[Poll] Do You Accept Random LinkedIn Request?: Why Network = Net Worth

"It's not what you know, but who you know, and MORE importantly who knows you and what you can do." - Anonymous

Results: About half will respond yes and half will respond no. This is from tracking my personal metrics. So of course, it will vary based on the quality of connections and likability of your page; be it your picture, profile, post, or maybe I just don't accept random requests.

Why You SHOULD Accept Random LinkedIn Request

Since I've actively been building my LinkedIn Network, I've learned so much from my new connections and even gained some new friends and partnerships that's added value to my life. I've also had the honor to return the value to others. Plenty of studies show, we tend to network with people who are like us, so how is one to grow (beyond our current circle), if we don't grow our network?

This is exactly the story one of my mentors told me, when he was a young man from the urban city starting his career as a financial adviser. His existing network didn't have millions in net worth, which is required to be successful in the field. But he learned the art of building his network with million dollar clients to build his net worth. And when the company didn't pay him his worth, he took his network to go on to start a successful business. Still don't believe me, even science backs up this theory!

Okay, but what is the benefit to networking "down" or with those up and coming? Human beings are social creatures and emotional satisfaction of helping someone else (when they approach us correctly) tends to bring the greatest reward. Plus, you never know where you'll find the next Google, Amazon, or Facebook startup, when you invest in smart people.

"To know the road ahead, ask those coming back." - Chinese Proverb

Building your network beyond your immediate sphere of influence has many benefits including:

1. Access to Knowledge - Whether it's advice to guide your path, pitfalls to avoid, or perspective on your plans, a mentor is a wealth of knowledge and experience to help reduce your learning curve and avoid costly/timely mistakes.
2. Access to Opportunities - Whether it's access to people, resources, or deals in their network, sometimes opportunity comes from the 2nd or 6th degree of connection.
3. Access to Blueprints - Whether it's inspiration, motivation, or perspiration, your network can be a virtual mentor and role model to help you through your journey.

How-To Network on LinkedIn

Now that we've established why, it's time to learn how. The rules below can all be summed up in THE one rule, "Don't be THAT guy/gal!" You know, that person with ZERO self-awareness and doesn't care about you. It's okay to be weird, that's what makes you standout on social media, but it's not okay to take without giving and more importantly provide value.

LinkedIn Networking Rules:

1. Know your purpose on the platform - what do you want from and what can you give to your network. Are you looking to grow your career or business, what's the next level for you? What can you give your network? If you're networking up or lateral, never underestimate the power and gift of gratitude, admiration, and respect.
2. Update your profile picture, title, and about section to represent your TRUTH. LinkedIn is no longer an online resume database for recruiters, but an undervalued social media platform and the biggest networking event. Your profile is your first impression and lasting impression. A good one speaks your truth and leads to conversation starters, a bad one reads like everyone else's and is soon forgotten.
3. Accept Random LinkedIn Request - You can always unfollow and block if the person doesn't share your values. I'd get it, if you were posting personal family pictures, like on Facebook. But LinkedIn is no different than going to a public networking event. Do you just talk with the people you came with or meet other people too? Again, your network equals your net worth. Expand and grow!
4. Request LinkedIn Connections THOUGHTFULLY - This one you have to be careful with you, because you can end up in LinkedIn jail and even get banned; but if you follow the one rule (don't be that guy/gal), you'll be okay. I'm also not afraid to withdraw request after a certain time period and uneven unconnecting if a person seems not engaged. I didn't say the number of "zombie" online connections equal net worth, but meaningful relationships you can build both online AND offline.
5. Like, Comment, and Post on LinkedIn - This is critical so the algorithm can learn your interest and connect you with people of similar interest (but in different networks). Note: When posting, hashtag and people tag thoughtfully. I haven't found any benefit in my metrics with random tags (okay, I'll give you that one on randoms). Research your hashtags for how many followers and the type of content trending and then, and only then, select one or two that you can provide similar value. If you create an engaged community, then you can start trending in popular hashtags. Also, unless you are building a custom hashtag following, it's no need to make up hashtags! Last, only people tag, with those you've engaged in conversation recently. Otherwise, you break the one rule, of being that guy/gal.
6. Learn the Art to Direct Message THOUGHTFULLY - This is probably the most advanced technique, because I see more people doing it wrong, than right. So that's why I emphasize to LEARN the art of people skills; so you don't break the one rule, of being that guy/gal. But once you do learn it, you can turn a "random" connection, to an online conversation, to a phone call, and even in person meeting. Which I've had many go on to lead to business relationships and good friendships.

Final Thoughts

Mastering lesson #6 is were network REALLY starts to equal net worth. If you're in B2B and my (hard) learned lessons can be of value to growing your business. Then send me a (not so random since you read this article) connection request (as I don't pay for inMail credits) and direct message me asking for, "Mastering the Art of LinkedIn DMs."

So LinkedIn family, now it's your turn to answer, "Do you accept random LinkedIn request? Why or why not?"