I constantly receive unsolicited invitations by people I have never met asking me to join their Linked In network.  Usually these are from people in the same field of work as me who are looking to expand their network, or they work in sales for some company that I may or may not do business with.

 Linked In is a professional network, or rather a networking tool used by professionals and businesses.  It is not Facebook. My Linked In network consists of people whom I have personally worked with over the years and feel fairly well acquainted with their skills and personalities.  I would vouch for any person in my network if asked, because I can speak knowledgeably about them and their abilities.  I do not include people in my network who I may know well but do not respect their work ethic, or who may be quite good at what they do, but are difficult to work with.

 So it baffles me when I receive these invitations from people I don’t know, and who don’t know me.  I’m not saying that these are unqualified people, but I don’t know that.  I have a co-worker who gets many of the same invitations as I do, and he often accepts them.  I asked him why, and he says it’s because it helps expand his network.  My response is “Yes, but what if they’re a dick?”

 Currently I have a full time job that keeps me plenty busy, so I am not looking to pick up freelance work, or for new employment.  I understand where having an expanding network could be helpful in this situation.  But then, if I’m getting recommended by someone in the network, I want to know that I can trust them, and that they can trust who they’re making the recommendation to.  It’s great to have a professional network, but if you let every person into your network, how do control the quality of that network?  If you dilute your network with people who are mediocre in their field, does that not reflect poorly on you?

 Here is my short response for anyone who is looking to add me to their “professional network.”

 If I do not know you, do not ask me to be a part of your network. I choose to have people in my network who I know and respect through personal experience, and who I would not hesitate to recommend as a resource.  To become a part of my network I must have worked with you on at least two occasions, or one major event, and then I must come away from that experience with a sense of your professionalism and capabilities.  If I don’t know you, don’t waste your time.