The Debate
I’ve found that most people who oppose the open networking concept do so because of the irritation open networkers have caused them. Additionally, it is my belief that they that this is due to a misunderstanding about the of the real value and power of networking.
The term “open networker” could be defined as someone who is simply someone who will connect with and engage anyone that is willing. They both seek out and accept all invitations to connect. Some open networkers do this in very unobtrusive where others take approaches far more agressive approaches that have the potential to irritate others.
The Objections
The first objection I usually hear against open networking, besides irritation, is that one cannot possibly know all of these thousands of people and that you developing quaity connections.
This is partially true. It is true that the valued quality connections will likely be more productive that the ones you don’t really know. And it is true that you should always be pursuing quality connections. The problem with this idea is that you don’t know the value of a connections until you investigate. If you turn down a connection you may in fact turn down and opportunity that is currently invisible as the real value of networking is not the person to whom you connect, but their sphere of influence.
Networking is like advertising, it is a method of getting exposure. It is also a way to get leverage in the creation of opportunities. As we all know you cannot sell yourself, your company, or your product until someone knows it exists. In networking and especially on LinkedIn the bigger your network the more exposure you will get.
With 35 million plus users it would be hard to argue that there are not potentially hundreds that would be interested in what you offer and that you would consider “quality” connections. Since you cannot find all of these opportunities yourself you need to let them find you.
My Conclusion
The open networking concept is valuable because it builds a larger network. This means that every time you announce what your doing, change your profile, your photo, or answer or ask a question in the Question and Answer forum this is announced to your network, you reach more people who potentially need you. Additionally, when you engage one of your connections, either by answering or asking a question this too is transmitted to their network. You now become visible and get exposure to many people you would not have without this connection.
The reality is that the more time you are exposed to the networks of others the more likely that someone who needs you will find you. This is how you attract opportunities.This is the value of open networking is visibility. In a sense it could be considered a form of marketing.
More Information
In my program the LinkedIn Power Networking Profit System I teach strategies and tactics that maximum visibility and accessibility to opportunities.To learn more about this program please go to www.onlinebusinessnetworker.net/charter. Additionally, if you would like some free information that will help you succeed on LinkedIn go to www.onlinebusinessnetworker.com.
Posted by Flyn Penoyer 
