As users of the LinkedIn social network, you have already probably encountered people indicating their profiles using the LION acronym or you are even one of them. The acronym means LinkedIn Open Networker and is used by people who openly evade one of the fundamental LinkedIn rules - connecting only with people you know personally.
A LION accepts all invitations and actively asks people he have never worked with to connect with him. Many other users behave the same way even though they do not use the acromyn officially. They, however, follow the same goal. Most of them are marketers or recruiters who want to have as many contacts as possible to enhance their chances of finding new employees, customers or business opportunities. However, the question is whether this strategy does not do more harm than good. On the hrreporter.com website, this question was raised by Harpaul Sambhi, Canadian expert and author of books on how to use social media in HR.
Large number of contacts seems like a big advantage at first glance, but what about the quality of these contacts? And is it possible to effectively manage a group of thousands of contacts from different fields and parts of the world? "How can a marketing manager in China help you fill an accountant position in Chicago?" asks Sambhi. According to him, HR professionals should not focus on the number of contacts the have on social networks but primarily build relationships with key people in the field.
When you decide to become a LION, be cautious. You will, for example, have to count with the fact that your contacts will use your name to establish connections with other people in your network. Prepare for a huge amount of information in your e-mail, too. Psychologists say that one person can maintain closer and more lasting relationships with up to 150 people. Technologies such as social networking make it seemingly easy but we can easy get lost in them, too.
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