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Jade Mackenzie

What's your approach to building your network on LinkedIn?

by•

Are you: A) Completely open with your network and accept requests to connect from anyone who reaches out, or B) More selective and only accept requests to connect from people who you know, have worked with previously or have been introduced to?

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Dave Prince
I think it depends. If it's something that's relevant (reason for contacting me) and can help me in my work, I'm open camp A. More often than not, the person contacting me hasn't done any research on me, it's not a relevant offer or reason to contact, so I don't make the connection.
Jade Mackenzie
@dave_prince2 thanks for your response. I'm thinking there'll be value in being a bit more open (I'm currently very selective) so I appreciate your views!
Lauren Thomas
I am definitely in camp B, but always wonder if it's the right approach. If I want to see content from someone I don't know then I hit 'follow'. That ways I can see their posts and articles, without having to connect.
Jade Mackenzie
@lauren_thomas4 I'm the same - definitely more camp B but am wondering if I should branch out a bit. This is a good way of doing it.
Elizabeth Obee
I'm a mix of both - it's good to extend reach by having a broader network, but it does open the door to a lot of unsolicited sales messages, so I do filter some of those out.
Software Guy (Aarvy)
@liz_obee Great, can use it for growth as well.
Leon Vinny
I would say naturally I am type B however, with a conscience force I make sure to reach out to interesting profiles I come across. This really helps me stay tuned and intrigued with the new people I see.
Jade Mackenzie
@leon_vinny thanks for your response. I think I'll start doing more of this. I've historically been quite selective but am thinking there'll be value in expanding my network in this way.
Adithyan Selvaraj
I'm in Camp A. Network means connecting with strangers and getting to know about them. if we are in camp B, we actually don't make new friends or colleagues and don't be afraid to choose camp A, because most of them on this platform are coming either to connect with professionals or to create their own personal brand.
Jade Mackenzie
@adithyan you make an excellent point. I've historically been in Camp B but have decided to change my approach and be more open!
Joonas Hämäläinen
I'm more of type A, if need to choose from those two. I check everyone's profile in LinkedIN who sends me connect request, who I don't know. If they don't have any content (comments / posts), and if they feel to be either just datamining profile, or most likely just trying to sell me something I'm not interested in, I'll ignore them. If connection invite is from someone who at least tries to engage others within LinkedIN in a way that resonates with me, or their profile looks complete, then I'm open to connect. That way I can get new interesting stuff in my feed, and help me break my 'bubble', so to speak.