Read This If: You want to understand the types of networkers on Linked In, what type you are, and why it matters.

Lately, I have been working on a number or articles on various topics related to getting the most out of technology management and efficient business processes. How does Linked In fit in there? I get a lot of questions and see a lot of confusion out there related to online social networking (Linked In and others), and how it can help grow your business or your personal brand. As a starting point, I think it is ideal to decide what kind of online networker YOU are! I expect this will be an ongoing series, let me know if you like (or dislike!) it!

While I am primarily referring to Linked In, this applies to all online networking “tools.”

Two of the more common questions I get when coaching and training on how to use online networking tools (Linked In, Plaxo, etc.) are “what connections should I accept?” and “who should I connect with?” I was recently following some discussions on a Linked In Group, for IIBA Denver, and the same topic of Linked In and connections came up.

There are a few basic types of networkers on Linked In. Knowing what kind YOU are, and WHY, is a good thing to build your network. Many people do not realize there are informal options and that they can offend people, and hurt their network, if they are unclear with their intentions.

Three basic types of networkers on Linked In, based on how they connect, are:
1. Trust-You Networker - I have to know and trust you before we connect
2. Met-You Networker - I have to have met you via phone/in person to connect
3. Open Networker - accepts all invitations

Open Networkers
Personally, I am a “3”, an Open Networker. I have over 5,000 direct connections, with nearly 19M total connections. Initially, I was a “1”, then a “2”… and finally, I just could not find any compelling reason to not accept all invites. There was really no downside for me to be connected to more people. It meant that when I wanted to find a contact at Xyz Corporation, I was that much closer to connecting to them and in many cases, could just send a Linked In email. Additionally, a large network attracts more people to your profile, since when searching you are in more peoples networks. I have received significant business through Linked In, so yes, it does happen!

Typical concerns people have with being an Open Networker generally boil down to one main issue. That is how to handle requests from people you do not personally know, who want to connect to someone who is a trusted contact. This is a potential concern, but the key is that, all Linked In referrals should be handled within Linked In (don’t give out email addresses and phone numbers if you are not comfortable with it!).

If someone simply wants to talk and learn more from someone via Linked In, I pass along the connection request. As an Open Networker, ignoring requests is not appropriate (if you are not comfortable with open networking and helping connect people, being an Open Networker is probably not for you). That said, if a person whom I do not know, wants to connect with a trusted client or colleague, I do some initial screening for my trusted contact to make sure they understand the context of the request and that it is legitimate. I have yet to have any problems with this approach.

Met-You Networkers and Trust-You Networkers
Not ready to be an Open Networker or feel that it is just not appropriate? I have run into many people who are NOT Open Networkers and obviously respect them as well. If they choose to only connect with people they trust implicitly or know personally, that is fine with me. Don’t fault people for it!

That said, I think things become complicated, when as a “1” (Trust-You Networker) you attend a networking event and hand out business cards. IMO, if you hand me a card with your email address or even Linked In profile on it, that’s an invitation for me to send you an invite on Linked In. I use Linked In as one of the key tools in for maintaining my network, so to not connect there really puts you (unintentionally) on the outskirts of my network.

Final Points
► Consider that if you attend networking events and hand out cards, that you should accept those invitations and at least be a “Met-You Networker.”
► Realize that in this day and age, Linked In and other online social networks are part of the game. A quick way to lose trust is to not connect with someone whom you spoke with at a recent event. Still not comfortable, then at least offer to grab some coffee to get to know the person – if you’re not willing to do that, you have to ask yourself, “why was I even at that networking meeting?”
► Networking is a two way street. I spend WAY more time helping others connect with people then I do asking for help.
► Call it Network Karma, but it does come back to you, if you put it out there.

Look for another post on tips for being and working with an Open Networker soon!

As an Open Networker, I have to add, if you would like to connect with me on Linked In, view my profile and send me an invite, I will accept it!

Feel free to email me with questions or comments. If you’re interested in how you or your business can build your online brand, let’s talk and see if we can add any value.