PSA: Don’t “hit on” people on LinkedIn #CareerAdvice

On Facebook one of my female friends posted a short note about getting hit on from people on LinkedIn.

I’d like to reiterate what many of us (guys and gals) already know: DON’T DO IT.

That’s it.  Just don’t do it.

If you are married, especially don’t do it.  You might have marriage problems (which is none of our business), but all the other person knows is that you are a creep.

If you are longing for a relationship, be aware that when you approach someone on LinkedIn (which many people regard as a professional network, not a social or friends/family network), that they might be there for business, not for advances.

I have a lot of female friends who talk about this to their friends and family.  Many of them post about the creepiness factor on Facebook.  What that means is that your brand might be some version of “creep” to not just the person you made advances at, but to all of his/her friends and family.  That’s a yucky brand.

Look, I know I’m not the morality police, and I really can’t tell you when and where to put on your hot moves.  Maybe it works for you.  But if you are interested in career management, and your personal brand, let me encourage you to be very careful how you approach (or, hit on) anyone, anywhere.  You can’t be regarded as professional from 9 to 5, but then after that be the creepy guy (or gal).  That creepy brand will find it’s way into your day job.

For anyone who has been a victim of online creepy advances, on LinkedIn or elsewhere, what am I missing? How should other victims respond?