We hear about all of these social networking tools online. I think each tool out there has its own pros and cons, but like a database it is only as good as the effort you put in to utilize it. I recently did a quick audit on my contacts in LinkedIn and realize that 95% of my contacts are in the staffing industry. Now that is good to one degree, but also showed that my network lacked diversity. However one of my colleagues who is a recruiter has nothing but SAP candidates as her contacts, which smart since that is all she recruits for at the moment.

Here is something else I have experienced. In the last two weeks, I have received countless "friend invites" on Linkedin, and it is usually someone who wants to sell me something. Oh sure they try the "let's see if our networks" can help each other" guise..but eventually the next thing that happens is someone selling me a staffing solution, or some type of software that will supposedly solve all my recruiting problems.

I think there should be some business etiquette when asking to join someones network. Get to know that person, before jamming your products down there throat. What do you think?