Is Your LinkedIn Network Lying to You?

Stop Collecting, Start Connecting: Why Your 1,600+ LinkedIn Connections Might Be Useless

You know that little number next to your name that says "1,600+ connections"?

Yeah, the one you're secretly proud of.

I'm going to hold your hand for this tough love: Most of those connections are about as useful as a chocolate teapot.

I said what I said.

What Actually Is a Network?

Let’s get real for a second. A network isn't just your connection count. It’s not how many business cards you've awkwardly exchanged at conferences. A real network is made up of people who:

• Actually know what you do (and do well)

• Would pick up the phone if you called

• Could introduce you to someone useful

• Trust you enough to stake their reputation on yours

  
  

Everything else? That’s just professional hoarding with a LinkedIn filter slapped on top.

The Brutal LinkedIn Connection Reality Check

Time for some uncomfortable honesty. Let’s look at what most of your LinkedIn connections really are:

The "Who Are You Again?" Category

You added them after a 30-second chat at an event three years ago. You couldn’t pick them out of a police lineup.

The "We Have 47 Mutual Friends" Brigade

They sent you a request because LinkedIn’s algorithm suggested it. You’ve literally never exchanged words.

The "I Like Your Posts Sometimes" Crowd

They occasionally toss a like your way. That’s the full extent of your relationship.

The "We Worked Together Once Upon a Time" Alumni

Former coworkers from three jobs ago. You haven't spoken since the farewell happy hour.

Now here’s the million-dollar question:

If you needed a favor tomorrow, how many of these people would actually help?

Spoiler alert: It’s not 1,600.

What Makes a Connection Actually Valuable?

Not all connections are created equal. The ones that matter have this in common:

• They understand your goals and aspirations.

• They are willing to support you in your endeavors.

• They can provide valuable insights or introductions.

  
  

Let’s be honest: this probably describes 50 to 100 people in your network. Maybe fewer. And that’s okay.

The Bonsai Approach to Networking: Intentional Over Impressive

Building a real network is like growing a bonsai tree. It takes time, focus, and care.

You don’t want kudzu taking over your garden. You want carefully tended relationships that are healthy and thriving.

More isn’t better. Better is better.

A gardener with five strong bonsai trees is more skilled than someone with a backyard full of weeds.

Time for Some Network Spring Cleaning

Let’s talk strategy. You don’t need to burn it all down, but you do need to be honest with yourself. Here's how:

The Reality Test

Can you name 50 people in your network who would know who you are if you messaged them? If not, that tells you everything.

The Relevance Purge

If someone hasn’t been relevant to your career or life in two years and you’ve had zero interaction, why are you connected?

The Engagement Audit

Who consistently engages with your content or ideas? These are your people.

The Reciprocity Check

When’s the last time you helped someone in your network? When’s the last time someone helped you?

The Monthly Reconnect

Every month, pick five people you want to stay connected with and reach out. Not to pitch, just to stay in touch.

Harsh Truth: Your 10,000 Connections Are a Shoebox of Business Cards

Your LinkedIn feed is full of people celebrating their “10,000+ connections” like it’s a milestone.

The reality is that those connects are as valuable as 10,000 business cards in a shoebox. Yes, it does look impressive, but it is doing nothing FOR you.

A tight network of 100 people who know you, trust you, and would go to bat for you will outperform 10,000 strangers every time, no matter the reason, no matter the task.

So, Stop Collecting & Start Connecting

Here’s your homework:

1. Audit your LinkedIn network (and maybe Facebook/Instagram too), and do it ruthlessly.

2. Disconnect from dead weight. It’s not personal, it’s professional. And they won't know. It is the easiest break you'll ever do.

3. Invest in the relationships that matter. Talk to people, engage, and give more than you take.

4. Stay consistent. Networking isn’t one-and-done. It’s ongoing care.

   
   

Your network should work for you, not just make you look popular on LinkedIn.

So… Are You a Connection Collector or a Connector?

Let’s end with a challenge:

Are you proud of your connection count, or the quality of your relationships? Drop your thoughts below 👇 and be honest. No shade, just real talk.