Embracing Ethical Networking: A Note from Our Founder

A note from our Founder - Neha Vatsala :

In my many years of meeting people, building communities, working in corporate settings, and even carrying the legacy of a freedom fighter's granddaughter, I have gained a profound understanding of human connections. My granddad, who spent his life among the people, has inspired me deeply. His legacy instilled in me a passion for connecting with others, a passion that sometimes gives me sleepless nights when I realize I've failed to update an original contact after meeting a third party. Whether this is a form of OCD or simply my upbringing, I am incredibly proud of it.

Connecting with people is not just part of my job; it's my passion. I firmly believe in motivating others to be true, ethical, and genuine in their professional networking. Ethical networking on LinkedIn involves building genuine relationships, providing value, being honest, and respecting boundaries. In contrast, unethical networking includes spamming, misrepresentation, exploitation, and intrusive behavior. By focusing on ethical practices, we can create a positive and impactful presence on LinkedIn, fostering meaningful professional relationships and advancing our careers in a respectful and effective manner.

Let's inspire each other to uphold these values and build a community where integrity and authenticity thrive.

Oh - did you know what all comes under UNETHICAL NETWORKING?

Unethical Networking

1. Spamming Connections:

• Example: Sending generic connection requests to hundreds of people without any personalized message or clear reason for connecting.
• Rationale: This approach is often perceived as insincere and can damage your reputation, leading to people ignoring or blocking you.

2. Misrepresentation:

• Example: Exaggerating your job title, skills, or accomplishments to appear more impressive than you are.
• Rationale: Misleading others can lead to a loss of trust and credibility when the truth comes out, harming your professional image.

3. Exploitative Behavior:

• Example: Connecting with someone solely to sell a product or service without any prior relationship or consideration of their needs.
• Rationale: Using connections primarily for personal gain without regard for mutual benefit can be seen as exploitative and self-serving.

4. Intrusive Messaging:

• Example: Persistently messaging someone multiple times a day despite them not responding or expressing disinterest.
• Rationale: Overly aggressive or intrusive behavior can be annoying and disrespectful, likely leading to negative interactions or being reported for harassment.

5. Opportunistic Stalking:

• Example: Monitoring your activity and reaching out to all those you tag in posts, then referencing you without your knowledge to make direct connections and seize opportunities meant for you.
• Rationale: This behavior is deceptive and undermines trust, as it involves taking advantage of your connections and opportunities without your consent, damaging both professional relationships and your reputation.

And you are still reading and you want to really practice ETHICAL NETWORKING, don't miss to read below.

Ethical Networking

1. Genuine Connections:

• Example: Connecting with someone you met at a conference or through a mutual contact, and sending a personalized message explaining how you know them and why you'd like to connect.
• Rationale: Building connections based on real interactions and common interests fosters meaningful relationships and mutual respect.

2. Providing Value:

• Example: Sharing industry insights, offering to help with job referrals, or providing thoughtful comments on others’ posts.
• Rationale: Contributing valuable content and assistance demonstrates your expertise and willingness to support your network, building trust and goodwill.

3. Transparency and Honesty:

• Example: Being honest about your skills, experiences, and intentions when networking or seeking job opportunities.
• Rationale: Honesty ensures that relationships are built on trust and that expectations are clear, reducing the risk of misunderstandings or disappointments.

4. Respecting Boundaries:

• Example: Sending follow-up messages that are respectful and not overly persistent if someone does not respond to your initial connection request.
• Rationale: Respecting others' time and boundaries shows professionalism and consideration, which are key to maintaining positive interactions.

Remember, KARMA has a way of reflecting our actions back to us. Unethical networking can damage not only your reputation but also lead to missed opportunities and strained relationships. Building trust takes time and effort, and unethical practices can unravel it in an instant.

Commit to ethical networking not just for personal gain, but for fostering a community where integrity and authenticity prevail. Let's transform LinkedIn into a space where meaningful, respectful relationships thrive, benefiting us all in the long run.

#EthicalNetworking #GenuineConnections #ProfessionalIntegrity