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LinkedIn should have an introduction feature

I have been spending more time on LinkedIn the past couple of months and every time I want to facilitate an introduction between people I find myself thinking there should be a better way to do it. It's somewhat annoying that a platform for networking lacks a way to link people in.  

Right now, LinkedIn lets you message a person and include in that message, a third person's contact. This would be ok as an introduction but it lacks what I think are two important features that should be part of LinkedIn's communication options-protection of the privacy and seeking the consent of the two people being introduced. 

As an example, let's say I wanted to introduce a student I know named Adam to a business strategist who is looking for a part time worker. We'll call him Bob. I know Bob will find Adam to be the perfect fit-a motivated communications student at a local school who is looking for a part time summer gig. Starting from Bob's profile, I would pick the more option. I then select an option called "Introduction" that I would fit below "Send profile in a message"



I would then start typing Adam's name and confirm. This would lead me to a "Make Introduction" dialog  where I would be prompted to type introduction messages for both Bob and Adam. Both Bob and Adam would only see the privacy preserving blurb you get when you don't know someone. They would also get notifications


Adam the student would get this notification. 

Bob the business strategist would get this notification.


If both Bob and Adam both agree to accept the introduction they would both get a notification in their network section showing a new contact with a prompt to communicate. If either ignores the introduction, the notification would eventually go stale and drop of their feed.

I think this is an improvement over the current option.

  • Preserves the privacy of the people being introduced 
  • Requires consent to share contact information
  • Communication stays in LinkedIn rather than spilling into email
I would expect this to be a LinkedIn premium feature, with introductions being initiated only by premium members and the introduction to be counted the same as an InMail. 





 

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