I am in the process of helping a few South African businesses with new business ventures by introducing them to my international network of by seeing if I know someone who knows the people these businesses want to talk to.

I often receive new friendship requests on Facebook or someone who wants to connect to me via LinkedIn. However, they are unknown to me and I do not want to be your friends or connect with you.

There are two problems with allowing unknown people into your online home:

1. From a personal perspective: It is shocking to see how many people, especially those with 4 000 Facebook friends (you know who they are) simply accept any Tom, Dick or Harry as their friends. It is a serious security risk and your profile WILL be hacked some or other time.
2. From a business perspective: Here is an opportunity to make your name toffee if you connect with any and every one. If you are that person who wants to connect with someone to whom you have never spoken or written a word, please stop this immediately. The power of LinkedIn is vested in KNOWING one another and me KNOWING someone who KNOWS the people with whom you want to chat.

How will you possibly make your name toffee? I will see that you have 50 000 LinkedIn connections, among others with Bob. I then ask you to introduce me to Bob, because I want to arrange accommodation for him on Robben Island. If you have never had any communication with Bob you will find it very difficult, or impossible, to ask him to chat to me … Do not let unknown people into your online home!

• The latest edition of my digiMagaxzine KLIPKOUERS boasts corporate business icon and Afrikaners gentleman, Brand Pretorius, on the cover page. Click here for more information.

Also read WEEKEND MEDITATION: No pain, no gain