How often should you accept a LinkedIn connection request?

This depends on why you are using LinkedIn and what your personal strategy is for the site.
There are generally two schools of thought: firstly, only connect with a clearly defined type of person (perhaps in a specific niche), so that you build strong relationships and create a quality network where you can help each other out.
Or, connect with almost everyone who approaches you. Clearly you will want to avoid the obvious spammers. The benefits of this approach are firstly that the more people you connect with, the greater likelihood that serendipity will kick in with unexpected valuable relationships building. Secondly, LinkedIn actually rewards you for having a large network, by placing you higher up in search results where you are included.
In short, think carefully about what it is you want to achieve on LinkedIn (this of course could change over time), and have a connection strategy that matches that.
One last point - get into the habit of thanking people when they ask to connect, so that you can start a conversation.
For more tips, strategies and ideas on how to use LinkedIn, join our private group LinkedIn Secrets on Facebook.

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