There are basically 2 ways of connecting through LinkedIn. The first one, you should find and connect with people who have some commonality with you (someone with same college/company/city etc.). This connection has a higher chance of giving you a referral because they would connect with your journey, your pain points and empathize with you much better.
The second way is to work on your LinkedIn profile, use the platform to showcase your skills and post relevant stuff on it. There is no other way but to write some creative cold messages and reaching out to more and more folks on the platform.

Building connections and asking for referrals involves establishing meaningful relationships and demonstrating genuine interest in others. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you effectively make connections and request referrals:

1. Establish a Strong Online Presence:

• LinkedIn Profile:
• Optimize your LinkedIn profile with a professional photo, a comprehensive summary, and details about your skills, experiences, and projects.
• Regular Engagement:
• Actively engage on LinkedIn by sharing insights, commenting on posts, and connecting with professionals in your field.

2. Attend Networking Events:

• Industry Events:
• Attend industry-specific conferences, workshops, meetups, and seminars both in-person and virtually.
• Local Networking Groups:
• Join local networking groups related to your field and actively participate in their events.

3. Networking Online:

• Professional Groups:
• Join relevant online professional groups or forums related to your field and engage in discussions.
• Twitter Chats and Webinars:
• Participate in Twitter chats and webinars related to your industry to connect with professionals.

4. Engage with Alumni:

• College Alumni Network:
• Leverage your college's alumni network to connect with professionals in your field and seek guidance.
• Alumni Events:
• Attend alumni events or webinars and actively engage with professionals from your college.

5. Be Genuine and Authentic:

• Authentic Conversations:
• Engage in genuine conversations, show interest in others, and ask thoughtful questions about their work and experiences.
• Listen Actively:
• Practice active listening during conversations to truly understand the other person's perspective.

6. Offer Value:

• Share Knowledge:
• Share valuable articles, insights, or industry news that would interest your connections.
• Offer Assistance:
• Be willing to help others with advice, mentorship, or assistance related to your area of expertise.

7. Initiate Contact:

• Personalized Messages:When reaching out to professionals, craft personalized messages explaining why you want to connect and how you think you can mutually benefit each other.

8. Ask for an Informational Interview:

• Polite Request:
• Politely ask for an informational interview to learn more about their career and seek advice.
• Prepare for the Interview:
• Prepare thoughtful questions in advance to make the most of the informational interview.