I was just recently asked this following question:
Is it good to include as many people as possible in the LinkedIn network or add only people who we know or have met?
It’s a challenging question for me because I think there are positives and negatives to both.
Ideally, you would only be connected to people that were in your circle of influence such as personal, business, peer, and client connections.
But on social networks, one’s objective is reversed somewhat… one’s objective is to increase his or her circle of influence. A common way many people increase what they believe to be their circle of influence is by becoming an open networker. An open networker for those of you who do not know, is someone willing to connect with anyone at any time for any reason.
Being an Open Networker is only one way to expand your network and in my opinion is not the best way. It doesn’t help achieve your main objective in most cases, which is to create a stronger position for yourself or your company.
There are many other ways to expand your network effectively and efficiently. So I personally recommend that you do not tag yourself as an open networker, rather, you should use other strategies, such as building out your total social presence in an in sync manner that meets your business objectives while maintaining a personal touch.
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open networking at linked-in???
if i want open networking, i’ll go to twitter or facebook.
if anyone here whom i either don’t know or have never corresponded with or posted with in any group “debates” tries to link with me, i archive their request immediately or ask them why they want to connect with me.
just about every one i’ve asked that question never replied and i archived their messages soon after.
if this is a serious site for REAL professional discussion and networking, “open networking” should never even have come up as a suggestion.
i’m disappointed anyone even has to ask that question.
Alan,
I think many people feel the way you do, but I would suggest just as many do not. There are many pro’s and con’s to each depending on your need as a professional or business person. Your approach seems to be working for you and I like that you are archiving vs saying you don’t know them, which is courteous on your part.
Best,
Nate
Alan and Nate,
For a best success check with your Google Analytics each month to see what’s working and what’s not. My point of view is in between yours. I just finished my “LInkedin Marketing: 8 Best Tactics for Book and Business Sales” book.
It’s suitable to those who haven’t struck gold yet with social media, especially coaches, consultants, speakers, entrepreneurs and business authors. I show how to not collect numbers (open networking) and just connect with their best audiences for their products or services. This speciific kind of content marketing will bring only your targeted audience to your site to see what else you have.
Branding and sales too. Why waste time with those who aren’t into you? ( Imean your service or books)
Alan, I’d love a short testimonial for this 37-page eBook if you can from your perspective. Just let me know here or email me at
http://www.bookcoaching.com/ask-judy-cullins.php
With my tactics, your precious time is never wasted.
Alan,
Any tips for “building out your total social presence in an in sync manner that meets your business objectives while maintaining a personal touch” ?.
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There are real reasons for being on the open network. Businesses can contact other businesses or individuals to increase business opportunities, develop trade allies, expand their target market, and become available to company or anyone who may want to know more about their business.
Individuals may be seeking new opportunities, positions, or an engagement. They may be looking for recruiters, coaches, or businesses that may assist them to find positions.
This article is clear, benefits are on both sides, and members have control over their accounts. However, having the opportunity to make real contacts, outweigh possible cons of having an open network.
part of what makes LinkedIn valuable is that it is not facebook and we do not have to wade through tones of unsolicited requests.
My Facebook account is limited strictly to business. (I have about 11 friends)
My Twitter is to post links to postings on my blog
My Blog is limited monographs on topics related to business.
I have 78 contacts on Linkedin. This is strictly for the exchange of ideas. Please allow me to reference “Why Some Islanders Build Better Crab Traps” written by Matt Ridley and published in the WSJ weekender October 2-3 2010.
I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the invitations I’ve received from people who’ve invited me after having read my posts. (Alan, Joe, et. al.) And flattered.
I want to thank Alan for inviting me. I hope to be able to enhance my “acuity” and to limit my comments to what others may find beneficial. (NB: I am not selling anything.)
Thank you again, Alan
Sincerest regards,
Slim
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