Networking was a big emphasis when I was getting my technical communication degree. More than any of the other emphases within the English degree, the tech writing emphasis was geared toward preparing its students for entering the field. For technical communicators as much as many other professions, networking is an important factor in getting a job. With social networking sites, a new dimension of networking emerged.

When I had only a couple of months left in my internship at my church’s headquarters, the business analyst who had hired me extended an electronic invitation to join his network on LinkedIn. Because my future was uncertain and I needed as many ways to develop a network as possible, I created a profile.

I found out that many coworkers also had LinkedIn profiles. I connected with those I knew well, and I have tried to keep to that practice. The idea I get from the site is that its purpose is to connect people who have worked well enough with each other to be able to recommend each other to potential employers. Some people, however, seem to jump at any chance to build their networks.

For example, one person with whom I’ve never worked sent me an invitation to join his LinkedIn network. I knew who he was, but I don’t know if we had ever spoken to each other. Whenever I’ve walked past him (a rare occurrence), no recognition registers in his expression. Yet he wanted me to join his network. I’ve passed on that invitation because we haven’t associated on any level.

Someone in Texas sent me an invitation, as well, and I’m sure I have never met her. There was no explanation of where I might have known her from. I declined the invitation.

Some people invite others to join their networks possibly because they think if others see that they have large networks, that somehow makes them more professional. They’re more outgoing and friendly and have more interpersonal skills. Or something like that.

My perspective on this is that we ought to build our electronic networks carefully. Let’s say John invites Fred to join his network, even though they’re only acquainted with each other because they work on different teams. Then Kathy sends a message through LinkedIn asking John if he can recommend Fred for a job she’s considering hiring him for.

What is John going to say? “Yes,” even though he doesn’t know anything about Fred’s work? Or “No,” which then sounds like he’s discouraging Kathy from considering Fred? If he’s honest and says he doesn’t know enough about Fred’s work to comment, Kathy is going to wonder why on earth Fred is in John’s professional network.

All I’m saying is that you probably aren’t doing yourself a favor if you add everyone and his dog to your LinkedIn (or similar) network. And I wouldn’t be surprised, considering the kinds of things people do with their pets these days, to learn that there is a poodle out there with a LinkedIn profile.