603 - Why do you connect?

There are different reasons we connect with people on LinkedIn.

When I first came on LinkedIn years ago, I connected with everyone who requested it.

I even reached out to CEOs thinking they would be great connections.

I wanted to grow a large network but I hadn't thought about what kind of network or what I would do with it.

Most people I talk to did the same thing at the beginning.

New people join LinkedIn all the time and many of them are in those same infant stages of building a network.

We all want to build a large network, but why?

Here are a few reasons why people connect.

🤷🏻‍♀️ 1) They connect because they want to grow a large network.

They're not interested in knowing what the person does or where they are from. They just want a large network.

This method of growing a network is about as productive as going to Walmart and handing everyone a card that says, We are now friends.

It's meaningless, time-wasting connecting.

🤓 2) People connect with people they think they can learn from.

If this is the case, they would benefit by commenting on the person's posts and reaching out with a personal message to thank that person for the value they bring.

🤑 3) Some connect because they think the person is a great prospect for their business or the person they must speak to about getting. a job.

They want to sell to that person, either products/services or themselves for that job.

DANGER! No one wants to buy from someone they don't know, like, or trust. Building trust on LinkedIn is the most important and most difficult thing you can do.

It takes time to build trust. It also requires some face-to-face communication.

🥸 4) There are many people who connect because they have experience, wisdom, and insights to share.

These are the people who post consistently and engage in other people's posts.

Unless you are producing consistent content and engaging in others' posts, the only way to introduce yourself to others is by meeting with them virtually.

There are other reasons for connecting on LinkedIn and I invite you to share your reasons in the comments.

By doing so, we collectively help new people and those who don't understand why they aren't getting any results.

Are you intentional when connecting with others?