Anyone that uses Linkedin will know that for many users it is a numbers game – the more connections they can get the better – but is it really a good thing to be connected with hundreds or thousands of people you don’t know, have nothing to do with your business and will never affect your life in any way, shape or form?

I get around 7-10 new connection requests on Linkedin every day, I also have 373 connections on Linkedin, so it is clear to see that I do not say yes to everyone that asks to connect with me.

If the person has sent a personalised message with their connection request and explained why they would like to connect with me then this is a good sign, if they have not, as many do not, then I will send a simple message that says Hello, opens in a friendly manner and explains I do not know who they are or how I can help.

This is an example of the message I sent on Tuesday 18th April;

Good Morning & A Belated Happy Easter,

Were you off over the Easter break or were you still working hard?

I’d like to take this chance to thank you for your recent connection request via Linkedin. Having looked at your profile, I am unsure I recognise you and without a personalised message I am unsure how I can help?

I look forward to hearing from you soon?

Hazel

www.creativecontent.company

I always include a link back to my website so the person can find out more about me, and when I have a Creative Networking event that week I will include a link to that as well. Sometimes I will include a link to a blog post like this to help the reader understand how I network on social media.

I will then send messages like this once or twice a week for a month. At the end of the month I will send a final email explaining that I have tried to connect with them numerous times over the last month but to no joy and therefore will be declining their connection request.

Can someone that is only connected with you on Linkedin really add any benefit to your business or network if they have not used the site for at least one month?