As time passes, your network grows and needs trimming. Cutting some branches gives you time and energy to devote to the rest.For simplicity, consider your LinkedIn network where the pruned aren't notified of their fate.
Establish Criteria
You might want to limit your network based on criteria like geography, industry or interests. I'm more concerned about quality. For years, I’ve tended to connect to "good" people. Now I’ve become more selective and strategic.I'm pruning three groups in particular
- insurance advisors: used to be my clients (and the original reason for this blog) and then collaborators (see can an advocate serve two masters?); some have been annoying my connections with inappropriate behaviour
- coaches: was looking for coaches to help my network; generally unimpressed; their techniques seem outdated
- social media "experts": was looking for experts to recommend but found too many fakers
- recruiters: hide their own connections; rarely show visible signs of sharing
Look For Clues
When I see misbehaviour, I make a note in a spreadsheet called LinkedOut. This is where I list contenders for pruning.The inappropriate actions might be too much self-promotion, irrelevant information, too frequent updates or getting put on a mailing list without permission. Or worse.
I'm especially looking for connections who show generosity. I don't mean the buy-now-and-get-a-discount crowd. I'm seeking those who share valuable nothing-to-buy information on a regular basis without quitting. That's rare and valuable.
Cut
Occasionally, I'll check my LinkedOut spreadsheet and do the actual cutting. I'll make note of the date and reason for future reference. I have several other fields such as how many connections they have and how many we share.This year, I've trimmed 3.06% of my network for various infractions. I found two big surprises.
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