4 Reasons NOT to Accept Every Random LinkedIn Invitation
*Note: Muhammed Chang is a fictitious construct of the most common first and last names in the world.
I've been on LinkedIn, and had 500+ connections, longer than the vast majority of LinkedIn members have been members: long enough to remember a time before groups existed, before photos, and even before LIONs existed. One of the great things about LinkedIn has been its adaptability over time.
To the extent that LIONs advocate connecting with everyone and anyone, I'm no LION. If on the other hand, your interpretation of LION is someone who will consider connecting with anyone, then I could be a LION. The vast majority of my connections fall into two categories: people I've actually met in person, and people I've "actually connected with" online. By "actually connected with" I mean people with whom I have had meaningful dialogue, exchanged ideas and shared mutual benefits.
I have 207 pages of archived messages from people who mostly sent me this invitation:
XXXX has indicated you are a Friend:
I'd like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn. - XXXX
From my experience, this is the type of random LinkedIn Invitation I should not accept. This is not from someone who is likely to be a valuable business or career connection for me. Why?
1. Indistinguishable
First, this person is indistinguishable from the 2000+ other random invitations I have received. There is nothing in this invitation that says the sender is anyone who wants to be special to me or that the sender thinks I am special. In fact I have replied to a significant number of these not-special messages after I've accepted to see if I can be of assistance. The most common response is none.
2. Disingenuous
Second, I've never met this person; yet to get through the LinkedIn Invitation gauntlet, they have misrepresented themselves as my "friend." Beginnings are a delicate time. First impressions are important. Trust is fragile, and absolutely vital to business transactions. Being disingenuous can turn me off.
3. Lacking Creativity
I think some of this may be the result of being unsophisticated with LinkedIn - people who are so new that they haven't figured out how send invitations in any manner other than the default. However, there are some people who have been using the system for a while, and simply lack the creative muster to initiate an effective online dialogue with a stranger. I'm not being rude; I get it. Even if you are not unsophisticated with LinkedIn, relating to a stranger is a tricky, chaotic, fluid situation. Repetitive success at it requires someone who thrives on change, who can respond well on the fly - in short, someone who can be quickly creative, which is not as easy as it sounds.
4. Lazy
I find the effort it takes to construct my own 2 or 3 sentence invitation to be minimal. Not everyone does. I get that, but I think with the application of effort and some practice it can be done. To not put in that effort can leave someone like me with the impression you might be someone who would take short cuts in a business transaction.
Default Message
I like that LinkedIn provides a default message form. It makes it easier to separate the invitations that are the wheat from those that are the chaff.
Cybersecurity Risk Management, Senior Director
9yThis is briliant advice. Interestingly, I have lead a local non-profit career advice service where I promote social media networking. However, I have been explicit abou having a meaningful introduction and then executing follow-up to promote their unique value in-person. I also use LinkedIn to meet people where I believe there MIGHT be mutual value to pursue business together. This takes homework which includes understanding the business model of the company/firm you want to meet, but more importantly understand their personal win themes. If I may, I would like have permission to use this post to help convey how to use LinkedIn and oher social media outlets with my peers and those who I provide career advice?
Project Support Engineer
9yAgreed, I receive on an average 20 requests per week from individuals that i don't know, i just continue to hit the decline button
40 Years Industry Experience | Financial Advisor | Shifley and Associates
9yGreat advice, John I probably decline as many connection requests as I accept.
Consultant at Self Employed Energy Consultant/Multiple Companies
9yNice post John. Although there are many other good reasons to not accept random invitations to connect you have hit the most important and that should be sufficient.....no need to ponder further.