Who do you connect to via Linkedin?

[Eddie Dane]

I admit that I don't actively use Linkedin, but I do have an account.

Now I have people who work for competing firms trying to connect to me.

Is that a wise thing to allow? They could get an instant insight into my network plus the contact details of some of the key people I work with.

How are others handling this?

[Gord_in_Toronto]

I just don't accept any offer to link with me unless I know the person and feel we have some mutual interest.

Some I get are from salespersons who I know just want to flog their product or services. :(

[TheDoLittle]

I'm with Gord on this. I opened myself and allowed anyone to link to me and wound up largely being spammed. Since I started using LinkedIn, I've gotten only two real job offers, both of which fell through. I don't think I've even visited the site since November. I've gotten more and better offers through attending Meetup.com functions.

[LarianLeQuella]

Co workers, people I actually know, and maybe a celebrity or two (Dr. Plait and George Hrab since I can't tell the difference between the two ;) ). Although I am not searching for a job, and am happy with the one I have. I will say that I am much more selective on LinkedIn than I am on Facebook (although on Facebook I use a fake name...).

[Mister Agenda]

I'm only Linked to a few people I know personally, this form of networking doesn't contribute that much to my professional life, I very occasionally use it to advise friends on matters not specific to my current occupation.

[Almo]

I only link to people who I know and I think are good workers.

[Jason Smith]

Almo has it right -- only accept invitations from people you actually know and respect. I've gotten invitations from former coworkers that I didn't like and want me in their networks. My interpretation of the invitation is that if I accept their invitation I'm saying I know them and would vouch for them.

[Tacita]

Only co-workers, past and present. And I have one company that I need to purge from my list because they are the devil.