I will be frank here (like I am not already…)
Just because I placed a popular Post on LinkedIn does not give total strangers on LinkedIn who read it the implicit right to connect with me without telling me how I can help them, or how we share common values and interests, so I might even consider them as potential connections. Whew.
The number of unsolicited connection requests in past weeks has been amazing (not in the good way). Ok, perhaps if I had a personal esteem issue I would be flattered at the numbers who asked. But I am suspect of their motives.
But really frosts me is HOW they actually used LinkedIn’s tools to ask…or lack thereof.
A bald default LinkedIn connection request is like a robocall: unasked for, devoid of meaningful context and disturbing. No, it’s worse than a robocall. Do you phone someone and then spout immediately after they say “hello”
You don’t know me or anything about me, or what I want, but I would like to connect to you on LinkedIn. Please?
{and then without explicitly saying this: then I will be able to see and engage with all your connections and also see your most valuable business materials that you share with colleagues}
Would you? Please say yes. Just asking.
Think about how you come across when you ask someone to connect:
- Take a minute and write over the default connection request. Yes, be creative.
- Give them context and reasons for the connection request:
- what’s in it for them
- how you can help them
- how you share common aspirations
- business interests that can lead to conversation
- background history you share
- former employers and just want to reestablish the connection
Ask with something useful, ok!?!
It’s just good business manners.
