As we all know, LinkedIn is a networking platform used primarily to manage business connections - the key word is manage. I am seeing more and more people getting caught up in the number of connections versus the quality of those connections. It doesn’t matter if you have 700 connections if none of those connections can help you advance your career. I understand it may be hard to say no to your mother or your Aunt Mary or even a good friend, but there is no reason to connect with a novelist in India or an exercise instructor in California, or a sociologist in London when you are working in the Life Settlements industry in Cleveland or as an architect in Philadelphia.

Focus on curating your connections with people locally, regionally, and globally, who work or are associated with your industry. You can also connect with people who have shared interests. For example, if you enjoy fly fishing as a hobby, connect with people you meet and encounter while fly fishing because that connection may be beneficial down the road for either one of you.

Avoid the temptation to hit the “Accept” button, instead scrutinize each potential connection. Look at the individual’s profile, and while this may sound calculating, ask yourself: “What can this individual do for me?” Then ask, “Is there something I can do for this individual? If the answer is yes to one or both, then hit the accept button, but if the answer is no to both, then hit the “ignore” button.

Ultimately, your LinkedIn network should be that, a network of individuals who have a shared interest or industry. It is a network you can rely upon to provide information, mentorship, etc. to help you grow within your career, otherwise they take up what should be valuable space on your list of connections.

Start curating your connections today!

Best,