My LinkedIn journey - a ramble yet a catharsis

I reached an auspicious milestone a week ago - I surpassed 10,000 connections on my account. While that may not seem very like many considering the connections of the LIONs on the platform, please consider that I first set up my LinkedIn profile back in 2004 when someone (I wish I could remember) kept sending me email invitations to join. I declined several times but he was persistent and I finally accepted. At the time I surmised (jokingly) that at a minimum I would have my one and only chance to be closer than six-degrees connected to Kevin Bacon. I do search for Kevin on the site from time to time, yet the only Kevin Bacon profile that comes close is a person in Tennessee who works for an unmentionable company.

So going back to the beginning, had I known then what I know now I certainly would have taken more advantage of my network given the prolific number of profiles and opportunities that grew quickly on the platform. Remembering those times is no different than remembering one's first birthday, or first day of pre-school - it's just all wrapped up in the fog of vague recollection. Yet certain connections pierce through the haze, such as sitting next to a co-worker to whom I sent a connection request and she declined because she really didn't know me very well. Or actually reading the news and connecting with a change maker or other high-profile influencer. That was back when LinkedIn would suspend you for too many connection-rejections and I was probably on some bulletin board in the LinkedIn break room as a repeat offender.

At times I have been very cautious with adding people to my network, while at other times I have pretty much connected with anyone. 10k connections is quite a lot in my opinion, given that I probably know personally a mere fraction of you. It's about 600 connections a year since the inception of my profile. And to think that my 'Day One' of LinkedIn pre-dates the iPhone, Facebook, the end of the Mayan Long Count calendar, the pandemic and Justin Bieber (not necessarily in the order of ignominy) and much more. Yes, a lot has happened and the world today is not what anyone could have predicted 17 years ago, both good and not so good.

But the real majesty of LinkedIn to which I was initially na?ve is the power of persistent connections with people. Local number portability was not quite a 'thing' as much as it is today as people were changing email addresses and phone numbers constantly, as well as moving locations, jobs and unfortunately some no longer with us on earth today. The new grads who connected with me so long ago are now Directors, Executives and Partners in their industries. Some have retired after a fulfilling career and others are in transition and need assistance. It is quite powerful to be in a position (actually all of us here on LinkedIn) to help others we may not know and I certainly approach my outreach with a sense of duty and respect.

Yes, I have have had success using LinkedIn as a Sourcing tool, but more importantly I feel like have been a good Netizen by connecting people with others to find fulfilling careers. I stop short of saying I have made friends on LinkedIn since isn't that what MySpace is all about? Amiright?

I'll end with this - plant a seed and watch it grow. That is, make a connection with someone who isn't a right fit for one of your jobs or who isn't even in your industry and watch him/her grow. Connect with someone who isn't in a position to help you because in the giant flywheel of your network you may unknowingly help someone.

Here's to another productive 17 years! If I make it that long I just may get my first tattoo with the LinkedIn logo! ;-D