A lean LinkedIn network is your most powerful asset if managed correctly!

2021 is a year for everyone to look forward both personally and professionally. The pandemic will soon be behind us and change and adaptability needs to happen in order for us to keeping walking in the right direction. The power of social media and professional networks is key to our business models.

Today I spent time with my team and some of the executives at LinkedIn. The purpose of the exercise was to make my Linkedin lean, powerful, impactful, engaging whilst keeping solid founded connections and let's be honest, to get rid of the connections that add no significant value at all. As harsh as this sounds, LinkedIn is your personal brand, you choose who you connect and network with and these connections matter!! A solid network servers purpose, it has impact and power especially for me leading a "Global Executive Search & Consulting Firm".

As a new user of this platform it feels exciting to grow your LinkedIn network. It's satisfying to see your first-degree connection grow. The first milestone is to hit 500 (which for me was many years back). Most of us want to add more LinkedIn connections and not tarnish the ones we've got! But now more than ever it makes sense to lean out those connections and be selective.

What I didn't realise back in the early 2000's when I joined LinkedIn as an 'Executive Search Professional" is that not everyone has the same point of view about networking and the user face. Some people see networking to grow relationships. Others think about networking differently. Some people see networking to grow their products or services. Now its common for E-commerce purposes and advertising. Others are here to spam, lie and create fraudulent accounts for whatever reason unbeknownst to me.

So today I wanted to share the reasons I deleted connections from my LinkedIn? I deleted 1216 in total, which is a lot of connections who quite frankly I don't need.

Your first-degree LinkedIn connection after seconds of connecting spams you. Seriously annoying and a waste of time.

Your linkedIn connection has "confidential" as their title or more the one title. To me this is pointless, you may as well be a ghost, delete your name and picture its the same. You're not in the MI5 or secret service, actually you're not even middle management. It's not impactful or useful.

Your LinkedIn connection has false jobs. This is my pet hate. In an ambiguous and fragile economy this is not acceptable.

Your LinkedIn connection who you have messaged for valid purposes does not respond or does not read your timely message is not worth your time. I normally give this 1 month (I feel this is fair, after a follow up message and no reply) they are simply no added value to your network. I may also be at fault for this. For that I apologise.

Your LinkedIn connection has no creativity or integrity and responds to job advert with " Interested" or "View my profile"

Sorry people, you're gone!

Your LinkedIn connection, having been invited to join your network or having had his or her invitation accepted immediately starts a long sales pitch. Normally something you don't want or need. I understand being commercial, but surely this will not be sustainable. Again a waste of time and annoying.

Your LinkedIn connection posts emotional or inspirational stories only for likes and attention. We have seen them 1000 times. Don't waste our time. Be creative and original.

Your LinkedIn connection is just a wierd creep, a stalker or really annoying. No need for this at all. Grow up.

Good Luck!

Lee Hutchinson

Chief Executive Officer

Eaton SAKS International Group