This is certainly a valid concern, and you should always exercise caution when joining and participating in any professional network. The key thing to remember is that with Maven, you are always in control. We will never share your identity or contact information with anyone without first seeking your specific permission. In the event that a customer expresses interest in speaking with someone like you, you will be allowed to thoroughly evaluate the opportunity before we connect you. You may decline any invitation to consult at any time for any reason, no questions asked. We will never penalize you in any way for declining an invitation to participate in a consulting interaction.

Furthermore, as a Maven participant, you are required to conduct yourself in an ethical and professional manner and to abide by Maven’s User Agreement at all times. This includes being aware of your external obligations and declining any interaction that could potentially pose a conflict of interest for you or place you in conflict with your agreements with others. Our system automatically screens for potential conflicts and we provide tools that help you to manage your outside obligations and avoid conflicts, but there is no substitute for your own good judgment. When in doubt, err on the side of caution and decline an interaction when you feel you should.

In the end, whether or not to sign up is up to you, and you should carefully consider your options and make the decision that is right for your own situation.