat.
- send_message
Queue a new direct message to a first-degree connection of the sending seat.
Related terms
- Connection graph
- Your accumulated LinkedIn network as an asset: the connections, their connections, and the warm paths between you and anyone you'd want to reach.
- InMail
- LinkedIn's paid direct message to people outside your network, included with Premium and Sales Navigator plans. InMails don't consume your weekly invitation quota.