Are you a member of Linkedin? I need some etiquette advice please.

[seaglass]

I am building my connections and some are easy - former co-workers and bosses that I would have no problem recommending if they asked and who I would think would provide a positive recommendation for me.

The next easiest was asking current co-workers although I hesitated because I wasn't sure anyone I currently work with should know that I am open for career opportunities but then figured that I have no job guarantee anyway so c'est la vie.

So what is the etiquette with asking customers to join your network? I am talking about people I've worked with closely enough that they would know my quality of work but we are not "friends". Does it set up some kind of awkward dynamic if they don't accept my invitation? Would they feel obligated to connect with me?

Am I being too analytical about this? I'm not using this as a contest to see how many "connections" I can get, I'm truly looking at this as online networking and trying to develop a wide but legitimate network.

[riverdale]

1. Don't do it

I wouldn't ask a client to be a LinkedIn reference until the project was finished.

[seaglass]

2. OK thanks. I wasn't sure but I will wait until we aren't working

together.

[riverdale]

3. One more thing for future reference

One thing you should never do - although it is too late in your case - is ask current co-workers to be references. You should never let on to anyone at your workplace that you are thinking of obtaining another job. It doesn't matter who it is, because you won't really know who your friends are until after you leave. Someone will stab you in the back, or won't be able to resist passing along a bit of gossip (that you are looking around). Once word of that gets out, you are as good as gone already.

[seaglass]

4. Haha...well I asked my boss to join my network so I guess I don't

need to worry about someone backstabbing me. :-)

[riverdale]

5. Asking someone to join your LinkedIn network is not the same as asking for a reference

I hope you did not ask him to be a reference. Save that until you are no longer with the company.

[seaglass]

6. I was just going to edit my post. No, I haven't asked anyone to

recommend me yet - just building my network. Thanks.