I often get asked by both job seekers and HR professionals wanting to use LinkedIn if it is ok if they (fill in the blank). Can I ask that person to introduce me? Can I connect with that person I met at a networking event? Can I send an email to my connections about my job search/open position? Can I connect with that speaker I heard last week to tell them how I enjoyed their presentation?
Of course you can, after all, what’s the worst they can say?
I’ll tell you what it is – it’s no. The worst they can say is no. No I don’t want to connect. No I won’t introduce you. No I won’t send you any referrals for your open positions. No I don’t like hearing how audience members liked my presentation. You get what I’m saying right?
The thing about LinkedIn is that it is there to help you connect. It is important to use common courtesy, professional language and make the request appropriate for the relationship – meaning, don’t connect with someone you don’t know and ask if they can find you a job. As long as you do those things, why couldn’t you send the request?
Stop worrying about the rules and start connecting. Be yourself. Be polite. Be professional. Be the way you would be in person (at an event where you want to present your best self). That is really it. Social media truly is that simple. There are people who will tell you a lot of different things about what to post and what not to post and while some of it has merit, most is just their opinion.
Just ask. The worst they can say is no!