It's creepy, that's all I'm saying. LinkedIn's People You May Know feature presents LinkedIn's Algorithm (wild guess?) about who you should connect with. This morning I found someone I actually needed to add to my "Professional Network" so like a rookie, I clicked the Connect button. It immediately sent the following: I'd like to add you to my professional network. - Jerry Gitchel How embarrassing  It's creepy to receive an invite from someone you don't know. It's tacky to receive the generic invite from someone you do know. I didn't realize the Pencil (?) icon would allow me to create a well-edited personal request. Lesson learned. Don't click the connect button. Putting the professional in Professional Network requires some thought, reflection, finesse. It's really a question of your intentions. Actually, its three questions:

• Who? - Don't make me go to your profile to figure out how I know you.
• Why? - If it's been a while since we connected, say so.
• What? - Tell me what you expect from my if I choose to connect.

Rarely do I presume I should tell folks which button to push or where to click, but this is just a stupid UI (User Interface) issue. The connect button should open the edit window. In our culture, the left button is the first option. Hey LinkedIn, either swap the buttons or program the button to present the appropriate process.

How to Link on LinkedIn

Using Cold Linking to deal with your fear of Cold Calling isn't going to help you reach your sales quota. The power of LindedIn shines when you use the connect feature to strengthen, not initiate business relationships.

Insight

LinkedIn is a powerful communications weapon. Be careful where you point it!