To Question or Not To Question on LinkedIn

For the first several months after joining LinkedIn I paid no attention to the Q & A section of my home page. Until a single question caught my eye and to tell the truth I don’t remember the question or even the subject matter, but I answered the question. To my surprise I received several request to link networks from people that said they read my answer and found it thought provoking or some other similar sentiment. From that point I began answering and asking questions of my network and almost without exception I have had link requests every time. So I thought I would pose the following question to my network “What has been the most effective use of the "Ask Your Network a Question" area to build a network?” I received numerous responses to my query, and at the writing of this article replies continue to trickle. I will render a synopsis of my findings. The dichotomy of Q & A naturally divides itself into two arena’s so I’ll breakdown my discussion accordingly; asking questions and answering questions.

Asking questions fosters link requests when the questions are unique and not aimed at promoting ones products or services. Most of the responders stated that well articulated questions which pursued a real forum for discussion and exchange of information got their response. Some touted that real and true networking flowed out of the environment of Q & A. due to the fact you could actually get to know people in this manner. There were several recommendations regarding how to ask questions. Ask questions that are general enough to attract a large number of responders yet specific enough to embody specific answers. Questions that allow your connections to display their real expertise and abilities open’s a forum for them to shine. Thus distant connections of one of my contacts can exchange thoughts and information with distant connections from another of my contacts - that’s the power of networking at its best. Asking questions that are sincerely looking for answers and not pointed at a predisposed answer aimed at highlighting the askers expertise rather than the responders makes for a more interactive environment. Most of the responders agreed that while asking well thought and worded questions initiated some invites, creative answers produced far more requests to link.

Sheilah Etheridge stated that at least 90% of her over 850 direct connections has come from the use of Q & A. She also proclaimed she has used approximately 50 of her invitations. Most of the replies purported connections were sought from answers demonstrating creative and/or “out of the box” style thinking. Questions answered with obvious expertise and knowledge, while exhibiting fresh unorthodox perspectives attracted more frequent petitions to link than cut and dry answers. Although, some reported that just about any type of question or answer resulted in linking requests. Ms. Etheridge commented that she connects most often with people after a dialog that develops into a true relationship. She believes direct connections are a person’s “real network”. More or less 2^nd & 3^rd tier connections are people that the possibility of becoming acquainted through networking exists.

Most of my responders were surprised that more people don’t get involved in the Q & A available on LinkedIn. They found it to be a wealth of information and a source of connectedness not available otherwise. To sum it all up Q & A can provide a portal whereby distant connections can access one another, a forum for personalization of online contacts that have no real means of meeting face to face, an arena to demonstrate knowledge and expertise, and an environment to matriculate real friendships. Q & A REMINDS US THAT NETWORKING IS ABOUT PEOPLE MEETING PEOPLE, NOT SIMPLY AQUIRING NUMBERS OF CONTACTS. In this microwave, high tech, high speed, high stress, produce or get out of the way business society we must live in if we are to claw and scratch our way to success let’s not forget that the best business deal is always the win – win.

Lyndle A. Savage Sr. [LION]

chuse2succeed@yahoo.com

My Process for Financial Advising

Multiplying and Protecting your Assets.

We utilize an approach to financial management that focuses on relationship building. We encourage our client to go through the process that allows us an insightful understanding of their attitudes and knowledge base where money management is concerned. To facilitate this relationship we take our clients through a six step system:

1. Build and understand our clients dreams and goals

2. Evaluate current financial condition

3. Educate regarding pitfalls and principles of money management

4. Research and analyze financial data

5. Present and initiate recommendations

6. Review and revise as often as necessary.

We are convinced that short-cutting this process, although possible, is not the wisest course of action.