Social Networks, To Connect or Not To Connect

Being new to online social networking, I still find myself becoming excessively lavish when discovering new ways to connect. That is not to say I am excessively foolish and connect for the sake of connecting, although I was guilty of becoming lax with Plaxo in the beginning. In reality, I use Plaxo more than any other network program now to seek and develop my online network in conjunction with LinkedIn.

As I try to strengthen my network connections, I am also pleased to receive sound advice at the same time from those who are not only knowledgeable, but also willing to share their expertise.

The following is a quote from one individual whom after I studied it at least twice to ensure I understood correctly; mainly because I too often read too fast and miss the true meaning. Never have I had an individual whom I had just tried to network with take the time to offer such sage advice and trust me it was appreciated.

"…when you send invites it is better to use some seconds per person instead of what you do." "It won't bring more business to you unless you invest to create a relationship first. In any case…"   "…you know a lot in what you do but the ones you need know other things. Remember that." 

What I did next was find his profile on LinkedIn and read it in its entirety and with sincerity to allow myself a better understanding of whom he was and how he had gained the position, he now held. I then replied based on not only what I had read but also how his profile had inspired me, to which his response was,

"Thank you very much for this note of yours and for the time you took to read my profile. Will be here to assist you and your business efforts in whichever way I can."

Yes, I have created a network link with this individual but more importantly, he has shared his experiences and paid it forward by offering me his support. Not because I have anything of value for him, but because I took the time to understand what he represents.

While the latter example in this case was a male, the same courtesy holds true for our female counterparts.

As I listen to the various techies, discuss how they feel LinkedIn is perhaps now unfashionable and Facebook is the new in place to be, I find my views to be the opposite. Personally, while I do use Facebook, I presently find LinkedIn becoming one of my more valuable networking tools for serious connections.

I read an article by Don Crowley where he noted, "I am having more problems on Plaxo than on other networks! What I do not understand is why anyone wanting to connect with me, does not at least send me a message as to why they want to connect. Well one Plaxo member did, but he did not convince me. I am not that difficult to convince by the way. If you know what I do and can explain the value of being connected then you have a good chance I actually will connect."

I must confess to Don, I was one of the individuals who contacted him to form a link. I was guilty of allowing myself to be caught up in the euphoria of having well-seasoned entrepreneurs I could both connect with and in my own time and space to become as successful in my own right.

As I read his article, I once again learned a bit more about professional morals and the do's and don'ts.

What I do disagree with Don Cowley on is seeing Plaxo as a problem. While many individuals are looking for just numbers for their link connections on Plaxo, the same is true for any social program, Facebook, Pownce, Twitter and MySpace to name a few. Don, you have become an online celebrity, get over it, it comes with the territory.

I walk to the beat of a different drummer, to coin an old phrase, and contrary to some, I still find LinkedIn to be a valuable tool. It allows me a place to post my resume and to checkout and connect with business individuals whom I have met or communicate with in fashion or another. It also allows me a controlled manner by which I can qualify because of my wish to connect. I am taking a freer license with Plaxo but again I am not looking at numbers as much as I am looking at quality connections.

Despite the varied online opinions, I will continue to use LinkedIn, Plaxo, and a few other programs I have chosen to nurture and add to my network. I will, however continue to ensure that I add value to my network as opposed to numbers. It is my wish to aspire to work with others to ensure that in some small way, I bring my own value to the table in return. When that day comes that I am worthy of being a sought after marketing and technology guru, I hope I remember my humble beginnings and pay it forward to the next start up looking for a little help and recognition.

This post was written for Profy by Allan Herman, Owner of Creative Visual Marketing Services, photography consultant and author of The Color Blind Photographer.