Thanks for the LinkedIn Invite…Who are you?

I just received another one.  Another LinkedIn invitation from someone, and I don’t have a clue who he is.  This happens a lot.  I’m not certain what prompts these strangers to invite me to their network.  I’m not certain why people I’ve barely said boo to want me in their network.  I know I don’t want them in mine!  Maybe there’s a prize for the most connections.  I must’ve missed the memo.

Don’t get me wrong.  LinkedIn is a great tool.  And if used with some level of responsibility and restraint, it can be very effective.  But after far too many invites from complete strangers, I developed some connection guidelines (okay, rules!).  I’m going to share them with you – because you just may want to develop some of your own.

Did you sit in a meeting with me along with forty other people once about 3 years ago (or 3 weeks ago)?  And with that incredible lack of one-on-one interaction you want to connect with me?  I’m going to defer on this one to see if we ever actually have a meaningful conversation.  Until then…No Connection For You!

Did we work at the same company in a completely separate division and never ever meet ever (or the same university)?  Terrific!  I guess we have something in common. No Connection For You!

Do you know someone that I know?  Congratulations.  No Connection For You!

Have you heard I run a group?  Great.  Become an integral, meaningful part of it – assuming you fit the criteria.  Until then…No Connection For You!

Do you put your email address in your LinkedIn Name?  Good for you.  Even if you are my friend, I don’t want to connect with you.  By putting your email address in your name, you’re telling everyone that you’ll connect with anyone.  Therefore, your connections are not authentic.  The other day, a friend asked for a referral to someone they found – a 2nd degree connection from me.  I checked my LinkedIn connections and figured out this person was connected to someone I know that connects with anyone.  Therefore, all of his connections are suspect (including mine I guess).  I would NEVER refer this person (or anyone connected to him) to anyone.  No Connection for You!

Have I known you for less than 90 days?  Quite possibly…No Connection For You!  A while back, I developed the 90 day grace period for accepting invitations.  This gives me a little more comfort that you’re not some fly-by-night, one-meeting wonder.

Did we just meet on an airplane and have a really interesting conversation for two hours and I think you’re fascinating?  You know what?  I’ll probably connect with you, and hope that we sit next to each other again one day.  But until then, I know we’ll stay in touch.

Are you a friend of mine from school, work or another activity (and I actually know who you are)?  I’d love to re-connect with you.  And thanks to LinkedIn for making it possible!

I pride myself in being authentic.  I want my LinkedIn network to reflect my level of authenticity.  When someone asks me about someone in my network, I want to know this person by name and face.  I want to be able to say great things about them.  All of these things are possible only if I actually know the people.  So, if I don’t know you - please don’t invite me into your LinkedIn network.  And guess what?  I’ll try not to invite you to mine!