Yet another LinkedIn tip. LinkedIn is useful for many things, finding information about people you want to know, certainly. But LinkedIn connections are not. LinkedIn connections are for people you actually know, not the ones you want to know.
If you want to connect with someone on LinkedIn who you don’t know, don’t just send them a connection request. Because, trust me, my immediate instinct is, “I don’t know you. Ignore.” Instead, send them a message. If you don’t have an upgraded account, find their Twitter or email address with a Google Search. Or, call them directly at their company. Introduce yourself. Explain why you think a relationship with them would help you and them, and ask for an in-person meeting. After that meeting, then, they are a viable LinkedIn relationship.
If someone couldn’t say A) what you look like and B) at least one nice thing about your work, they probably shouldn’t be on your LinkedIn connections.
Of course, many people use LinkedIn differently. But for me, in order to get on my connections list, I have to have met you at least once.
About the Author: Marcy Twete
Marcy Twete is the Founder and CEO of Career Girl Network and the author of the book “You Know Everybody! A Career Girl’s Guide to Building a Network That Works.” At Career Girl Network, Marcy provides women with information, resources, and networking to empower them in their careers and to advance the work of women in business as a whole. Prior to launching Career Girl Network, Marcy worked in numerous nonprofit organizations and as a consultant in the field of nonprofit fundraising, marketing, and community relations. Marcy is a graduate of the College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph, Minnesota, and a native of rural North Dakota. She is the Vice Chair of the Chicago Board of Directors for Step Up Women’s Network in Chicago and a member of the Advisory Board for Girls on the Run Twin Cities, and is dedicated to advancing the work of organizations that move the needle for women and girls worldwide.
Comment with Facebook