Although there are more than 600 million LinkedIn profiles, many limit their use of the platform to a static version of their resume. Making connections is one of the best ways to get value from LinkedIn. When you’re ready to expand your network and hit connect, be sure to include a personal note. Doing so allows the person you’re hoping to connect with to have a sense of who you are, how you discovered them and why you want to connect, all things that should be included. With a 300 character limit, this note will be the start of a great first impression and hopefully a mutually beneficial relationship to follow.