A great article just resurfaced that I remember reading, one that I want you to implement its 7 teachings.

Yes, connectivity is part of having a rich LinkedIn profile: but one  major downside is that we all receive BS connection requests.

As my father used to say, “No one dances with wall flowers,” but I add: do you want to be accosted on the LinkedIn dance floor?!?

Nope.

As you receive connection requests from some of the 1 billion people on LinkedIn now, use some intelligence, caution, and savvy in how you dole out your expertise and profile. Tack the above-referenced article to your wall.

I wish I had read and followed it when I needed it, long ago. Here’s THE MOST essential reason for my saying this:

If you make loose connections without properly investing the time to get to know the prospect before you connect, there’s a downstream risk these “connectors” can approach your existing connections. Your new connection now has access to your carefully vetted connection cadre and can say/do/post things you really wish they didn’t.

How does that make you look? Not good at all. Believe me, that happened a few years ago, and I learned a painful lesson. It was pie in my face with the people I nurture. I do not look good with pie on my face.

So now I post on my About section:

An upfront note:
Want to connect to me on LinkedIn to elevate your success with my secret sauce?
Only if we’re already doing business/close to it.
If not, you’ll get no response. Stop asking me again JIC I missed it. I didn’t.

No one is unsure where I stand. I will decide when, if, and why to deviate from this policy. Some have called me arrogant or impractical in responding to my declining their connection request. That’s fine. I have done pretty well so far.

You should too, whether you are a job seeker, an entrepreneur, a professional practitioner, or a retiree. I’ll reprise a  LinkedIn metaphor, based on common sense in everyday life, that I remind others in explaining my policy: do you let anyone who rings your door bell into your house? I doubt it.

Connect when you see, hear, feel, experience upside in a connection request, proven by conversation and human interaction.

Do not feel obligated to connect to everything with carbon life force that comes across your screen in electrons.