Making a Connection... or not?

When I was first starting out professionally, I made it a point to make connections. Whether it was at internships, in the field, or at school, it was integral for my career to better understand who people were and what they did. The media landscape was much different then, but you could also see the big changes coming. Email was the new way to make connections and cell phones were bypassing the pager as the way to stay in touch.

Fast forward to 2016 and we are more connected than ever. A single iMessage can put you in touch with a potential job; a Tweet can make or break you. The LinkedIn connection request can help build business. It's the last one I want to focus on a little bit when it comes to connections.

We have all received a LinkedIn connection request that says, "I'd like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn." Heck, LinkedIn even offers you messages when you want to send kudos for a person's work anniversary, saying "Congrats on the anniversary. Hope you're doing well." While this may be a situation where I'm making a mountain out of an ant hill, it does stress that if you are intent on making and keeping connections, don't be lazy. 

Let's take the LinkedIn connection request for a moment. Just saying you'd like to add a person to your network, without any other caveat, tells two things: 

1) I want to add to my connection numbers.

2) I don't know you, but you look like someone I should follow.

LinkedIn is making it easier for us to connect, both personally and professionally. If you really want to develop a relationship, send a message with your connection request that says why you want to connect. If you already know that person, don't just send the generic request. Put a note that says, "I noticed we weren't connected yet on LinkedIn. I wanted to correct that and see what you've been sharing here." 

The above line tells a person that you value their time and a budding business relationship. It also shows that you don't view them as a number. 

If you are a student, soon-to-be grad, or new pro in communications, you understand the value of connections and staying in touch. Don't be lazy and take an easy way out. Build on a connection you made at a school event or PRSSA/PRSA conference. 

Pros do look at how you connect as a way you'll communicate with clients and co-workers. First impressions are still important. Don't make a mistake in the social space, especially on LinkedIn.