4 Types of People I'd Avoid on LinkedIn

I am naturally a friendly person and most people would even describe me as sociable. I have no qualms meeting new people, starting new relationships and forming new connections. Hence, LinkedIn seems to be a perfect platform for someone like me - always on the lookout to connect people (I love being a connector) and connect with people.

Being sociable and friendly however, does not in any way means I am easy. I can be, and sometimes am, very selective. I may like to network and socialise and connect, but there will always be some individuals whom I absolutely cannot stand. And if you are on this list - that's a freaking big deal because I am known to possess unbelievably high tolerance levels for people with extremely low EQs.

If I have to go to the extent of avoiding you, congratulations - you have hit rock bottom.

1. The Self Promoting BD/Sales/Account Management Person

You are the one who sends me a super lengthy email touting your company/products/services, none of which I am interested in because you haven't bothered to find out what I really need before delivering your sales pitch. You are not interested in a developing a relationship with me. You just want to brag about how hot you are and hop right into bed with me. Anyone that eager to drop their pants smells of pure desperation to me.

2. The Casanova Scam Artist

You put up an absolutely drool-worthy photo of a gorgeous dude on your LinkedIn Profile, and wrote me sweet nothings telling me I am the most beautiful woman you have ever met. You are slightly better than the Self Promoting Person because at least you make the effort to flatter me and seem to take a 'genuine" interest in getting to know me. You may even suggest a relationship. But seriously Casanova, picking up women to romance on LinkedIn is as thick as sun-tanning naked in Abu Dhabi. It's really not the right place.

3. The InMail Spam Artist

You come in many forms you sneaky chameleon you. One day you are a recruitment expert (who is part of a larger group of recruitment experts) who offer free CV reviews; another day you are a travel enthusiast who try to recruit me into this brilliant network of global travellers who get paid to see the world. I know you probably send the same email to the 10,000 connections you have, possibly praying that 1% of these connections will reply positively and you will be set for life. Thank you for offering to review my CV (I have accumulated more than 15 years' of experience so it's probably a book by now) and for the out of this world opportunity to make money just by being a globetrotter. You are shining the wrong pair of shoes I'm afraid. My ambitions and motivations are something which I fear you will never be able to comprehend because we simply belong to two different worlds. Me on the ground, you in the clouds.

4. The Perfect Stranger

I am sure many of you would have experienced from time to time (or a daily basis in my case) a sudden slew of LinkedIn invitations to connect - sent by total strangers who have absolutely nothing in common with you. Of course I understand that LinkedIn is all about networking and connecting with people, but still I would very much prefer to connect with those who at the very least, share similar or complementary interests, objectives, goals, aspirations, values, job nature, industries etc.- you get the drift. There must be at least a tiny shred of relevancy for us to connect. I really don't see myself bringing any value to a Sanitary Expert or Stainless Steel Manufacturer. I am sorry - it's really nothing personal. It's not you, it's me. If I don't see how I can add any value to you, either personally or professionally, I would very much prefer we remain perfect strangers. Should our star-crossed paths meet one day outside of the LinkedIn world, I would of course shake your hand, smile and say "Hi, how do you do? Toilet paper? Yes, we use them all the time! Steel? My favourite element in the house. I hate rust." And that would probably be as connected as we can get.

Disclaimer: The above article represents my personal views - which can be strangely random at times.

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Rena is a marketing professional by day and an undercover writer by night. She dreams of publishing her own book one day - and that remains a dream as she juggles the responsibilities of her day job and as a mother of two young "terrorists". She can be contacted for a cup of tea or a bout of stimulating banter at rena_tan@email.com.