I’m a member of LinkedIn - a professional, grown up version of “my space”. I have already made some great connections, done some business and found old friends by being proactive in utilizing the LinkedIn system.
There are some of the school of thought to LINK WITH ANYONE THAT FOGS A MIRROR. I don’t believe in that. I still believe that “on-line” access is just another form of communication (who knows what other more modern forms or communication are coming down the pipe). So, just like in a face to face contact, I want to know someone before I connect them or even introduce them to anyone I know. So, while some people are linking like CRAZY and boast numbers of contacts from 500+, I still believe the quality of a relationship is far better to focus on than the quantity.
So, as you get started in “thinking before linking”, here are some first steps on the path to managing your on-line brand -
Come back and visit as we continue our conversation on “thinking before linking”!
People Are The Brand -
Maria Elena Duron - click my name to Google Me!
Buzz To Bucks Connections– grow your personal brand today
“dedicated to helping executives & entrepreneurs connect strategically through a compelling personal brand”
www.buzz2bucks.com Buzz To Bucks Connections|a personal branding agency
Common debate about LinkedIn and other place about open networking. People tend to lean towards open networking when they realize you can grow by knowing new people, have control and, here is the real catch: when opportunity to help others, get recognized, hired, hire, sell product and services all over the world…as I keep selling the Strategic Career Plan and Personal Board of Advisors to people i don’t know, I keep accepting invitations from people I don’t know…something to think about…
David,
Thanks for your comment! And, I hear what you’re saying and I take each person on a ‘case by case’ basis if you will. For example, if one of my board of advisors recommended someone to me and they asked for a “link” I would meet with them via email or phone and would immediately link with them if there was a good connection there.
There have been times when people ask for a link and after I check them out, “Google” them and then see how we’re connected (often times we’re already connected somewhere down the line) then I will shoot them an email and then connect with them, too.
Yet, I don’t connect for connecting’s sake. Just like if I was at a networking event and I received 100 business cards on a list because I attended the event and the chamber immediately sent me a copy of all the cards, I wouldn’t consider THAT person to be a connection - not yet. But, if I met someone at a networking event put on by some members of the CEO Mastermind group I facilitate, then I might very well reach out and see who that person knew.
Case by case for me!
Thanks, again, for your comment David!
I respect your values in connecting. Case by case for sure…for me I guess it is more on the thought and due diligence when making a connection/introduction between other parties. I keep introductions closer to the chest, but willing to pay it forward while setting the right expectations of knowledge. I will take the time to tell people why I will not make an introduction - tough love sometimes.
All the cold calling and confidential referrals to and from CXOs during my days as a retained search consultant has biased me because of the win:win:win results I see from people who at one point were just a name.
You know what raises the red flag for me re: LinkedIn? Endorsements. Way to often I get request of endorsements from people I don’t know well or have not experienced their work. If I don’t know someone who wants me to endorse their work, I will not even respond and unfortunately not trust validity in endorsements they do have. It is a cold-blast and bad practice. The endorsements I have made (and those I intent to) have not asked for it…this is another post
David,
I really appreciate your comments on “tough love” and definitely can see your point. Me, because of my personality style, work best in designing no opportunity for that opportunity.
I also really like what you said about the win:win:win and I seek those connections out always. I really do like to KNOW the connection before I do that so that if they become to “salesy” or “pushy” I can quite literally (or virtually) kick them under the table during the connection and signal them that they’re traveling down the wrong pate.
I wholeheartedly agree with you about endorsements. I’ve had to say my fair shares of “no’s” and even “h— no’s”. I’m floored by who thinks they’ve earned the right to ask. I agree that this is for another post - in fact, great idea, thanks!!!
Maria