Three Things NOT to do when you’re looking to connect on Linked In
July 28, 2010
Social networking is all about relationships. Reconnecting with people from the past, maintaining contact with those currently in your life and cultivating new relationships – particularly for business development.
And that’s the one area that most people are interested in – particularly on Linked In. So if I’m singing your tune on this one – and you want to utilize 21st century tools in the best possible way -
LISTEN UP!
Don’t make it hard for me to help you.
Here’s what I mean by that.
Let’s say you’ve discovered that I’m connected to someone that you are interested in connecting with.
That’s an appropriate use of Linked In and I’m probably happty to help with the connection.
Now make it easy for me to help you.
Here’s How:
1)Don’t assume that I’m “BFF’s” with the person you want to connect with. Lots of people are connected to lots of other people via groups or a second connection – so I might not be well connected enough to the professional you want to connect with.
2)Don’t make me do research and check profiles and have to figure out what you’re after and then somehow explain that to the other person. Do that for me.
3)Don’t ask to connect in order to sell. Linked In is not a channel for sales leads. I won’t abuse my network that way.
And what should you do?
Write the email or connection invitation for me and send that with your request for help.
