LinkedIn Messaging Limits: When 100 Is 99 Too Many

Is There a Way to Put an 'Out of Office,' or Better, 'Please Don’t Contact Me Here,' on Your LinkedIn Messages? Serious question...

I’m a hypocrite. 

A couple of years ago, when I first started taking LinkedIn a bit more seriously, I used it to drum up interest in a Seedrs crowdfunding campaign for my business, Faace. And it worked well. But now, as I begin winding things down with Faace and prepare to hand over to the new owner (yes, you heard that right, I 99.9% have a buyer; I’m not giving it a full score yet, since there are a few I’s to dot and T’s to cross, as they say. I’ll reveal more on that soon). However, since prioritising daily activity on LinkedIn, I’ve noticed how much the platform has changed for me - especially how overwhelming it’s become.

I’m trying really, really hard to focus my time on things that bring me joy. By that, I don’t mean binge-watching TV or getting lost in a book (which I do love to do), but rather, productive things within my working day - and replying to dozens of daily messages, whether on LinkedIn, Facebook Messenger, or in one of my (too many) inboxes, isn’t one of them. Look, I don’t mind doing my job; in fact, I enjoy my job. So I’m happy to reply to my clients. But (and this is a big but - my sons would laugh at that), replying to random messages feels like the most pointless use of my precious time.

Up until about two weeks ago, I’d try to respond to most LinkedIn messages. Mostly because I’d feel bad if I didn’t - people are just trying to do their job or grow their business, after all. But I just can’t keep up with the pace any longer. One, if I want to get my own work done within my working hours, I don’t have time. Two, it brings me zero joy. And three - what. is. the. point? 

It sounds silly really, but I think I need to bring in some LinkedIn boundaries for myself. Ideally, there would be in app features, like LinkedIn messaging limits or, better yet, an automatic email feature for LinkedIn that politely encourages people to consider whether their pitch or partnership idea is the right fit before hitting send. If only I could activate an out-of-office message on LinkedIn with a caveat that says: only email me if you’re certain I’ll want to hear from you.

LinkedIn can be a powerful tool. When I was trying to find a buyer for Faace it was a brilliant gateway to business owners and the community showed up to share my content and create the interest I needed. For that I will be forever grateful. But, I just think sometimes you have to look at how you’re spending your time and be ruthless. And for me right now (this is making me laugh as I realise there’s some ridiculousness in what I am saying), I shall be ruthlessly avoiding my LinkedIn messages. 

Which, speaking of ridiculous things, reminds me - has anyone seen that trend on TikTok where Gen-Z write scripts for Millennials and Boomers? Well, recently I saw the script flipped with Millennials writing for Gen Z. Hats off to Currys for this absolute corker, which hit a bit too hard and made me feel totes magotes seen…

@currysOur Black Friday Price Promise is lit and totes EPIC - and the youth approve! #sorrynotsorry #humblebrag

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