Avoid Bad e-Networking: The Unofficial Laws of Linked-In

My post on BlogHer.org this week. Sure, Linked-In makes networking easier, but it also can make bad networkers worse. Here, my thoughts on how to avoid being a digital outcast.

Comments

[JK]

So does this mean you are not going add me?

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[Recruiting Animal]

Jory, much of what you say is common sense, good manners and even good sales-woman-ship.

However, here's a recruiter's point of view.

If I do a search on LinkedIn, it only allows me to see people who are three degrees away from me.

So to make yourself available to people like me who might have something interesting for you, you have to have as many first, second and third degree links as possible. And that means that you have to be a "promiscuous" linker.

Wouldn't it be better to learn to say no than to block people who might be valuable contacts?

Many people, including me, find it hard to say no but if it's only an email to a stranger asking for an inappropriate contact, it's not that hard.

And even if the recruiter calls you at work rather than going through LinkedIn, it isn't that hard to say no either. I know, because I hear it all the time.