LinkedIn Connections or Ghosts
- Amareesh Naik
- May 26
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 10
LinkedIn Connections: A Thousand Contacts & so glad I built this LinkedIn empire… for absolutely nothing.
So you’ve spent years building your LinkedIn network. You’ve connected with former colleagues, that one recruiter who ghosted you in 2019, a guy you met once at a conference, and even a random entrepreneur who slid into your DMs with “Synergy?” You’ve got 800 connections and counting. Your profile looks like a polished résumé-meets-billboard.
And then it happens: You need help.
A referral. An introduction. A little guidance. A response to a message. Anything.
Suddenly, your shiny LinkedIn network turns into digital tumbleweeds. Silence. Crickets. Ghost town.
When the Connections Don’t Connect
The idea behind LinkedIn is noble: build a professional network so you can give and receive value, support, and opportunities. But let’s talk about the darker, more realistic side of this ecosystem: the part where your network, when tested, quietly exits stage left.
Here’s how it often plays out:
1. The "Seen" But Never Heard From Again
You send a polite, well-written message asking a 1st-degree connection if they’re open to a quick chat or could refer you internally. They read it. Then… nothing. No response. But don’t worry—they’ll definitely like your “Happy Monday” post next week.
2. The Ghost Recruiters
Remember those recruiters who were so excited to connect back when you weren’t looking for a job? Now that you’re available, they’re “taking a break from LinkedIn” or “focusing on other roles right now.” They do, however, still manage to post inspirational quotes three times a week.
3. The "We Should Catch Up!" Crowd
They comment on your job update with “Let’s catch up soon!” You message them. You suggest a time. They disappear faster than your motivation on a Monday morning.
4. The Mass Connectors
These are the people with 10,000 connections who accept everyone and post daily about hustle culture. But ask them for anything specific? Nope. Your message is just another unread notification buried under 57 pitch requests and 12 automated invites from AI-generated profiles.
Why This Happens
Let’s be honest: most LinkedIn connections are superficial. They’re digital handshakes made for convenience, appearances, or maybe a hopeful “just in case.” People accept invites like they accept free samples—no commitment, no intention, just polite networking calories.
Real help, on the other hand, requires effort. Time. Risk. It means vouching for someone, scheduling time, or having a genuine conversation. And let’s face it: that’s not what most people signed up for when they clicked “Accept.”
So... Are LinkedIn Connections Completely Useless?
Not entirely. They’re great for:
Liking your career milestone posts
Watching your profile anonymously every few months
Randomly endorsing you for “Team Leadership” even though you haven’t led anything since 2014
Making you feel vaguely productive while you scroll past corporate jargon
But when it comes to actual support, intros, and help that matters? You’re better off calling an old friend, messaging your college roommate, or—dare we say—meeting someone in real life.
In Conclusion
Your LinkedIn connections aren’t bad people. They’re just busy, disengaged, or treating the platform like a professional Instagram. And maybe you are too. But the next time someone tells you to “leverage your network,” take it with a grain of salt—and maybe a backup plan.
Because sometimes, 1,000 connections still won’t beat one actual ally who picks up the phone.
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