LinkedIn - Why Bigger is Better

I came across this blog post via the brilliant JibberJobber blog.  The author, Thom Singer, writes a "business development/networking" blog.  He is talking about getting a request to connect on LinkedIn with someone he has never met. 

His policy on using LinkedIn is "to only link to people via Linked In with whom I had a real business relationship. Because of my being a professional motivational speaker, I tend to meet large groups of people at one time (which often follows with LinkedIn requests from so me in the audience), so I modified my LinkedIn protocol to only include folks with whom I have shared a meal or a beer."

Interestingly Thom is happy to link up with ANYONE on Facebook and MySpace. The long and short of the story is that Thom tells this guy his policy and the guy sends back an email slating Thom.  The added value in the post is the 16 comments he's had. 

I especially agree with the point made by James Seay "... While I can understand the need to just have people you actually know on your LinkedIn connections, I believe you are missing a wonderful opportunity to meet and connect with people that may not have been there before"

I was in email correspondence with Alastair at Enhance yesterday and mentioned this blog post to him. I'm working hard to increase my LinkedIn  network as part of my commitment to build UK Recruiter into a real "recruiter community".  Alastair has already done the leg work with a large network of 1018 first degree contacts.  Alastair's response to Thom's post has really saved me thinking this morning as he sums up my thoughts.

"I don't agree or understand your approach to social networking sites.  You'll link with anyone on Facebook or Myspace, but only people you know on Linkedin?  Funny, my approach is exactly the opposite. I wouldn't dream of linking with someone I hadn't met on Facebook, I have no need for virtual friends in my life. But I'll link with anyone on Linkedin, the more the merrier. It means that my network is larger - AND it also helps out the people linking into me, it isn't a one-way street, as you suggest."

Yesterday I sent out LinkedIn invitations to everyone who's on LinkedIn who gets the newsletter (the hassle I had from LinkedIn in trying to do this is a whole other story).  Of all the responses I got yesterday (and some were so generous in their comments) only two said they would not connect up. The first one said "it is company policy not to link with people in the recruitment industry" and the second said he only linked to people (candidates and clients) within his specific niche. 

So, now I have a growing network of contacts that I wish to utilise to the advantage of everyone within that network.  Like Alastair, I won't be making  "recommendations" on people I've not met or passing on introductions willy nilly.  But I do believe that where business networking is concerned bigger is better.

Comments

[thom singer]

Thank you for chiming in on this topic! It has certainly been great to read the wide variety of ways that people utilize Linked In and other networks.

Did you write the two people who said "no" and tell them they were being selfish? Did you tell that person that is company is awful for having a policy like that? The guy who insulted me would have written the president of that company and told him his policy was selfish and that the web makes his employees open season!

No, you did not do this because I can tell from the tone of your blog that you are respectful, even when you disagree. That was really my point, people use these online sites differently, and a different opinion does not make them wrong!

I also do think that Linked In serves a different role for recruiters, so if I was in that business I would certainly have a different policy. I think that recruiters are very IMPORTANT to everyone in business, and do not need to know a person to deliver an opportunity.

Have a great day!

thom

[Louise Triance]

Thom, Thanks very much for the comment.

The email I sent the guy said "Thanks for the note. I understand the situation. However, please feel free to get in touch if you think I can help facilitate any relationships within the industry. Always happy to help."

To be honest I did think it was a dumb policy for a company in the recruitment space (but I'd never be so rude as to say that). However, outside of recruitment I do understand why you'd want to be more selective. Of course, the botton line is that, unlike the guy who responded to you, I respect the right of anyone to use technology as they wish.

Louise

[james seay]

Great post! LinkedIn is an important tool in developing your network. Actually, I am a part of the Open Networkers group and welcome the opportunity to connect with anyone.

[Caroline Mills]

At the AESC Summit, we came to the conclusion that if companies can only keep their staff by not allowing them to have a public profile on networking sites, they may need to address the matter of retention policies!