What is a LinkedIn 2nd-degree connection?
1st-degree people are already connected. You can usually DM them. 2nd-degree means you both know someone in the middle. 3rd-degree is further out. LinkedIn shows these labels on profiles and in search.
2nd-degree invites often accept at a higher rate because the mutual person is social proof. That only helps if the mutual is real. Name-dropping a stranger you both collected at a conference in 2017 does not.
You still need a reason. "We're both connected to Priya" is weak if Priya would not introduce you. Pair the degree with a trigger.
TeamLink in Sales Navigator is a related idea at company scale: colleagues' networks. It is not a license to pretend you are close.
Do not buy 1st-degree connections to manufacture 2nd-degree paths. That graph is junk, and LinkedIn is not confused about farms.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, in both consumer search and Navigator. It is a useful slice when you have a real network in the market.
Out of network, or far enough that LinkedIn will not show a path. You will need InMail, Open Profile, a group, or a colder invite.
No. An invite is still an invite. It may just be more likely to be accepted.
If your graph is dense in the ICP, it is a good default. If your graph is empty, you will have to go colder and write better reasons.
Run the outreach from your own LinkedIn account
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