Just this week I received yet another invitation from someone I didn’t know. I don’t get that many, so I do check them out – by following through to see the profile behind the request. The graphic when I reached this profile was priceless…
A Rose by any other name
Rose said she was a friend, and I’m just not sure where we’ve met – she’s from Vietnam. Here’s her profile:
And look at that – she has “-1 Connections”!
I’d like to know how that all worked out…
Indiscriminate connections
I’ve written on the topic plenty of times, and perhaps maintain a different opinion than other LinkedIn trainers out there.
I’m all for networking, being open to new opportunities, meeting people, and exploring.
And I don’t believe in sharing my little black book of VIP connections until after I know and trust you.
You are welcome to use LinkedIn as a phone book – but I think there are many other places to get names and contact data. There aren’t many that will help you reach out to the VIP connections of those that know and trust you.
Your call.
Well tread ground
I took a great deal of time in 2010 to “Expose LinkedIn Connection Myths” and that link points to the overview article at the end of the series. Have a look and let me know.
I’m always interested in a good debate;-)
To your continued success,
steve
Steve Tylock is a Problem Solver, Strategist, Creative Thinker, Author, Artist, Existential Outfitter, Husband, Father, and Child of God. He says so right on his LinkedIn profile: http://www.linkedin.com/in/stevetylock. You can find more of Steve's LinkedIn advice on The LinkedIn Personal Trainer
Hi Steve,
Seeing -1 is definitely a first for me! I’d love to hear LinkedIn’s explanation on that one. Hope you had a great holiday!
Kind regards,
Arthur
Thanks Arthur – you never quite know what will happen next on LinkedIn;-)
steve
LinkedIn was great for making connections during it’s infancy. But as it grew it became less effective. It’s a spammer’s paradise now.
Felipe,
I think you’re missing my point.
If you only connect to people you know and trust, they will shield you from nosey/noisy spammers. How? Because the only way to get to you will be through an introduction and they will know better than to make insincere introductions.
If you go around connecting to 10,000 strangers, you get what you asked for…
steve
Well LinkedIn is still like 100 times less spammy than twitter and facebook – its still quite new.
I have to disagree with Felipe too. It pretty clean place. Just connect with REAL people and you’ll be fine.
Plus the response rate is still very good and that means that there isn’t much spam. If it was people would treat each message “worse”.
They still dont have that feeling “oh that probably another spam”
Am sure that situation wont last forever….sadly..
LinkedIn is fast growing professional networking site. This is a perfect place to promote your business On line and so many opportunities that are waiting!