Manners and LinkedIn
“Manners are boring!” declared my little boy at dinner.
“Ok”, I said, “But what happens when you say please and thank you?”
After a moment’s thought, my little one realised “I get what I want”
Explaining good manners to a young child is fairly easy. To them, it’s simply saying “please” when you ask for something and “thank you” when you get it. With a bit of positive reinforcement, mine soon learnt the benefit of manners: if he said please he had a better chance of getting what he asked for. If he didn’t say please, then his request was ignored. However, to some people, manners seem to have gone out of fashion. But if you’re on LinkedIn, then you’d better get over that idea. On LinkedIn, manners are not only expected, they are essential. If you don’t use them, then you’ll stand out a mile, but for the wrong reasons.
What are manners?
Manners are the customs and standards used in society. However, there are cultural differences across the world.
Have a look at this old video about cultural differences:
On LinkedIn, it’s simple. Use please and thank you.
When to say please
When should you say please? Pretty much whenever you’re asking for something. Whether you’re sending a request for an introduction, an endorsement of a skill or a recommendation, always say please. The person may turn down your request, for example, I’ve had new connections that I’ve never met ask me for a recommendation. (Even if you say please, that’s not going to happen!) However, they will remember that you did say please, and are less likely to be annoyed by the request, than if the request is done in a manner that is perceived as being quite rude.
When to say thank you
When should you say thank you. Again, whenever, someone does something for you. This could be when someone:
- accepted your invitation to connect
- endorsed your skills
- provided a recommendation
- liked and/or shared an update or post
- commented on an update or post
- introduced you to their connection
- emailed you about a job
So next time you logon to LinkedIn, check your notifications. If someone has been kind enough to do something for you, send them a quick email saying thank you. They’ll remember that you did.
Related posts:
6 Quick ways to add value to your network
Take care for now
Karen x
PS If you’re looking for help with LinkedIn, then I have a range of books, e-learning courses and services that you may find useful. Use the form below if you’d like a chat. Just give me a bit of notice, because, I’m a mum and a carer, so don’t always have time to check or update my online calendar.