Social networks are quickly making both the users and the masses at large confused at the same time. Why – with all the social media guides, best practices and social media tips – are these bad things increasing their reach? LinkedIn is, more or less, is still primarily for establishing and maintaining professional connections.
People have been receiving a number of requests from people on LinkedIn to add them. With average count of requests at just over 700, most people are really concerned about the sheer lack of discipline employed by users sending those requests, without offering any plausible reason. This reflects poorly on them.
Before sending any invitation, think about the question: ‘Why people should accept my LinkedIn request’. LinkedIn offers this option to you when sending a request. There’s a reason it’s there, so use it.
Basically, LinkedIn is a professional social network of people based on trust and referencing. Both of these aspects do not just happen at the first contact, but rather require some basis. This could be a pre-existing relationship or a new one that has potential to blossom. You can also showing the recipient of your request some respect by taking a second to write a reason for why they should add you to their network. Obviously, you wish to be a part of it, so it’s only fair you offer a decent reason, isn’t it?
Take a moment to write a reason for why you wish to connect with them. If you don’t have any sensible reason, so people have no reason to accept it as well, unless it is obvious right off the bat that you know one another in some capacity, either because you worked together, or you know one another personally. It is courteous and professional. Imagine it as all like a giant social paradox – but we need to make the right steps to make sure we get the most out of our social engagements, especially the ones where our reputation is measured.