Chapter 1: My LinkedIn Journey

I’ve been married for nearly thirteen years, and my relationship with LinkedIn has also evolved significantly over time. Since I first registered, I’ve watched the platform expand, but the unprofessional behavior of certain users has remained a consistent issue.

During my quest for a new job in Singapore back in 2011, I found myself resorting to spamming executives with desperate messages in hopes of landing a role. My time there was brief, spanning just three weeks, and despite a couple of interviews, my efforts were largely unfruitful. On my final week, I sent out numerous unsolicited messages to senior professionals, pleading for employment. One executive's candid feedback, urging me to stop, stung deeply, prompting me to block him out of sheer embarrassment.

Desperation can lead us to act irrationally, and I recognize that if I were in that position again, I might still reach out to people—yet this time with more tact and insight.

As they say, everyone has a learning curve. I’ve realized that many individuals still engage in similar desperate outreach, lacking proper etiquette on LinkedIn. Have you experienced this as well?

Section 1.1: The Downside of Negativity

In my role as a career coach, I strive to share daily inspiration, personal anecdotes, and advice on career and personal growth. While this usually attracts supportive individuals, I’ve encountered a few who seem to thrive on negativity.

Some commenters have taken the time to provide constructive criticism, which is always welcome, but others resort to malicious comments intended to undermine my efforts. It’s disheartening to see how some individuals find satisfaction in belittling others, even when their feedback is acknowledged with respect. When faced with hostility, I either ignore or, in more extreme cases, block these toxic influences.

Subsection 1.1.1: The Awkward Lunch Invitation

I once received a lunch invitation from someone I didn’t know, and it felt somewhat uncomfortable as they persistently tried to persuade me to join them. Though I didn’t block this person, I made a conscious effort to avoid their posts and profile moving forward.

Chapter 2: Misguided Intentions

The first video explores common errors individuals make on LinkedIn, along with constructive alternatives to improve their networking strategies.

I also encountered a person who initially reached out to me for a free coaching session but quickly pivoted to a sales pitch for their products. While LinkedIn is a platform for business, misleading intentions are unacceptable. I expressed my disappointment in their approach, as it felt deceptive rather than a genuine outreach.

The second video discusses the nine types of people you should avoid, highlighting behaviors that can detract from your professional experience.

It’s essential to approach requests for collaboration with humility. I often receive inquiries that imply an obligation to assist, which can be off-putting. A respectful approach goes a long way in establishing productive connections.

When connecting with others, be wary of those who only seek to sell once the connection is made. If they don’t get the desired response, they may quickly disconnect, treating relationships as mere numbers.

Additionally, be cautious of suspicious invitations from individuals with incomplete profiles or overly enticing offers. Trust your instincts—if something feels off, it probably is.

Lastly, as a consultant, I frequently meet potential clients to discuss collaboration. However, it’s frustrating when someone requests a meeting and then fails to show up without any apology. Acknowledging one’s absence can go a long way in maintaining professionalism.

In summary, being aware of these nine types of individuals can help you navigate LinkedIn more effectively, allowing you to foster meaningful connections and avoid unnecessary drama.