LinkedIn – Difference Between ‘Add to Network’ and ‘Connect’
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What's the difference between "add to network" and "connect" in "People You May Know"?
Best Answer
"Add to network" are taken from your contacts list or address book (if you've allowed LinkedIn to see that), but do not yet have a matching LinkedIn account. For these you will see the name, but instead of a job title, it will list their email address.
"Connect" will appear for existing LinkedIn profiles.
To my knowledge, there is no all-in-one removal tool that is able to suggest who may be a good candidate to boot from your network (something similar to ManageFlitter for Twitter).
However, I can suggest two tools to assist you with trimming & organizing your network (which I personally use):
InMaps: Visualizes your network and identifies clusters/sub-networks, and relative "distance" (relevance) of connections to each network. It allows you to easily spot "fringe" connections that may be not that relevant (or possible in reverse to be "bridge" connection to new clusters). And it is a part of LinkedIn Labs.
MyWebCareer: More of an analytical dashboard-type tool (something of a Klout type). Also gives you a visual representation of your network which allows you to view sub-networks individually and indicating how a certain person is part of that network (current position vs. past position in a company). This can also suggest candidates for removal. However, in relation to your task it only be a complimentary tool to InMaps, I think. But it gives you some other functionality like giving scores about stuff, integrating Facebook and StackExchange-type sites into analysis.
Overall, I do agree that a smart network management tool is in order for LinkedIn. Let's hope it comes along soon!
Best Answer
"Add to network" are taken from your contacts list or address book (if you've allowed LinkedIn to see that), but do not yet have a matching LinkedIn account. For these you will see the name, but instead of a job title, it will list their email address.
"Connect" will appear for existing LinkedIn profiles.
When you click "Add to network" it will send an invite to the person (but will not be customisable) asking them to join and create an account.