Quick Tip: LinkedIn Connection Requests

Today's lesson: LinkedIn requests.

I received two LinkedIn requests to connect in the last week. Both of them said the same thing: "I'd like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn." And in both cases, I didn't recognize the name of the person requesting the connection.

How likely am I to accept your request to connect when I have no idea who you are? Easy answer: Not likely.

I will connect with people I don't know, if it's clear why they want to connect and why I should connect. A brief, personalized message is all I'm asking for in these cases. "I read your blog on Gaithersburg Patch and like it and would like to connect." Or: "I saw you talk at the Women's Business Center in Rockville earlier this year." Just something that explains why you want to be connected with me. Because I value my connections and I am careful about who I make part of my public -- or semi-public -- network.

The moral of the story: Unless you're someone I work with on a regular basis or someone I'm truly PERSONALLY friends with, don't assume I know who you are. Make an effort. Because if you don't, I'm probably going to ignore your request.