I received a LinkedIn invitation today that read: John Doe (not his real name) has indicated you are a colleague from Pfizer Corporation (not his real company). Here’s the problem. I don’t know John Doe and I never worked for Pfizer. John Doe is gaming the system to send an invite.
But how is this an attractive offer? I don’t know this person and his strategy for getting to me is sneaky and a little bit creepy. How is this a sound strategy for gaining an introduction? It’s like Arnold Schwarzenegger hitting on Mary Murphy’s makeup artist in the elevator or Anthony Weiner sending his @ messages on Twitter where they don’t belong.
It’s not like I’m that hard to find. Google me. You’ll find me and all my contact information. And then you can send me a note that explains why you think we should connect. I don’t bite. I’m happy to connect if you explain your intentions. But once you select a method for connecting with me that is underhanded you lose credibility in my eyes and I’m not so sure I want to know you.