‘To Accept or Not to Accept’ – That is the Question

I am often asked for the proper etiquette around accepting or ignoring Linked In requests. As many of you have heard me say before – ‘it depends.’

Linked In is an incredible professional networking platform and cannot be overlooked by any professional these days. Some people tell me they are not looking for a job and so don’t need to pay attention to Linked In. Rubbish!

While it’s true that those in the job market tend to be more active on Linked In, it can no longer be ignored even by those gainfully employed and not looking to make a move at this time – after all, you never know what may tempt you to make that move. We should all be looking forward to our next career move – whether it’s within the same company or elsewhere.

First of all, it is critical to be pro-actively managing your own career. No one is going to do it for you! Secondly, it is not just about job-searching (go play on Monster or Workpolis and see how well that works for you!) It is all about your contacts, your network – peers with whom you can discuss the issues of the day, experts with whom you can discuss challenges you have, people with whom you have things in common, etc.

We should all be managing our careers, making contacts, networking and staying current in the marketplace. Having said that, let me get back to the main point of my story — to accept or not accept.

As I was building my consulting practice, I accepted most invitations. Most were in fact relevant to my growing practice (i.e. colleagues, prospects, potential clients). As my practice grew, I became more selective. I am now quite selective but still have 2500 connections. Why? Because it’s my job to be well connected so that I can source great talent for my corporate clients and help my individual clients land their next role. As a business owner/ consultant, I need to be well networked. I also call upon many experts in a number of fields to discuss issues and challenges.

For most people, however, I say connect with those with whom you have something in common and are of interest to you. Make your network relevant. Perhaps they are in your line of work, your industry, your field – or perhaps you went to the same school together or worked in the same company at one time. Maybe they work at a company of interest to you or are in a role you aspire to fill. Maybe they are connected through others to a charity or volunteer work you do. If you are sent a request and cannot see a reason for accepting, it’s ok to send an e-mail back and ask to be reminded how you are connected. If you don’t want to do that, it’s ok to hit ‘ignore.’

Some misguided people think it’s all about amassing the most connections. This is not Facebook. Your connections are indeed a reflection of you. Tend your connections well and watch your network grow and flourish.

Now, for the lighter side…..This morning I got a request from a woman claiming to be a ‘friend’, who lived in Europe, whose profile (scant as it was was in another language) and whose profile picture was of a woman, in a hospital gown lying in a hospital bed, with an IV drip in her arm. I kid you not. Think I accepted?