I was on a panel discussing LinkedIn the other day and an old favourite topic popped up: Is it better to have many or only highly relevant connections?
Here are my thoughts about quality vs. quantity of LinkedIn connections.
Roughly what I have to say in this video:
- There were a few differing views on this at the event – one person said he thinks someone with 500 connections are clearly not looking after their network. “How can you manage to stay in touch with all of them?”
- Others said it’s not about staying in touch with them on a regular basis, it’s about having those connections in your network so you can get hold of them when an opportunity arises. Using LinkedIn more like a rolodex in other words.
- Whatever idea you subscribe to I would like to suggest that your networking principles depend on your purpose.
- If you are happy with your network and use LinkedIn to chat with people often, perfect keep it the way it is.
- If you are a jobseeker, recruiter or salesperson – you’ll want to connect more as it gives you more chances to be seen, to find opportunities and to search for people.
- Just like with all marketing and social media, think purpose, then message and finally method. Purpose is typically the toughest bit to work out, but when you crack it the other 2 pieces will fall into place.
Related: How Being ‘Creative’ on LinkedIn Won’t Do You Any Favours
