An Example of "An Aggressive Connection"

Recently I posted an Article entitled "The Aggressive Connection." If you haven't read it, I hope you do. If I may request it, if you haven't read it yet, please read it before continuing with this Article. If you are unable to read it before this one, some of the highlights from it are:

"Thank you for your LinkedIn connection with me! I appreciate it! Do I have a deal for you!! I'd love to chat with you about an opportunity you can't pass up. When is a good time to call? Hey, just let me know when and how I can help you!" Included in the "Thank You for connecting with me on LinkedIn" is a blatant aggressive approach to instantly "do business" with the one connected. I have come to think of such a person as The Aggressive Connection.

 If you have been on LinkedIn for any length of time, you have had one or more Aggressive Connections. Some might consider Aggressively Connecting on LinkedIn tactless and improper. At the very least, I submit it is misplaced.  

The reason I reference "The Aggressive Connection" Article is because I received another "Aggressive Connection" today. I wanted to share the communication. For anonymous purposes, I'll call my new connection "John Doe," or "JD."

"JD" sent me a connection request. I accepted. Many of you have received my "template Thank-You-For-Connecting-With-Me." Upon accepting his request, I sent the "template Thank You." I hasten to say that, although my reply to brand-new connections may be via "template," I do deeply and profoundly mean the sentiments. I thank you sincerely for connecting with me and offer connection invitations to those with whom I'm not yet connected.

Today's thread with "JD" is as follows:

Hi, "JD." Thank you for your LinkedIn connection with me. I very much appreciate it. Connecting professionals around the globe is a marvelous and amazing thing, not to be taken lightly or for granted! And I take your connection with sincere gratitude. I am honored to be part of your network. I wish you the best in your professional journey and in your Life's Journey! Whenever feasible, I will be happy to respond to emails you may wish to send. All the Best! Noah LeVia - 8:30 AM

"JD" sent the following message at 8:41 AM - Welcome to "JD" private funding ,Are you searching for a very Genuine loan? at an affordable interest rate? processed within 4-6 working days. Have you been turned down constantly by your Banks and other financial institutions? The good news is here!!! I Offer LOANS at 4.% interest rate. LOANS for developing business and competitive edge/business expansion

• I offer the following kinds of loans and many more:
• * Personal loans ( Unsecured Loan)
• * Business Loans ( Unsecured Loan)
• * Debt Consolidation Loan
• * Combination Loan, Hard Money Loans
• * Home Improvement
• * Car Loan, real estate loans and Investment loans.,,
• QUALIFICATIONS:
• 1) The Borrower must be at Least 18 yrs old
• 2) Even with Bad credit, we still Guarantee the Borrower the Loan
• 3) The Loan Can Be Granted Even With low credit
• 4) There is no per-payment penalty.
• 5) You do not need a Co-Signer
• 6) You must be a Citizen or have a residential permit of where you are
• applying from.
• 7) You must have a valid national identity card or any mode of identification.
• Contact me through this direct email address below for more information. - 8:41 AM

Noah LeVia, M.A. sent the following message at 8:47 AM - "JD" I appreciate your "working your business." However, I believe it's in poor taste for a brand new connection to respond in this manner. I suspect some of your other brand new connections may feel the same way. You could have at least expressed a "nice to meet you" in your first response and then hit me with this unwelcomed pitch in your future responses. I suspect you may be generating ill will that you didn't intend to. This is really poor, in my opinion. I will not disconnect from you, but please feel free to do so. Noah LeVia

So far, "JD" has not disconnected. Instead he replied with a "thumbs up" icon to the above. I have no idea what he means by that.

In the "The Aggressive Connection" Article I wrote: I submit when Aggressive Connections include their "when and how can I help yous" in their "Thank Yous," they are taking connections for granted and, dare I say it, unprofessionally. In my opinion, such aggressiveness dilutes the "core" of LinkedIn which, to me, is based upon a mutual reach out that is inclusive. Such aggressiveness on this website, to me, smacks of exclusivity.

It's quite possible - perhaps probable - that Aggressive Connectors do generate unintended ill will when they "come on so strong." Obviously, they do not intend to generate any ill will whatsoever; they are merely pushing their products. However, there is a difference between pushing and offering, between badgering and educating. From "The Aggressive Connection," ...this website could be considered as a "large-room-networking-event-in-which-numerous-live-people-are-milling-about." In such a scenario it is right and proper for individuals to approach each other, introduce themselves, and offer their business cards to one another. It is also right and proper for them to engage in conversations as to who they are and what businesses they represent. However, I suspect some would be affronted by those who, immediately upon introducing themselves with their card, would say "I've been facilitating positive results for troubled businesses for 20 years and know how to generate constructive outcomes. Let me help you with yours. Tell me what's wrong with your company, and I'll make it right." One just does not approach another in such a live networking event. Yet there are those who do just that when replying with a "Thank You" to an offered connection. They are the Aggressive Connections, and they can be off-putting.

"JD" was certainly off-putting for me this morning. If, by chance, he reads this, I hope he understands.