The number one error made by LinkedIn members is the creation of multiple accounts. It happens most often unintentionally and is usually surprising or embarrassing to the member.
So, as assured as you are, why not check yourself as they say. Do it lest others soon tell you they’ve found you on LinkedIn twice, three times or more. Use the People search function and look yourself up. Sigh, if you’ve found yourself just once. Read on if you wish to fix the multiple accounts or prevent such from happening.
LinkedIn Rules Regarding Accounts & Email Addresses.
The LinkedIn rules are as follows. Each member by the terms and conditions is permitted one account. Each account has a primary email address. An email address can only be associated with one account. Multiple email addresses can be linked to an account.
How Do Multiple Accounts Happen?
Let me present a scenario that describes how multiple accounts are unknowingly created by members. You’re at work and a colleague sends you an invitation to join their LinkedIn network. The invitation is sent to me@work.com. LinkedIn recognizes this as a new email address to its database. It asks your name, your zip code, your schooling and your current employer. You now are a LinkedIn member. You’re a passive member reacting to the invitations of others and sending a few invitations from your account.
A family member or friend sends you an invitation to join their LinkedIn network at your personal email address – me@home.com. LinkedIn determines this is a new email address not yet registered in its database. Again you are asked your name, zip code, school attended and employer. You have a deja vu experience but assume you’re verifying your LinkedIn account. There you are a LinkedIn split personality with two accounts. It happens innocently. It can be fixed and prevented.
Deleting Multiple Accounts.
First identify your primary account, the one with the largest network. Usually the additional accounts are smaller networks with email addresses less used.
In the additional accounts identify those you are connected to and invite them to join your primary account network. Login to the additional accounts. Select the Accounts & Settings link atop each page. Select “Close Your Account” within Personal Information under Settings. This will close your account. The email address used as the primary email address of the deleted account should now be added to your primary account.
Adding Email Addresses.
All the email addresses you use should be included in your LinkedIn account. Add them again using Accounts & Settings – Personal Information – Email Addresses. Confirm each email address you add. It is advised that your primary email address be the email address that you check most regularly. It is ill-advised that you create a “special” email address for your LinkedIn account. More on that in another posting.
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