Did you become more or less connected in 2013?

Over 40% of my blog posts this year covered how to leverage the power of social networking. I stalked my followers as well as those I follow. I met with Discussion Group Managers. I gave and accepted invitations to join my professional network without resorting to the phrase, "I'd like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn." After a year of research I've come to the conclusion that most business professionals are using the wrong social strategy, many none at all. Everyone is investing the effort, but it looks so much like stomping ants. Big effort, small results. In a rush to become visible, we have driven engagement to an all time low. In a quest to build our professional network by connecting,  we have instead become socially bankrupt. We look good on (virtual) paper, but bear the burden of a relationship deficit.

Drawing a Line in the LinkedIn Sand

I have both offered or accepted my last Linkedin invitation for 2013. It is both pointless and vain to continue. It takes more than clicking a button to commit to building a business relationship. One step further. Starting tomorrow morning I'm going to contact each of my LinkedIn contacts. I want to hear their voice, learn about their business and start building a real business network. I won't start accepting new connections in 2014 until I've creating value within my existing professional network. I've sorted my network by first name, so if you know Al Borowski, give him a heads up, because I'm going to give him a call first thing tomorrow morning. I'll keep you posted. #NoMoreNetworking Better yet, give me a call and I'll tell you how it's going. 727-278-9382