LinkedIn Invitation (really, what does this mean?)

[_Jersey Girl]

Today I got an email invitation from an old friend as follows:

LinkedIn
I'd like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn.

-John

and no, that's not their real name.

What does this really mean? What happens if I accept it in terms of the internet and/or privacy? Will my email address be posted on LinkedIn? Would this mean I would be listed as endorsing his professional practice?

Thanks in advance for any insights/advice folks may have for me.

[_asbestosman]

What does this really mean?

That means he may be able to recommend employment opportunities to you and you to him.

What happens if I accept it in terms of the internet and/or privacy? Will my email address be posted on LinkedIn?

No--at least mine isn't and neither is that of my friends.

Would this mean I would be listed as endorsing his professional practice?

Not at all. However, you may also choose to recommend the work certain people have done.

[_Jersey Girl]

abman,

Thank you for replying! Here's the thing. We live thousands of miles apart from each other and only re-established contact (for about a month) about 2 years ago when "John" was answering my questions about the death of a mutual friend from childhood.

I don't see any point in this invitation. I would no more be able to recommend him professionally than he would be able to recommend me professionally. I have never observed his practice nor has he ever observed mine. Our professions have no commonality whatsoever.

The thought of doing this in reverse (my extending this type of invitation to him) would never cross my mind.

I don't understand why he chose to do this.

[_asbestosman]

I use it to keep in touch with people I wouldn't want on my Facebook account, or for people who do not use Facebook. While most of my Linkedin friends are from work, I also keep track of some classmates and acquaintances.

I'd do it if I were you. I don't think it harms anything, and it can be a good way to keep in touch even if you have no familiarity with each other in a professional setting.

[_Jersey Girl]

I use it to keep in touch with people I wouldn't want on my Facebook account, or for people who do not use Facebook. While most of my Linkedin friends are from work, I also keep track of some classmates and acquaintances.

I'd do it if I were you. I don't think it harms anything, and it can be a good way to keep in touch even if you have no familiarity with each other in a professional setting.

Thanks again, abman. This really came from out of nowhere and I just don't see myself doing this.

[_jon]

In my opinion it's purely a status thing.

The more 'colleagues' he has on on LinkedIn the more important he will feel.

[_Buffalo]

abman,

Thank you for replying! Here's the thing. We live thousands of miles apart from each other and only re-established contact (for about a month) about 2 years ago when "John" was answering my questions about the death of a mutual friend from childhood.

I don't see any point in this invitation. I would no more be able to recommend him professionally than he would be able to recommend me professionally. I have never observed his practice nor has he ever observed mine. Our professions have no commonality whatsoever.

The thought of doing this in reverse (my extending this type of invitation to him) would never cross my mind.

I don't understand why he chose to do this.

LinkedIn is like Facebook for professionals. Some people just collect contacts, regardless of whether or not you're going to recommend each other for anything.