What is the connection protocol here on Rallypoint?

1LT Shawn McCarthy — Sun, 06 Jul 2014 14:59:21 -0400

I tried to find a similar thread...
I've tried to search for folks in similar industries, positions and regions for the purpose of networking, but sometimes when I go to request a connection, I feel kind of like a creeper.

In facebook, I only connect with people I know. I assume the professional networking nature of this side better lends itself to meeting people with whom a connection might be worthwhile...

What guidelines do you follow?
Do you send requests to people you don't actually know, and what do you look for when you request a new connection?
Do you accept all connection requests?

And, am I a creeper?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 6 at 2014 3:01 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 06 Jul 2014 15:01:36 -0400

I think if you find a common thread, pull it. If the other person isn't into networking, you shouldn't hold offense. You never know until you ask. That's my take anyway.

Response by LCpl Steve Wininger made Jul 6 at 2014 3:52 PM

LCpl Steve Wininger — Sun, 06 Jul 2014 15:52:10 -0400

1LT Shawn McCarthy Excellent question sir. I am sure we all have some sort of standard that we follow when requesting connections as well as receiving connections. If there is some form of written standard, I have not seen it.

There are several things I look at when give/receive connection requests. One is common interest. I love the forums and conversations and have made many connections with others that have similar or shared interests. I also look to connect with those that I can help or can be a help to me. I have many connections with those who have been through similar circumstances as I have.

I also look to network with those in my field of study, whether they be a writer, journalist or as yourself, someone that can offer support to aspiring writers. I also like to connect with those that I can somehow benefit.

One more thing I might add, this is an awesome place just for socializing. It is refreshing to interact with those that have a perspective that few outside here will ever understand. In short, RP is my extended family.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 6 at 2014 5:34 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 06 Jul 2014 17:34:39 -0400

I accept all requests.

I see this site as very different from FB. On FB, I absolutely will not "friend" people I don't know well. Not only that, even if I know the person, I assess carefully whether it is a person who should be granted access to pictures of my kids and the sometimes "inappropriate" comments my military and football buddies make.

On LinkedIn I also do not accept connection requests from people I do not know because I find that people use LinkedIn to make sales pitches and recruit for pyramid schemes, and what not. If that started happening here, I would have to take a much more cautious approach. So far I have not had any bad experiences.

And no, I do not consider people who contact me to be "creepers."

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 6 at 2014 6:50 PM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 06 Jul 2014 18:50:52 -0400

Honestly, I haven't really extended many connection requests.... but I have accepted all but one that have come through. (The one that I did not accept sent a message with the request that I felt was inappropriate.) The requests I have received have almost always been someone I have recently interacted with via discussion anyway and likely would have sent them a connection request, if they hadn't beat me to the punch. :)

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Jul 6 at 2014 7:29 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Sun, 06 Jul 2014 19:29:27 -0400

There are no real rules or protocols for making connections. As you get involved in discussions you'll start to notice folks with the same points of view and opinions. Check out SMs profiles and use the networking tools "similar to you" and groups to find SMs in similar MOSs, locations, etc. These may be people you want to connect with for the long term. Some excellent opinions offered by others in the discussion, but ultimately its up to you.

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Jul 6 at 2014 11:49 PM

SSG Robert Burns — Sun, 06 Jul 2014 23:49:36 -0400

RP is an elevator. You get in for the ride and accept those who want to ride with you. During your journey to your floor, you will become wiser and diversified.
If you reject network requests; you reject America.

Response by MSG Floyd Williams made Jul 7 at 2014 12:32 AM

MSG Floyd Williams — Mon, 07 Jul 2014 00:32:30 -0400

1LT McCarthy....Rally Point is a good place to connect with other military members and veterans, think of it as arriving at a new duty station. You know when you PCS from one place to another your surroundings is new, and you just need time to navigate and connect. You can start with me as one of your contacts, there is a wealth of information shared here to help you with your career. Everybody have something to bring to the table, no you're not a creeper. Military Members and Veterans have a lot in common something non-military and non-veterans don't understand unless he/she is a dependent.

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Jul 7 at 2014 8:53 AM

SGT Ben Keen — Mon, 07 Jul 2014 08:53:07 -0400

Personally, I accept 99% of the connection requests that come in. The ones I don't accept are like what SFC John Gates pointed out in his comment. This is a professional networking site, the point of this site is to build connections that you feel can help you in your professional life; not to try and swindle me into some sort of get-rich-quick-scheme. If I wanted to do that, I would have just sent my SSN, mother's maiden name and full bank account to the crowned princess of some African tribe that needs my help getting his family's money out of the area ahead of a hostile take over. ;)

Response by CW5 Sam R. Baker made Jul 7 at 2014 9:18 AM

CW5 Sam R. Baker — Mon, 07 Jul 2014 09:18:34 -0400

Being a member of the Army G1 mentorship page I have been exposed to many Soldiers and other service-members seeking Q&A on the warrant officer. I answer them all and assist when needed as a courtesy and a member of the profession of arms. I tend to think when everyone is dealt with due respect, then there is no issue and creeping is not an issue unless they show up on your door step UN-inivited!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 7 at 2014 12:02 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 07 Jul 2014 12:02:32 -0400

I am open to all connections on RP as I see it as opportunity to learn, network, and provide support.

On other social media sites, such as Facebook, I am more inclined to only include family and close friends as this is the medium that I share pictures of my children on.

Response by LCpl Mark Lefler made Aug 27 at 2015 10:12 PM

LCpl Mark Lefler — Thu, 27 Aug 2015 22:12:30 -0400

TCP/IP

Response by SSG Carlos Madden made Aug 28 at 2015 10:58 AM

SSG Carlos Madden — Fri, 28 Aug 2015 10:58:01 -0400

You're not a creeper. It's always helpful to include a note in your request though just to help people understand why you'd like to connect e.x "I saw you work at x company and I'd like to know more about it" or "I'm looking for career advice from FA smokes." Good Luck!