7 Ways to **ss People off on Linkedin

Earlier this year big changes happened in my life, after 8 years of living and working in London, I moved back to Hampshire where I was brought up.

With a tonne of experience gained (personally and professionally) I joined a new company, what I like to call a "20 year start up". As with all IT companies, Cobweb Solutions are having to change and adapt to the new technological advancements, all powered by "The Cloud".

Anyway that is all "by-the-by", soon after getting my feet under the desk, I met a long standing employee for my induction. His first words (no lie):

"Oh, you are Mark Terry - the one who just knocked me off 1st place on Linkedin"

Puzzled, I asked him to explain. He pointed me towards the "How you rank for profile views" section of Linkedin and sure enough, there I was, 1st place. Over the last few months I have kept an eye on this and sure enough I have remained top of the pile. Which has led me to write this light hearted post about how to **ss 0ff Linkedin users.

What I would say to you is that if 1 or more of the following things apply to you stop, JUST STOP. PLEASE.

1. Trying to connect with someone you don't know
I don't give a **** if you are a LION (Linkedin Open Networker) or not, you remind me of one of those people who just got out of prison and is knocking at my door trying to flog me dusters and tea towels.
Tip: Connect with people you have met, talked to on the phone or via some other method.

2. Connecting with someone you don't know...and not explaining WHY
There have been a few instances where I have gone against my principles. If someone important from [insert dream company(s) you would like to work for here] wants to connect with you, then doesn't:

a) explain why, at the point of connection
b) get in touch after the connection is made
c) respond to your "how can I help?" inMail

It's seriously annoying and rude, please stop.

Tip: If you need to connect with a person/people you don't know, explain WHY. Otherwise its just a waste of time

3. Excessive job post updates
OK, I can see why Recruiters post their jobs as an update on Linkedin. However do I REALLY care about your low paying job, in Scotland as a toilet cleaner? It is an extremely lazy thing to do and it makes me "Hide" their updates. Surely GREAT recruiters (are there any?) proactively search as opposed to getting people (many irrelevant) to come to them?
Tip: Use Linkedin to search for people not to push irrelevant updates to.

4. Posting too many updates
This is a tough one,  what is "too many"? Personally speaking I think anymore than 3 in 1 day is too much. Linkedin is NOT Twitter, its about quality NOT quantity.
Tip: If you are going to post 3 in 1 day I would recommend spacing these out (morning, midday, afternoon)

5. Posting updates that NO ONE cares about
There is one connection I have who not only posts 10+ times a day, but he gets NO "Likes" for ANY (I mean any) of his updates. I feel sad for the guy. Its almost like you are on a date and the other person is looking anywhere but at you and is constantly on their mobile.
Tip: If no one "Likes", comments or engages with what you have to say then what you are saying is of no interest to your connections. Face it. Review the quantity, quality and topics of your updates.

6. Posting self promotional updates ALL THE TIME
Linkedin is great for showcasing your talents and helping you develop professionally. However it is VERY GRATING when all you have to update your connections about are:
a) you
b) the company you work for

If I was sat in a pub with you and all you had to talk about was yourself I would leave. 
Tip: Linkedin is about sharing experiences, knowledge and helping people for common purposes. Think about how you post the proportion of "self-love" and "self-promotion" updates you send. 
Bonus Tip: If you are single and on the look out for "relations" and are doing the above during a date, rectifying this will increase your chances of courting dramatically.

7. Left, been made redundant (or kicked out) a company and not updating your profile
Life is hard, sometimes things don't go our way. Rather than hide and/or lie, just be honest about the fact you left or were made redundant from your last position. Those that can identify their mistakes, learn and do something about them are stronger than those who have never made a mistake.
Tip: If you are unfortunate enough to be in this situation, just be honest. Think about you can communicate it in a positive way.

Are you guilty of any of the above? What else annoys you on Linkedin? It would be great to hear about some of the things you dislike, so share them below.

PS. Do as I say, not necessarily as I do!