People often ask me about removing connections and blocking people on LinkedIn.

There are many reasons for people to bring up these matters. For example, sometimes you might grow apart from people and no longer have an interest in them. So, you decide to remove them as a connection.

Or the person may be a competitor of yours. Many people choose not to connect with others who are direct competitors of theirs.

Blocking can be an option if a connection or a someone inviting you to connect comes across as too pushy and annoying.

 

 

Removing a LinkedIn Connection

When you remove a LinkedIn connection, LinkedIn doesn’t notify that person. However, you might show up in the People part of “More Suggestions for You” in their My Network section.

If that happens, they may send you an invite to connect. Simply ignore the invite.

Here’s how to remove a connection without going into that person’s profile:

  • Click on My Network in your menu bar.
  • Under Manage My Network at the top left of the screen, click on Connections.
  • Type the person’s name into the search box.
  • Click on the three dots to the right of the Message button and click on Remove connection.
  • Then click on the blue Remove button.

 

Blocking Someone on LinkedIn 

When you block someone on LinkedIn, LinkedIn doesn’t notify the person.

Once you block them, you will no longer be connected with them (if you were). You can “unblock” them, but if you wanted to be connected again, you’d have to invite them to do so.

Before you block someone, consider going into “hiding” first. Do this by going into your privacy settings. Then click on Profile Viewing Options and click on the circle next to Anonymous LinkedIn Member.

Once you are in this mode, go to the person’s profile and click on the More button. Then select Report/Block and then click on Block plus the first name of the person.

Per LinkedIn, here’s what happens when you block someone:

  • “You won’t be able to access each other’s profiles on LinkedIn.
  • You won’t be able to message each other on LinkedIn.
  • You won’t be able to see each other’s shared content.
  • LinkedIn removes any endorsements and recommendations you got from that person.
  • You won’t be able to see each other under Who’s Viewed Your Profile.
  • LinkedIn will stop suggesting you to each other in features such as More Suggestions for You and People Also Viewed.”

 

How About You?

Have you removed LinkedIn connections or blocked people on LinkedIn? If so, what prompted you to do so? Have you ever changed your mind and asked these folks to connect with you again?

 

About Joyce

Joyce Feustel helps people, especially those age 45 and up, become more effective using social media, especially Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter. She provides social media tutoring and training to business owners, business development professionals, authors, speakers, coaches, business consultants, job seekers, and many others. Find her at www.boomerssocialmediatutor.com.