Starting to Treat LinkedIn Invites Like Mystery Meat: Might Be Fine, Might Be Spam

Robert Eckelman
Apr 30
2 min read

Updated: May 1

POLL: How do you feel when someone connects with you on LinkedIn and immediately sends a sales pitch?

0%It is fine
0%Research my business first and bring value
0%Please don't waste my time, or yours

What Is the True Purpose of LinkedIn?

For me, it’s always been a space to learn—about business, leadership, industry trends, efficiency, and real success stories. It’s not a digital résumé or a brag board—unless there’s genuine value in what’s being shared.

I don’t use Facebook (I already spend too much time on screens), but I do make time for LinkedIn. Why? Because it’s a place to build and maintain meaningful business relationships. A place to collaborate, share ideas, and grow—together.

I get a lot of connection requests. I don’t blindly accept everyone. When I can, I look up the sender, their company, and the potential for mutual value. If their profile or message sparks interest, I’ll connect.

Here’s what gets old fast: The Instant Pitch.

I just accepted the request—I haven’t even had time to look at your content, your company, or what you’re about. Immediately I am hit with a sales pitch, usually for something I don’t need, want, or have ever expressed interest in.

What’s worse? Many of these pitch-happy folks clearly haven’t done even the smallest amount of research. I’m not hard to find. My work is public. My focus is clear.

The above said, not every post-connection message is a miss. On occasion, I’ve had a few people respond with something far more professional—something like:

Thanks for connecting. Here’s a quick look at what I do—if I can be a resource, feel free to reach out.

That kind of tone? Respectful. Non-pushy. Value-first. It makes me more likely to check out their posts, learn more about who they are and what they do—and maybe even reach out or use their services down the road.

Curious to hear your take.

POLL:How do you feel when someone connects with you on LinkedIn and immediately sends a sales pitch?

#LinkedInEtiquette #RelationshipBuilding #SalesDoneRight #BusinessNetworking #ValueOverVolume #ThinkBeforeYouPitch