The value of connections
I use to have a hard rule for LinkedIN: I have to meet you first and then we can connect online. In the last ~2 years or so, I decided to…
I use to have a hard rule for LinkedIN: I have to meet you first and then we can connect online. In the last ~2 years or so, I decided to open up and accept people’s requests with hopes I get to know them at some point. As part of my theory of connectivity, I Truly believe that EVERYONE has a story, that EVERYONE can teach me something and I can do the honors as well!
But here is what I find odd about this experiment: only about < 1/3 of the people actually write a reason they want to connect (aka take the time to thoughtfully summarize the intent) and only about 1/3 of that 1/3 engage after we connect.
In order to change that, just about 1 month ago I decided to accept & right away respond with a simple message to engage:
Hi so&so! Thanks for connecting. How can I be of any help”?
The results so far based on about 10 requests from people I don’t know yielded a zero response.
I urge everyone who is leveraging LinkedIn to follow through and actually get to know the people vs. a random find & click-to-link.
I would actually see it as a great feature for LinkedIN to implement with a small survey designed by the individual prior to allow connecting.
#justFood4Thought