How to Use Claude Code to Build a LinkedIn SDR Agent with Item 12 MCP
· how-to
Claude Code is Anthropic's agentic CLI — it reads your repo, runs commands, and calls MCP tools when configured. Pair it with Item 12's hosted LinkedIn MCP and you get a coding-native SDR workflow: search prospects, import to a list, enroll an outbound agent, and batch-approve sends from Review — without leaving the terminal.
Prerequisites
- Item 12 account with LinkedIn connected
- MCP Bearer token from Settings → ChatGPT / Claude / MCP
- Claude Code installed, or Cursor with Agent mode + Item 12 MCP
- An outbound agent already built in Item 12 (connection request → wait → DM)
Step 1: Add Item 12 MCP to Claude Code
Add the remote MCP server URL https://item12.com/mcp with Bearer auth using your Item 12 token. In Cursor, use Settings → MCP → add the same remote connector. Test with a read-only prompt: "List my Item 12 workspaces."
Step 2: Search and import in one prompt
Paste into Claude Code: Search LinkedIn for VP Sales at B2B SaaS companies with 50–200 employees in the US. Import the top 20 into a saved list named claude-code-outbound-july. Tag them claude-import.
Step 3: Enroll the outbound agent
Follow-up prompt: Enroll all contacts in list claude-code-outbound-july into my Outbound Connect agent. List workflow runs so I can confirm enrollment count.
Step 4: Review queue — nothing auto-sends
Every connection note and DM from the agent lands in Item 12 Review. Open the web app each morning → batch approve or edit. Claude Code can list pending review items via MCP but cannot bypass human approval.
Safety defaults
- Start read-only — search and list before enroll or send tools
- Cap daily enrollments (20–30) to match LinkedIn account health
- Stop agent on reply — configure in agent builder
- Skip already-connected contacts automatically
Claude Code vs Claude Desktop for Item 12 MCP?
Both work with the same token and URL. Claude Code suits developers who live in the terminal; Claude Desktop suits reps who prefer chat UI. Cursor Agent mode is equivalent for IDE-native workflows.
Can Claude Code send LinkedIn messages directly?
MCP can queue send_message and send_invitation — all land in Review before delivery. No bypass.
Do I need Sales Navigator?
Item 12 LinkedIn search works on standard LinkedIn accounts. Sales Navigator filters may improve result quality but are not required for MCP search.