It starts with the “connection request” from someone on LinkedIn – after a quick glance over the person’s profile I make a decision whether I will accept or not.
As I keep saying to people in our social media training courses these are not wedding proposals, so my own approach is to give the person the benefit of doubt, thank them for connecting and hopefully they will be another person in your ever extending network that you have had a positive interaction with.
Of course, some people will connect with you with the objective of selling us something – I have no issue with that really as in truth most of us want to make good connections, which hopefully could lead to more awareness and even a good business lead at some point.
I always say to people that in a world of social media there should be no need for “cold calling” and instead think of it as a place for “warm calling“.
Connect with someone relevant, try to have some positive interactions with them, build up some rapport and when and if the time is right gently introduce your services to them.
However, with many that idea just floats high above their heads and instead of taking the “warm calling” approach you get what I call the “headbutt“.
Boom…you didn’t see it coming, right into the forehead and you are left dazed – and you want to do business with me??
I connected with this guy just the other day (XXX is where his name was) and this is what I immediately got back, complete with getting my name wrong:
Hi Grey
I’m XXX.
My client can bridge funds for your New or Ongoing Business. Do let me know when you receive this message for further procedures.
I am available. Thank you for your anticipated response.
Regards,
XXX
On what planet am I going to do business with this person?
Social media is brilliant for making valuable connections for you and your business – Use it to “warm call” and not to “headbutt”!
Greg
