Numbers Don't Lie. Or Do They?

Some large numbers mean something. If large numbers are on your bank statement; that is good. Many likes and views? Not so much. Should we hide behind eight hundred million LinkedIn accounts?

There is not enough time to meet eight hundred million people. It would also require the universal translator from Star Trek. Facebook has 2.9 Billion users and they don't act like that matters.

Facebook is needy. As I was off the computer a couple days there were many notifications like they are trying to remind me there are connections who have posted. Remember when LinkedIn used to send reminders that a connection released a new article?

Those were the days. Now there are notifications when a connection comments of one of their connection's posts. It's great that a total stranger found a new job. Not sure there is any value in seeing it.

Make a political post and your reach will rise. Half the comments will agree with you. The other half will not. That's where it gets ugly. Will it lead to business? No. It might inspire you to never do business with certain people. Many will view your profile when you take a stand.

I received a profile view from "Someone on LinkedIn." That has less value than an anonymous view. If you are not commenting or connecting- don't view profiles. Anyone is welcome to reach out to do business.

That is a productive profile view. The ones who brag they receive thousands of profile views- there is difference between attracting attention and doing business. It always reminds me of too many men who watched me change out of a bathing suit to take a shower at the gym.

At that time I worked in a lesser company where many stared at me and did not engage in conversation. They all fell away. I have zero connections from that position. A couple on Facebook including one who passed away.

The strangely curious at the gym were more memorable. If someone views your profile and nothing else, if they bother to see what you do and engage no further, it is a waste. I noticed a man whose headline said he would help you make LinkedIn your "Female Dog". He used the harsher term which got Luke Matthews in hot water last year.

Would I connect with someone who speaks in a sadomasochistic manner? Even if he is joking; that is a bad first impression. It does not make me think he is a serious professional. Next!

Do all you can. Receiving views and likes might give an ego boost. A recent article of mine had many reads; more than average. It is no better than the ones that fell under the rug. It is nice when someone finds something different. My number of articles is always higher than the number of connections.

There is a trajectory with writing. Some connections bring negativity to the feed to the point I no longer want to be connected. The good must outweigh the bad in any relationship. Moral of the story: do your thing and don't worry about going viral. It's not a slot machine where you might hit a jackpot that will give you back the quarters you put into it to reach that point. The house always wins.