How important IS respectful networking on a platform like LinkedIn?

That word 'respectful' is the key to making meaningful network connections.

If your idea of building a network on LinkedIn is to get someone to connect and then do an immediate sales pitch of what you can offer them, that's disrespectful.

That's a transactional relationship and those are shallow because you're looking for a one-way relationship to grow your sales pipeline. More often than not, your new connection will immediately disconnect.

A respectful connection is being thankful to be added to someone's network. To contribute to discussions without asking for anything in return. To ask what you can offer to them, not what they can do for you.

Being respectful and honest on the LinkedIn platform can lead to some amazing connections and jaw-dropping phone conversations like the one I had yesterday. Connections and conversations I would have never made any other way than being respectful and helpful on the LinkedIn platform.

Be respectful and always look at connections as a two-way street. Do that and you'll build an amazing network.