Network

What Are Connections?

Connections are bidirectional professional relationships on Tutorwise. When you connect with someone:

• See Their Updates - Activity feed shows connection bookings and milestones
• Message Directly - Send messages through the platform
• Share Opportunities - Refer clients to connected tutors
• Build Trust - Visible connections signal credibility
• Collaborate - Work together on projects or organisations

How to Connect with Others

Sending Connection Requests

Step 1: Find Someone to Connect With

You can find potential connections through:

1. Search Results - Browse marketplace and click profiles
2. Booking Sessions - Connect with your tutor/client after sessions
3. Organisation Members - Connect with your team
4. Mutual Connections - See who your connections know
5. Recommendations - Platform suggests relevant connections

Step 2: Visit Their Profile

Click on any user's name to view their public profile. You'll see:

• Profile photo and bio
• Subjects and expertise
• Reviews and ratings
• Shared connections (mutual)
• Connect button (if not already connected)

Step 3: Send Request

1. Click "Connect" button on their profile
2. (Optional) Add a personalized message
3. Click "Send Request"

Step 4: Wait for Response

• Recipient receives email notification immediately
• They have unlimited time to respond
• You'll be notified when they accept or decline
• Request shows as "Pending" in your network

Accepting or Declining Requests

When You Receive a Request:

Email Notification:

• Instant email with requester's name and message
• Direct link to accept/decline
• Option to view full profile first

In-App Notification:

• Dashboard alert badge
• Network hub shows pending requests
• Real-time updates (no page refresh needed)

To Accept:

1. Go to Network → Pending Requests
2. Review requester's profile and message
3. Click "Accept" to connect
4. They'll be notified immediately

To Decline:

1. Click "Decline" on the request
2. No notification sent to requester (polite rejection)
3. They can send a new request later if desired

Managing Your Connections

Viewing Your Network

Go to Network Dashboard to see:

Three Main Sections:

Searching Your Network

Filter Connections By:

• Name or email
• Role (Tutor, Client, Agent)
• Subject expertise
• Location
• Mutual connections count
• Connection date (newest/oldest)

Use Cases:

• Find tutors for specific subjects
• Connect clients with specialists
• Build referral networks
• Identify collaboration partners

Removing Connections

When to Remove:

• No longer relevant professionally
• Inactivity or lack of engagement
• Policy violations or unprofessional behavior
• Duplicate or accidental connections

How to Remove:

1. Go to Network
2. Find the connection
3. Click "..." (More Options)
4. Select "Remove Connection"
5. Confirm removal

What Happens:

• Connection removed immediately
• No notification sent to them
• You can reconnect later if desired
• Mutual connections unaffected

Network for Different Users

For Tutors

Build Your Network To:

Increase Bookings:

• Connected tutors appear higher in search
• Mutual connections boost trust
• Social proof increases conversion

Grow Through Referrals:

• Refer overflow bookings to specialist tutors
• Receive referrals from connected agents
• Build subject-specific tutor networks
• Cross-promote complementary subjects

Collaborate:

• Share teaching resources
• Co-teach complex subjects
• Mentor new tutors
• Form study groups

For Clients

Build Your Network To:

Find Trusted Tutors:

• See tutors your connections use
• Get personal recommendations
• Access verified quality
• Build long-term relationships

Share Experiences:

• Exchange tutor recommendations
• Discuss learning strategies
• Form study networks
• Support each other's goals

Connect with Learning Partners:

• Find students at similar levels
• Share resources and notes
• Form accountability groups
• Motivate each other

For Agents

Build Your Network To:

Recruit Quality Tutors:

• Identify talented educators
• Vet through mutual connections
• Build specialized teams
• Scale your roster

Acquire Clients:

• Grow through trusted referrals
• Leverage network effects
• Build reputation systematically
• Create community presence

Manage Relationships:

• Stay connected with your roster
• Track tutor performance
• Provide ongoing support
• Identify growth opportunities

Connection Etiquette

Best Practices

When Sending Requests: ✅ Personalize your message ✅ Explain why you want to connect ✅ Be professional and respectful ✅ Mention shared interests/subjects ✅ Keep message concise (2-3 sentences)

What to Avoid: ❌ Generic/no message ❌ Spam (mass requests with same message) ❌ Inappropriate or overly personal messages ❌ Requesting connections just for numbers ❌ Harassing after rejection

When Accepting/Declining: ✅ Review profile before deciding ✅ Consider mutual connections ✅ Respond within reasonable time ✅ Be selective but fair ✅ Only connect with genuine interest

Professional Communication

After Connecting:

• Send a thank-you message
• Establish how you can help each other
• Share relevant resources or opportunities
• Maintain regular, professional contact
• Respect boundaries (don't spam)

Messaging Connected Users:

• Use Messages feature
• Keep conversations professional
• Respond promptly
• Avoid sales pitches unless relevant
• Build genuine relationships

How Connections Affect Your Profile

Credibility Score (CaaS)

Connections contribute to your Network Bucket (20 points total):

Connection Count Points (0-6 points):

• 20+ connections: 6 points
• 10-19 connections: 4 points
• 5-9 connections: 2 points
• 1-4 connections: 1 point
• 0 connections: 0 points

Social Proof

Visible to Others:

• Connection count on your profile
• Mutual connections highlighted
• Network size badge (50+, 100+, 500+ tiers)
• Recent connection activity

Trust Signals:

• More connections = higher perceived credibility
• Mutual connections reduce booking risk by 40%
• Well-connected users get 2x more profile views
• Network quality matters more than quantity

Search Ranking

Marketplace Visibility:

• Connections boost your search ranking
• Mutual connections prioritized in results
• Well-networked tutors appear higher
• Helps new tutors gain visibility faster

Privacy & Safety

Who Can See Your Connections?

Public (Everyone):

• Your total connection count
• Mutual connections with viewers
• Public connections only (you can hide specific connections)

Private (You Only):

• Full list of all connections
• Pending requests (sent and received)
• Declined requests history
• Connection messages

Blocking Users

If Someone Is:

• Harassing you
• Sending inappropriate messages
• Violating platform policies
• Making you uncomfortable

How to Block:

1. Go to their profile
2. Click "..." (More Options)
3. Select "Block User"
4. Confirm block

What Happens:

• Existing connection removed automatically
• They can't send new connection requests
• They can't message you
• You won't appear in their search results
• They won't be notified of the block

Reporting Inappropriate Behavior

Report if Someone:

• Sends spam connection requests
• Uses fake profile information
• Harasses or threatens you
• Violates terms of service

How to Report:

1. Go to their profile or message
2. Click "Report"
3. Select violation type
4. Provide details and evidence
5. Submit report

Our Response:

• Review within 24 hours
• Investigate thoroughly
• Take appropriate action (warning, suspension, ban)
• Protect reporter anonymity
• Follow up with outcome

Troubleshooting

Q: Why can't I send a connection request to someone? A: Possible reasons:

• You already have a pending request
• They've blocked you
• They've reached max connections (unlikely)
• Technical issue (try refreshing)

Q: Someone declined my request. Can I try again? A: Yes, but wait at least 30 days and have a good reason. Repeated requests after declines may be considered harassment.

Q: How do I know if someone declined my request? A: Pending requests disappear after 30 days if not accepted. No notification is sent for declines (privacy courtesy).

Q: Can I hide specific connections from my public profile? A: Not currently. All connections are visible to promote transparency and trust.

Q: Do connections expire? A: No, connections remain active indefinitely unless removed by either party.

Q: Can organisations force connections between members? A: No, all connections require mutual consent. Organisations can suggest connections but cannot force them.

Quick Links

• Network Dashboard — View and manage your connections
• Messages — Chat with your connections
• Credibility Score — Learn how connections affect your score
• Organisations — Build teams with your network

Ready to build your network? Start connecting with tutors, clients, and agents today!