The Proper Way to Network on LinkedIn

Recently there was an article circulating about a CEO who had been approached by a young job seeker to connect on LinkedIn. Her response was not receptive, to say the least. In fact, it was quite rude. If you heard about it, no need to discuss it further here. However, I felt it warranted some thoughts to hopefully prepare us all for these types of scenarios.

First, let’s start by getting a better understanding of what networking is all about. Merriam Webster defines (for our purposes) networking as:

1. 1. the exchange of information or services among individuals, groups, or institutions; specifically : the cultivation of productive relationships for employment or business

Now, presumably, that is why we have all chosen to participate on LinkedIn and other forms of social media. The goal is to share our message, product, service, and to network with other, like-minded professionals. And, if our goal is to reach and network with more of these like-minded people, we must reach out, and welcome people we don’t know. That’s how we get to know each other. It’s how we build relationships. With modern technology, we don’t necessarily get to meet people in the flesh anymore. Sounds simple enough, right?

These relationships will hopefully prove to be mutually beneficial, like professional friendships. Not all will fit that category, but ultimately, that’s the goal. For me personally, I am interested in connecting with people who are passionate about helping others, building businesses, and leaving a positive mark on the world. I am not interested in ‘building up my numbers’ for the sake of making a huge network. That being said, I know there are those people that do that and those people, in my opinion, are the ones you may want to avoid. As I said, that’s my opinion.

So, referring back to the exec I mentioned previously, I’m often approached by people I don’t know, and here’s how I handle it. If I am approached by a like-minded individual, someone who is clearly trying to do good things in the world, has common interests, or works in a related field I happily accept their request to connect. When I reach out to those same people and extend an invitation to connect, I hope they will do the same.

However, when I am approached by people who hide their identities, fail to provide basic information about themselves, or are clearly just trying to access my carefully selected connections, I ignore their request. It’s as simple as that. I don’t feel the need to send a scathing response. I don’t need to cut them down or admonish them for contacting me.

So before you consider lashing out like the exec in this highly publicized example did, consider the implications. Kindness goes a long way. If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all. And if you can help, by all means, do so, without compromising your integrity or anyone else’s information.

Remember, you should never look down on anyone unless you are helping them up.