Welcome to another post in our series titled Networking in November. Today we’re talking about LinkedIn again, more specifically, your network. Your network is an incredibly useful tool that allows you to connect, interact, and potentially benefit. In the LinkedIn world, your network is your friends list. It’s people that you know, work with, or have worked for in the past and can be incredibly useful for you moving forward professionally. Your network can open up possibilities for you in the job market, business world, and can positively affect your reputation. Check out our list of connections you should have in your network.

• Your Friends- Starting out pretty obvious here, your friends are the first people you tend to connect with or add on social media sites because they’re a guaranteed “add” and supportive ally to help boost your content by liking, commenting, and sharing. It also opens up your network to mutual friends, those from college, your area--your friends friends become accessible.

• Family- Much like friends, family is another easy group to target on your LinkedIn network. Sometimes family members are the most beneficial connections, especially if they’re well connected. It allows even more network expansion and also gives that favorite uncle or distant cousin a chance to catch a glimpse into your professional space and can allow them to potentially open doors for you along the way,

• Co-Workers- It may feel strange connecting with co-workers on a social media platform, especially if you’re newer to the company, but it’s crucial for everyone to be a united front, all connected and ready to market, network, and expand your respective company. By connecting with your co-workers, it allows an option to add that individual(s) as a “Team Member” which signals to others on the site that you’re connected by your careers and you work together daily.

• Previous Co-Workers- Connecting with previous co-workers is important when creating a LinkedIn profile because it shows where you’ve been to your new connections and that you don’t burn bridges. This is so important because as a business professional, you never know when a person from the past can be an incredible asset to you. Burning bridges will lead to dead ends, a smaller surplus of contacts, and people who could potentially have a negative word or two about you if asked. It’s best, if possible, to leave a place of work on professional, positive terms. This is a win for everyone involved as that connection still stands years later.

• Those with Similar Titles (Recruiter Recommendation)- According to our recruiters, it’s important to connect with relevant professionals with similar job titles. This broadens your professional network to others that work just as you do! For example, if you’re a Marketing Coordinator in Lakeland, Florida, consider reaching out to other Marketing Coordinators in your area. Again, because these individuals may not be someone you know personally, be sure to add some sort of greeting in your connection offer so that they know why you want to make this connection.

• Those that Inspire You (Recruiter Recommendation)- Another recruiter tip is to connect with those that inspire you! This may sound cheesy, but believe it or not, those thought leaders and inspirational professionals are great connections to have whether it be personal reasons or professional reasons. These thought leaders allow a unique, experienced point of view on certain business-related topics with plenty of food for thought to help you feel encouraged, motivated, and serious about your professional life. *Note that many of these people aren’t available for direct connections if they’re huge such as Elon Musk, however, if you are unable to directly connect--follow them!

• Those who Add to Your Success (Recruiter Recommendation)- Just like any social media platform, there’s always a debby-downer, bad-mouth, or frustrating friend that bogs down your feed with posts that make you say “really???” These people are no fun on platforms like Facebook and Instagram, and they’re certainly no fun on a professional site such as LinkedIn. Our recruiters recommend adding those that are positive and add some sort of success or value to your own life.

• Employees at Companies You’d Want to Work For (Recruiter Recommendation)- Our final recommendation for you who should add to your network includes employees or those with the same job title from companies you’d personally like to work for. Whether you’re applying, have applied, or want to apply, connecting with these professionals in this capacity allows a personal glimpse into company culture, employee relations, and more. Again, if you’re going to connect with these individuals, send a quick “Hello” message to them so they know your intentions and that you’re not spam.

BONUS: Who Should Not be in your Network--Although this blog is all about who should be in your network, our recruiters gave us one “don’t” and that is your direct competition. While maintaining some sort of healthy relationship or rivalry with your competitors is fun and normal, connecting with them on LinkedIn may not be the smartest move. This type of connection could potentially hinder your strategy, model, and product if work leaks, or you’re an “over-sharer”. While you should be open to adding to your network, be cautious, and wise as to who you’re adding and who is adding you.