I added this topic, because people forego good judgment (myself included), in order to get to connect with someone who is supposedly a ‘great’ network contact.
This topic would seem to run counter to everything else on this website. But your time is one of the most valuable resources in a search, so spend it with people who see networking as a mutually beneficial activity. For those who don’t make your “Do Not Call” (DNC) list.
As your network grows you will run across the following types of people
1. The Takers (“What Can You Do For Me”): Make no effort to offer help in return
2. The Inactive: Offer to help, but never do, even after you follow-up
3. The Scam Artist: See networking as a trick to get what they want versus building a relationship
4. The Bold and The Not Beautiful: Trade on your name without your permission to get connected
5. The Tosser: They pass out contact information for people with whom they have no relationship
For the “Takers” and “Inactive”, I generally give people the benefit of the doubt on a first meeting, unless it’s over the top that this person is bad news. For #3-#5, once this tiger shows its stripes, put them the DNC list.
In networking, your reputation is everything. So give strong consideration before connecting them to your network. Also, if they call to meet again, politely say “No”.
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