It’s quality, not quantity when it comes to networking. So it’s the ten meaningful LinkedIn connections that yield long-term results, not the thousands of random connections. Here’s how to build meaningful LinkedIn connections that last.

What makes a LinkedIn connection meaningful?

Nobody likes a one-sided relationship, where one person does all the work or gains all the benefits. So a lasting, meaningful LinkedIn connection will benefit both parties. It should add some sort of professional value.

Choose the right people

Be selective! Meaningful connections can come from unexpected places, but they rarely come from generic “please join my network” messages. (Plus, who likes to get those from random strangers? It’s creepy.) It’s best to start bolstering your network with people you already know. So import a list of your email contacts, look through the “people you may know” on your Networking page, or search for individuals, groups, or keywords that interest you.

Invite the connection

If you care about making a connection, you’ll customize your request to link in. Use the invitation to remind the person how you met, and what interests you about their profile or industry. It might read, “Hi, Karen. I’m glad we could talk at the trade show this weekend. Since we are in the same industry, I thought it would be a great idea to connect.”

Build the relationship

People appreciate other people of value. And you won’t seem valuable if you ask for favors straight away—you’ll seem like a drag and a drain. So first see how you can offer your services to new connections, especially if you can work it into the invitation text with, say, an offer to buy coffee or lunch. Showing your value right away encourages the connection to foster a relationship with you.

Respond to your invitations

Once you become active on LinkedIn, you’ll start getting invitations to connect. You may read advice to accept all connection requests, even from people you don’t know. But that falls under quantity, not quality, connections. It’s often better—and safer—to vet potential connections first, especially if they send you a generic invitation.

Take a look at the person’s profile. Could this develop into a meaningful connection? Do you have mutual connections? A shared industry? Does this person work for an amazing company? You can message the person and ask what drew them to your profile, and then decide if you want to bring them into your network.

In conclusion

Building a meaningful LinkedIn network of quality, not quantity, connections will take more time than casting many shots in the dark. But this targeted approach is more likely to land you long-term results in a trusted peer, a mentor, or a leg up in your next professional adventure.