Beware Bad LinkedIn Connections

LinkedIn has changed the professional world by combining the human connection aspects of social media in a business-minded environment which allows people to connect with others on a more professional level. Recently, LinkedIn has soared in popularity, as it provides people with valuable connections and resources that can ultimately change their careers. 

You see, broadening your network has never been easier with sites like LinkedIn, which allows you to diversify your circle and the people that you are connected with. Not only can you be seen by people you know, but the potential to get your message out to second-level connections, i.e. the network of each of your peers, or others who may never have exposure to you otherwise is immeasurable.  

However, while it may seem that the more connections you have on LinkedIn the better, that isn’t always the case. Here are some LinkedIn connections requests that you might want to consider avoiding.

Those Without a Face

These days, we all tend to be a bit skeptical on any social media platform when we get a friend request from a stranger, especially those without a profile picture. Realistically speaking, who these days doesn’t have the capability or know-how to utilize a profile picture?

LinkedIn is no exception to the rule. Having a picture on your profile proves your legitimacy as an individual, a profile with no picture is suspicious because we simply don’t know if it’s a scam or if they’re even a real person. Anyone who is on LinkedIn to gain valuable connections the right way is going to have a profile picture.

It is also possible that the individual is new to the platform. Perhaps you can give them a day or two to upload a profile picture to their profile. Otherwise, they are likely a waste of your time.

Profiles That Clearly Aren’t People

It’s a good word of warning to avoid profiles that clearly aren’t a real person looking to make genuine connections. After all, that’s what LinkedIn is for in the first place. 

Many companies will use LinkedIn as a way of selling their products or services, but they have no interest in the actual value of being someone’s connection. These “people” don’t serve you and bring nothing to the table when it comes to being connected with you. Stay away from profiles that have company logos or promote a product or service blatantly in their headline.

There is a place for businesses on LinkedIn; they can create a ‘Page’ on the site where they can show off their talent, services, and updates. These business pages can not request you as a connection. Instead, you and other users must follow the page to see their posts, similar to other social media platforms.

“Lazy” Profiles

When you look at someone’s resume, one of the first things that should catch your eye is whether or not it is well written. A LinkedIn profile is no different. 

Stay away from people who didn’t take the time to think through what they have written or those who didn’t bother to make sure that their writing is grammatically and punctually correct. Or, by the same token, profiles that have no writing at all! There’s no point in connecting with someone who hasn’t invested any time or effort into their profile. 

Generous Senders

Have you ever been on LinkedIn and received a message from someone who wants to give you something simply to thank you for being their connection? While this might seem like generosity, it’s not, and you should steer clear of these “generous senders”; they are likely bots anyways. 

If you accept their mass-produced request, chances are you’ll just end up getting bombarded by emails and messages that are of no real significance or relevance to you. 

LinkedIn is an extremely valuable platform, especially for professionals, as it allows you to broaden your network and increase the number of people that have exposure to you and your message. 

Even though it can be tempting to accept every connection request that comes your way, it isn’t necessarily always a good idea. In some situations, less is more, and having a load of invaluable connections can do more to harm to your profile than it can to enhance it. It’s not always all about the numbers! It’s much better to look for and accept connections that will add value to your network.

Looking to improve your LinkedIn network? Get in touch with social media experts at Rizzo Young Marketing.