If the point of LinkedIn is to network,
I’m clearly doing it wrong.
I tend to stealthily follow instead of connect with people on LinkedIn...
...because the fear of rejection is real, even on social media.
Unfortunately, this means that I get to see them, but they don’t get to see me,
except for that one initial follow notification,
which is like a shy “hello” that's way too easy to ignore.
(Yes, this is how introverts network!)
I reached out this week with friendly and relevant messages to a couple of inspiring people I follow.
To my relief, they responded positively, and hey presto - I have new, meaningful-to-me connections.
It felt really good!
I’m just sharing this because it can be scary to talk to strangers, even online, but the more you put in the more you get out.
So, from now on, I will not be afraid to like and leave comments on posts in fear that exposing my interests, thoughts and opinions will make people in my professional network judge me.
And I will not be afraid to suggest connections with the people I admire and would like to engage more with.
Although... Despite removing my trusty hat, coat, and shades, I might still sweat about these interactions.
I’m only human.
(This was originally written and published as a LinkedIn post)
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