Have you downloaded a list of your LinkedIn connections lately? Did you even know it's possible to download it?

This extremely useful function has been available for quite some time, but most people have not taken advantage of it.

But the good news is LinkedIn recently expanded this feature, and now--in addition to a list of your connections--you can download lots of other valuable data from your LinkedIn account.

iStock_000025032550SmallNow, if you're saying to yourself, It's probably hard to figure out how to do it--and even tougher to know how to capitalize on the information--I've got good news for you: It's very easy to do.

Just follow these four simple steps:
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  1. Scroll over your small photo (or headshot icon if you don't have a photo) on the right side of your top toolbar.
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  2. Choose Privacy & Settings from the drop-down menu that appears under your photo.
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  3. Click the Account tab near the bottom of the page.
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  4. Under the Helpful Links section, choose Request an archive of your data.

That's it. Within 72 hours (twice I got mine in less than 24 hours), you will receive a file from LinkedIn. It will be sent to the primary email listed in your LinkedIn account.
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Here's what you'll get

You will obviously find some of this information to be more useful than others, but I can assure you there are some real gems in here.
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Account information:
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  • Registration information
  • Login history, including IP records
  • Email address history and statuses
  • Account history, including account closures and reopens


Other information:
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  • Name information, including the current name on your account and any previous name changes
  • A list of your 1st degree connections
  • Photos that have been uploaded to your account
  • Endorsements you've received
  • List of skills on your profile
  • Recommendations given and received
  • Group contributions
  • Your search history
  • Content you've posted, shared, liked, or commented on
  • Mobile apps you've installed
  • Ads you've clicked on
  • The targeting criteria LinkedIn uses to show you ads

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In my opinion, the most useful information is the list of your first-degree connections. In that spreadsheet you'll find first name, last name, current job title, current company, and--potentially the most lucrative information--email address. I'm sure you will find numerous uses for all of this material, but knowing you can have all these email addresses in one handy dandy spot is probably the best news you've gotten lately.

Don't delay--go get your data now. And why not do yourself a favor and make a note to follow this procedure at least quarterly. You never know when you'll need this goldmine of information.