At some point, you will run out of your own personal connections for LinkedIn.  In order to expand your network, you will need to request others who are linked to your connections to link to you.  To do this requires some effort.

Here’s how to find possible second and third level connections and get them to accept a connection with you.

1. Go to the LinkedIn homepage and click on your profile.
2. You will find a number representing your number of connections.  Click on the number.
3. Next, you will see the names of those you are connected to.  Go through your connections to find those who you believe might have a number of connections you might want to make.
4. Click on the name of the people identified in step (3).
5. This will take you to their connections.  Work through this list to find persons you might like to connect with.
6. When you find a possible connection, send an email to the person who is connected to the person you want to connect with asking if they would be willing to send a note to that person introducing you.
7. Next request that the person connect with you.  See the Topic: Connecting With Others.  In your personal note, say something like this:“Name of Person gave me your name as someone who I should connect with on Linkedin.  I hope that you will accept my invitation to Linkedin.  Thank you”
8. You will be notified by email when the person accepts your request.

Finding connections is something you should build into your regular routine.  This is a good activity to do when you have small chunks of time available. .