How many super connectors do you know on LinkedIn? Are you one of them?
What is a super connector?
Let’s start with the basics. A super connector is basically someone that is very well connected (no surprise here). The author Keith Ferrazzi uses the term in his book Never Eat Alone, here’s his definition:
“Super Connectors are people who maintain contact with thousands of people in many different worlds and know them well enough to give them a call. Restauranteurs, headhunters, lobbyists, fundraisers, public relations people, politicians, and journalists are the best super-connectors because it’s their job to know EVERYONE.”
I think we all know people like these, people whose name keeps popping up here and there in different contexts.
So who is a super connector on LinkedIn?
Some would say that anyone with 500+ connections is a super connector. I would probably say 1,000 makes you super at connecting. The poll below used 3,000 connections as the threshold into super connectivity.
If you feel like checking out some real-life super connectors on LinkedIn, have a look at Neal Schaffer’s post listing 10 LinkedIn LIONs and Super Connectors.
But hang on, it’s not about the size…
Let me add the obligatory disclaimer here so I don’t get too many angry comments about quality vs. quality, engagement vs. broadcasting, farmers vs. hunters, etc etc etc. This post is only about the numbers, what you do with your connections is another matter. The fact that someone has amassed thousands of connections does indicate that they have an ability to connect with other people (or they just trawl LinkedIn 24/7).
What percentage of LinkedIn users are super connectors?
A LinkedIn poll conducted by Michael Field Pty Ltd has identified LinkedIn super connectors (with at least 3,ooo connections). They asked 1,006 LinkedIn members exactly how many connections they have.
The findings:
- 54% of respondents have less than 500 connections
- 27% have between 500-999
- 12% have between 1,000-1,999
- 3% have between 2,000-2,999
- 4% have 3,000+ connections
So only 4% or one LinkedIn user in 25 has more than 3,000 connections and can call themselves super connectors here. Most folks have less than 500 connections which make perfect sense. The first 500 connections are the most difficult to get, from there LinkedIn tends to snowball in the user’s favor and before they know it they’ve hit 1k.
Where are you on this scale, how many connections do you have? Do you feel that the connections you have are enough for your networking efforts?
Related reading: LinkedIn Open Networker (LION) – a bad idea?
