LinkedIn: Is quality more important than quantity?

(MoneyWatch) On Facebook, your popularity is measured by the sheer number of friends you have. But on career-focused social network LinkedIn, padding your numbers doesn't increase your "worth." In fact, doing so could make it a less effective catalyst for your career.

I recently spoke to LinkedIn Connection Director Nicole Williams about why you should carefully consider both quality and quantity when networking through their site:

MoneyWatch: Why shouldn't you look to connect with everyone on LinkedIn?

Nicole Williams: In the professional world, quality always matters more than quantity, especially when it comes to business contacts. You could have a Rolodex full of "contacts," but how many of those contacts can you rely on to answer your emails instantly, find you a new hire or help you out when you're in a jam?

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So what should LinkedIn users aim for in terms of numbers?

The magic number is at least 50 connections. Once a member meets 50 contacts, they'll start to unlock many more networks and doors via their second- and third-degree connections.

What makes someone a worthwhile connection?

Before you connect with someone, ask yourself how you can help that person down the line and how you might benefit from connecting with them. Are they in a similar industry or an industry you're thinking of switching to? Working at a company you admire or one that's a competitor? Or are they an expert in their field or alumni with similar hobbies?

Is it ever OK to quickly add a lot of new contacts?

Yes, it's OK to have an increased number of followers if you are actually helping them. You can do this by sharing insightful comments, commenting on their posts, updating articles you're reading, joining group discussions and answering questions. As long as you are maintaining a meaningful dialogue, then it is safe to create more connections.

What are signs that you're heading in the wrong direction?

If you find yourself inundated with comments, it might be time to backtrack and go through your connections and seek out who is truly meaningful to you and your professional growth. You can also go to your settings and cut down on the number of updates and shares you receive. Just like any other form of networking, you'll get more out of LinkedIn by the amount of time you spend on it. Create a welcoming interface. Join groups that you're actually going to participate in, and tailor LinkedIn Today to stories you can't wait to read. Connect with people who inspire you. They'll more than likely have great insight to share.

How many people are you connected to on LinkedIn? Please share in the comments section.

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons user TomChen1989

[calbiston]

Appreciate the insight on quality versus quantity. Until recently I had no one in Linkedin that I would not feel comfortable providing a referral for. I had worked with them, spoken on a panel with them, had a memorable business interaction and understood their expertise.... I comfortably explained when folks asked to connect who I did not yet know what my policy was and respectfully declined their requests. When I changed firms I moved into a role where I had to broaden my criteria - If someone was a member of my rather large team but I had not yet worked with them I still needed to welcome them into my network. I could not preach the value of good social networks and yet not support folks on my team who wanted to join mine. I still say "no thanks" to some great folks, but understand the need and value of the broader network for leaders.

[BigsandsPage]

Good advice. As an SME I use LinkedIn to good effect and have around 20 relevant connections. I have declined invitations from many other users who were not adding value nor related to events or hospitality. LinkedIn Groups are useful, but misused by too many members posting jobs and silly content. The skills feature is a nice component on a profile.

[Ken C. Schmitt]

Amy thanks for a fantastic post! LinkedIn is a spectacular source for individual and companies, but as you indicated, it is about the quality and relevance of your connections, rather than the volume. As the owner of a boutique recruiting firm, focusing on placing and coaching sales & marketing professionals, I adhere to the following screening process when determining who I invite to join my network, at least one of these criteria must hold true: 1) I know or have met the person 2) they attended one of my presentations 3) i was referred to them by a trusted contact 4) we are fellow alums or 5) we share a common connection that I know and trust
After teaching LinkedIn workshops for the past 7 years, I am convinced LI is here to stay and will enhance anyone's network and career progression.
Ken Schmitt
President/Founder, TurningPoint Executive Search
www.turningpointsearch.net

[compukol]

Amy, great article addressing some of the point that we make in our blogs!

Here are some additional articles on this topic:
http://www.compukol.com/blog/linkedin-connections-quality-vs-quantity/
http://www.compukol.com/blog/accepting-the-right-linkedin-connections/
http://www.compukol.com/blog/how-to-connect-with-influencers-on-linkedin/