I get LinkedIn connection requests often. Most are very relevant. Some are not. Unfortunately for the ones who make mistakes, they become fodder for my blog posts.

Here is the conversation I recently had with another new LinkedIn connection that does not understand (in my opinion).

(I did not change any words that the connection used when messaging me, except those that provide identity.)

Let me know what you think about this activity

On April 20, 2013 2:07 PM, Steve M wrote: 
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I’d like to add you to my professional network.
– Steve M.

On 04/20/13 3:01 PM, Teddy Burriss wrote: 
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Hello Steve.
Thanks for the LinkedIn connection request.
Please remind me, have we met or talked?
Teddy Burriss

On 04/20/13 4:44 PM, Steve M wrote: 
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No we haven’t met,I saw your profile on linkedin & I am in networking & I am contacting people in the Triad . Name of my company is R***** Y**** L*** # 1 all natural supplement for your immune system with a great business & pay plan. If interested would be glad to give u info. Also I’m sure u could give me some pointers on networking. Would love to talk to you!

Note – Based on his first sentence, I decided to accept the connection. Honestly, I was looking for another blog post idea.

On 04/21/13 1:06 PM, Teddy Burriss wrote: 
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Thanks for the response Steve. 
I suggest you read the book – http://www.amazon.com/Networking-for-Mutual-Benefit-ebook/dp/B00B4D1DLW 
You can get it on Kindle ($2.99) or Paperback ($7.99). I believe it can help you with your use of LinkedIn.
After you read it, let me know if it has helped you, or not. 
Teddy Burriss

Note – Steve did not respond to this message in any way.

On 04/21/13 3:20 PM, Steve M wrote:
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Teddy, Hope u r well. Wanted to share with u I am having a get together at my house Wed. nt. 24th @ 7:00 explaining our business & how it helps people. My address is xxxx SomeWhere Dr. SomeCity, NC xxxxx. Would be great to meet u! If u cant make it I can send u some info. Have a great day & I’ll talk to u later,Steve also my cell # XXX-XXX-XXXX

On 04/21/13 9:01 PM, Teddy Burriss wrote: 
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No Thank you

On 04/21/13 9:01 PM, Teddy Burriss wrote: 
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Steve, I am a Social Media Coach. One of my passions is teaching people to use Social Media to build relationships. Therefore, your message to me requires that I offer some important guidance to you:
#1 – LinkedIn is a business communications tool. The use of texting shortcuts is not appropriate, regardless of who you are communicating with
#2 – You should only connect with people who know you on LinkedIn. I accepted your connection request because I wanted to see how you intended to use LinkedIn.
#3 – You should never connect with someone on LinkedIn and immediately attempt to engage them into an event regarding your MLM business. This is not a way to build beneficial relationships and can diminish the value of your LinkedIn activity.
I hope this information is useful to you.
Good luck building your business.
Teddy Burriss