What is a LION on Linkedin?

LION or L.I.O.N is short for 'LinkedIn Open Networker'. By adding L.I.O.N to your profile, you state that other people are welcome to reach out and connect with you.

There are several groups on LinkedIn dedicated to LIONs. You can join them, and even more, actively encourage people to connect with you. Many people do this to try to aid them in expanding their networks.

Why do you want to connect with so many people?

• I enjoy networking!
• Sometimes, random connections can open the most surprising doors.
• The increasing variety of posts that end up in my feed are incredibly informative and give great insights as for the happenings and workings of various companies and industries. I love to learn!

Should we focus on quantity or the quality of our networks?

Depends on what you are trying to achieve...

• Personally, most of my network here is from Northern Europe (that's where most of my work and clients are) and in industries that are relevant for me. But in the future? Of course, it's of interest to start networking in other parts of the world! So, I am happy to let people connect with me, and as a result, I am getting some really interesting connections from across the globe.
• At some point in time, if things start getting out of hand, I am sure I will remove my LION from my status, but for now, I am enjoying it!

Some thoughts on connecting:

Best practises.

• For LIONs (and everybody else!), when you send a request to connect, send a note and explain why you want to connect! The first start of any relationship is saying hello!

Worst practises.

• You add somebody, and then immediately try to sell them something, or ask them to endorse you. (If I don't know you, though I am happy to start getting to know you, I am not going to connect my name to your competencies. So, try to get to know each other first!)

Words to live by:

If you want a nice network, be nice about it!

So, feel free to connect!

-Ragnar Syltevik-