Imagine the scene. ย You're at a networking meeting, chatting with some colleagues you have known for years. ย Suddenly, a complete stranger walks up to you and, without preamble, asks if they can be your friend!
You have never even set eyes on this person up until now; none of your other friends or colleagues seem to know them; and no-one has properly introduced you. ย You simply have no reference point as to how this person knows you, or why they would want to be your friend.
Like most people, are you thinking……'GET LOST!'
I have recently received several invitations to connect on LinkedIn with people I don't know. ย Not only that, nobody I know seems to know them either. ย They don't work in the same industry as I do (past or present), there is no obvious common ground, and I am at a loss to understand why they wish to connect with me. ย Nor has an explanation been given.
So why should an approach made on a social networking site be any different to one made in person? ย In my book, there is no difference – both types of approach are unsolicited, unexpected, impolite…….and downright weird!
So just what is the etiquette to connecting on LinkedIn? ย (And, perhaps, in person?!) Here are 4 tips:
1. ย Approach people you actually know
First and foremost, it is expected that you should at least know the people whom you invite to connect with you on LinkedIn. ย These can be friends, family, current or past work colleagues, aquaintances – but you should be on talking terms with this set of people, and they will know who you are when you send the invitation to connect.
2. ย Building your Network
It is perfectly acceptable to invite connections from people you meet anew – at network meetings; conferences; or any other professional social gathering. ย But you should at least have had some form of interaction with the person. ย Don't simply work your way through an attendee list, and invite everyone who happened to be in the same room as you!
3. ย Be Introduced
Find one of your existing LinkedIn connections who may know your target connection. ย Then, use the ‘Introduction' facility to send a message, explaining why you wish to be connected, via the person you already know. ย Being properly introduced is far more likely to result in your request to connect being accepted, so this is a useful approach.
4. ย Personalise your Message
If you are unknown to the person to whom you wish to connect, it may still be acceptable to invite them to join your network. ย But only if you explain your reason, and give good rationale as to why the connection could be of interest and benefit. ย Do not simply send the pre-formatted LinkedIn connection request – personalise your message, and explain yourself!
What do you think is acceptable etiquette for connecting on LinkedIn? ย And is it different to other social networks?