Are you an open or closed networker?

One thing every Networker needs to decide is whether they will be an open or closed Networker. The sooner you make this decision the clearer your networking objectives become. Additionally the easier it becomes for you to determine where to network, with whom and how you will spend time networking online.

Generally speaking closed networkers are very tight about with whom they connect. They really focus on the know, like and trust. They take time with each connection before they allow them in their circle. They can tell you who every one of their 437 LinkedIn connections are included with a nice little story about each. They don't pass referrals as much as they recommend people and you can take their recommendations to the bank. Mostly because unless they have had first hand experience with someone, they wont be recommending them.

Open networkers are on the opposite end of the spectrum. They are generally willing to connect with anyone with a pulse. Their belief is simple: You don't know what opportunities will come from new connections and you don't know what new connections will be required for new opportunities. Open networkers will have thousands of connections on LinkedIn and will be happy to "refer" you to them and quick to point out they don't really know them. 

The key to realize is that neither side is right. While it's great to recommend people based on previous experience it's ok to suggest someone MAY be a fit and that the parties need to figure it out for themselves.

Both sides offer value to their respective networks and both are important to have in yours.

One question remains...Are you an Open networker or a closed one?

Once you figure it out, you will know which events to attend and how you will spend your time there. You will also be able to create your own "policies" as it pertains to connecting with others online. And it's ok to be a "closed" networker on LinkedIn or Facebook and be wide open on Twitter. You can be both!!

Whatever you decide to do, make sure that it works for you!