1. When you send a LinkedIn request to a stranger or to someone who may not recognize you, take a moment to write an introduction.
2. Don’t take offence if an acquaintance declines a “friend request.” Expect that different people have different approaches to social media. Some people may add anyone they know on LinkedIn and be very selective on Facebook. Some (like me) may try to do the best to do the opposite.
3. Avoid typing negative comments using pseudonymous internet profiles. If you want to share a negative opinion, at least have the guts to put your real name behind it.
4. If you can’t respond to email, create an auto responder so people who try to contact you know that. It is completely okay to be a knowledge worker (e.g. researcher) who doesn’t respond to email. Just don’t attempt to be a connection worker who collaborates with people in teams. (And, if you can’t process email, that’s okay. It is a skill like any other and it is worth learning how to do so in this day and age.)
5. As a general rule, always ask for permission before connecting/introducing people. This doesn’t apply in many scenarios (close relationships, for example). But, if in doubt, ask.
A Learning a Day 