The net is replete with some decent DO's an DON'Ts of LinkedIn. I wont rehash them here in detail...but the highlights are typically the following:
- Don't accept every single invitation
- Don't request an invite to someone you don't know without a thrid party introduction request
- Try not to be a LinkedIn Rolodex whore
- Don't join the Forbes group
All good things to consider, but recently I have discovered a new problem with Web 2.0 social networking...the unsolicited request for advise that clearly extends to abuse of social nettiquette. What to do when a random request for a just a bit too much of your time or information comes your way?
Case in point, I was recently contacted by a random who wanted to connect via LinkedIn. Ok, at least it wasn't the standard form letter, but here is what I received:
"I would like to inquire on your expertise in the fashion and apparel industry. I am a software/services professional and I am working with clients in the apparel industry and I would like increase my knowledge of how to identify and solve the key business issues companies in this industry are facing.
Would you be open to share with me some of your experiences as well as publications you follow? In addition, I'd like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn. "
Whoah. That's a pretty bg request right there. From someone I don't even know. Provide the highlights of 15 years in an industry, a list of periodicals (no biggie there) and..oh yeah you can add me to your LinkedIn profile too?
Yes, my contact information is out there..it says you can contact me...but these requests really need to be balanced between true networking, online collaboration and downright abuse. There is a fine line between instant contact and request for "mentoring" and abusive pumping for information.
I thought it rather rude that this person wanted to dive head-in to a conversation where I provide a free flow of experience. Nonetheless, I responded with the simplest request and a query to begin a casual dialogue. My response was a list of a few peridicals specific to the industry and ended with "In what type of software/services do you engage? "
At this point I already knew where he worked (from his profile)..and I wanted to give him a chance to open up the dicussion. I decided to take this a little slowly. Oh yeah...he works for a competing software/services company in a different geography, but a competitor nonetheless.
So the next day I receive an email back (misspellings preserved):
"I represent Oracle's line of software solutions: ERP, SupplyChain, Demand Management, PLM and other solutions. If you could share some of the top key business issues you see Apperel companies are facing today and how they work arround these or solve these issures would be of great help to me. "
The cajones on this guy! I don't know this person from a hole in the wall...but let me get this...I should provide him with highlights of 15 years of experience because it "would be of great help" to him! Well, in that case...where do I begin? Let's just stop whatever I am doing so I can help you compete better against me!
It's unbelievable how obnoxious some people are on the Web. It's somewhat anonymous, with minimal direct contact and firing off an email is just way too easy. So I guess it's ok if you're inconsiderate...because it's out there in digital ether..who cares what comes back, right?
So let's break this down. If you were to pick a colleagues brain for something that demanded his or her time...in real life...you know, like a flesh and blood meeting or over the phone...how would you do it? You might ask them to chat over a cup of coffee...offer to buy them lunch...you might offer something in return. With that in mind, here is the first rule of asking for unsolicited help, advise or anything other than directions to the Mall....What are you going to do for ME??
That could be a latte, a lunch, a brainstorming of collaborative ideas...or in the case where you have nothing tangible to offer, a sincere "..would be very appreciated.." might be persuasive.
However, this person made no attempt to discuss how he might be able to offer me assistance...Even if it had no value to me. Perhaps in another industry...perhaps you'd like to share that information with me. And no, he wasn't 3 months out of college simply looking for a mentor.
So here is why I decided to decline further discussion:
1 - Those typo's in the email...those are real. If you ask for unsolicited advise...for Pete's sake use spell-check! So put your best foot forward.
2 - People help those who look like they have done a little homework. The advise on the periodicals...look if this is your industry you should know them. And if not, about 5 minutes and Google will provide you with all you need on ANY industry. You really should know this.
3 - The person was a random direct competitor...That might be ok..but explain why/what/how this is helpful. Which brings me to...
4 - This person made no offer to collaborate, or to provide anything of value to me
5 - I don't sell Oracle, but if you push their "ERP, SupplyChain, Demand Management, PLM ..." then you should start with their playbook on selling solutions. I have to believe they have something. See #2...Tell me you read something about Supply Chain from Oracle for Industrial Distribution companies and wanted to know how XXX might translate to a need in another industry.
6 - If you work in this industry, then leverage your DIRECT contacts first, before contacting randoms.
7 - Lie to me...tell me you are interested in what I do or what my company offers
Since this person broke every single rule I decided not to provide my time (I spent it here blogging instead), and not to open up my digital Rolodex (which is what I assume he really wanted).
