When you look at the benefits of having connections on LinkedIn you begin to see why open networking is actually a sound business decision. Many people create objections without ever first considering the benefits of having a large connection base. To better understand the value you not only have to consider the human element, but also the Linkedin “design” element.

LinkedIn has been designed to drive an individuals success through their connections and their connections, connections. So your success just does not rely on your direct (1st) level connections, but also those that are 2nd degree connections and their connections who are 3rd degree. Linkedin’s advanced search is built around this, introductions to others (prospects) you do not know are built around this, and this allows you to leverage your efforts.

Let’s look more closely at these three benefits

Search
When you are looking for prospects, leads, contacts, or other opportunities on Linkedin the advanced search is a goldmine. Your search results can be driven by not only your direct connections, but also 2nd and 3rd degree connections. Once you have your search results then you can look at that person profile for an email address or phone number to contact them. If you cannot find an email address or phone number that is okay because this next benefit covers it.

Introductions
You can request introductions through your first level contacts to 2nd and 3rd degree connections. This alone is a reason to never argue the value of building your 1st level connections.

Leverage
You leverage your efforts by connecting with super connectors. What do I mean? Simple you identify the most well connected professionals on Linkedin who are capitalizing on using Linkedin for business. You then invite them to connect, provided they have indicated they are an open networker. (An open networker is one who accepts all invites on Linkedin and does not choose IDK, or I Do not Know.)

By connecting with Linkedin’s most successful members you exponentially leverage your efforts. Who are the super connected? Watch for them in participating in groups and Linkedin Q&A’s they are pretty easy to spot. They have well crafted profiles and are active in the Linkedin Space.

Still not sure of the super connected, I will publish a list next week detailing who I believe are must connects for any Linkedin member.

So lets build a high quality network together, connect with me by sending an invite from LinkedIn Invitations to this email address: linkwithrandy@yahoo.com  

Grab my Fast Start Guide to Linkedin Success eBook “no cost”:Grab it here

So do you hold to Open Networking or Closed Networking?

Open Networker stands for accepting invites on social media platforms from everyone who wants to connect.
VS
Closed Networking is just the opposite as one grows ones connection base very selectively, with the goal of having “significant relationships, quality over quantity is the overwhelming thought.

Both schools of thought have valid arguments and I believe people can benefit from both.

In the Open Networker setting, people see the value in growing a large connection base as on Linkedin to gain access to their connections, connections. In this, the direct connection may not have immediate value, but the potential a connection holds to connect to someone of value is high. In addition on Linkedin this drives the Linkedin “search” when you are looking for a target specific person or title within a company. So at the end of the day these are both solid reasons to be an Open Networker on Linkedin.

In the Closed Networking setting people see the value in being selective in connections that can bring value to them in their current position. If the connection cannot bring a direct value then that person is often declined as an invite. The closed networker often values direct relationships with a small group of connections adding significant dialogue to each connection. Along with providing adequate attention to each connections request and needs. Thus bringing real value added benefit as being a direct connection. Closed networkers often drive results through loyalty & respect of their connections.

I believe that adding as much value added attention, as an Open Networker will go a long way in producing loyal connections similar to closed networkers. One method to use would perhaps be a blog, something you can provide to all your connections that offer value added benefits to those directly connected to you, but does not require continuous one on one conversation with each connection. Twitter is another great resource that you can post continuous value added resources and tips to your connections. See my recent article on “why twitter for business” if you’re skeptical about the benefits of twitter as a business professional.

So at the end of the day, both schools of thought have merit and I know I have left out additional points to both, which allows us to continue the conversation with your added comments.

Are we connected yet?
I accept all invites at linkwithrandy@yahoo.com

~Randy Schrum
An Open Networker who strives to bring value to his connections.

Here is a connection building tool I use here
http://tinyurl.com/connectbuilder

Aggressive Networking is a business and professional networking organization for the 21st Century! Utilizing both Social Networking Gatherings around the country along with Social Networking Online. Our meetings are simple well-organized events allowing and creating opportunity for professionals to network together in an easy atmosphere.

Randy Schrum Founder of “The Aggressive Networker” has extensive experience both on and off line networking. Randy will continue to share his networking knowledge to the masses creating the “21st Century Aggressive Networker” in the digital age!

Join with Randy in your local City to organize “Aggressive Networker Events”!

www.theaggressivenetworker.com
www.successwithlinkedin.com

Join Groups on Linkedin and invite open networkers who are 2 degrees away from you or more.
Open networker= people who readily provide their email address openly within their profile. These people will accept all invitations. It is best to invite those who list LION, Toplinked, or say open networker in their profile.

Randy Schrum

Added Tip:  Be target specific in the groups you join!  Think about which markets you are going after.