Dispelling a LinkedIn Myth

Dispelling a LinkedIn Myth Dispelling a LinkedIn Myth Do you only connect with people you know on LinkedIn?If so, youre making yourself far less visible than you need to be and youll get fewer interviews as a result. I know, I know the LinkedIn people say you shouldnt connect to people you dont know. Plus tons of social media experts all agree that connecting with strangers is bad form. But heres why theyre wrong1) LinkedIns search capability is based on the individual users network. So when a recruiter searches for a marketing manager she will first see all her 1st degree connections, then all her 2nd degree, then her 3rd degree etc. etc. This is replicated for every individual who searches on the site. As a result, the more connections you have, the more often you will appear in search results. This is good news if youre looking for a job. But also if youre using LinkedIn for other networking purposes.2) Networking is about making connections with people you dont already know. Tha ts the point Would you go to a networking breakfast and then turn away when a stranger approached you?But, some of you are asking, What if I connect to someone I dont know and then he/she asks for an introduction to someone I do know? I dont want to recommend someone I cant vouch for.I agree. Again, compare it to in-person networking. Youd be happy to talk to the stranger who approaches you at the networking breakfast, and to exchange business cards, but you wouldnt recommend him for a job or a contract until you know a lot more about him. The same applies on LinkedIn. Theres nothing wrong with politely explaining that, while youre happy to connect on LinkedIn, you cant recommend people that you dont know.Only you can decide how you want to use the system, no matter how many experts tell you their perspective, but to make an educated decision, you need to know that more connections = greater visibility and greater opportunity. I think its nuts not to make the most of that. What do y ou think?