Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Sho Dewan is a career expert who covers work, top jobs, and business. In the modern professional landscape, LinkedIn is more than ...

It happens to a lot of us. A new LinkedIn connection request pops up without a note, a message, or a reason. Perhaps the person shares a few mutual connections, but they’re essentially a stranger.

To succeed on LinkedIn, prioritize genuine human connection over spammy DMs. Personalize messages, keep them short, ask thoughtful questions, and offer value first. Build rapport naturally before ...