Build Stronger Business Relationships On LinkedIn By Giving Before Asking

A PROSPECT WILL SELDOM BECOME A CUSTOMER IF YOU COLD CALL OR EMAIL THEM BEFORE BUILDING A RELATIONSHIP.?

Emailing or calling someone blindly who doesn’t know you is immensely intrusive. With this seemingly harmless gesture, you are already asking before giving:

• You are asking them to open the email.?
• You are asking them to read your content.?
• You are asking them for a connection.
• You are asking them to take time out of their day and spend it on YOU.?

This places you at a disadvantage in the relationship before it even begins.

This is the quickest way to get on someone’s “blocked list.”?

Because at no point in this opening exchange of communication have you given something of value to them.

And this is the RULE OF BLISS: Give before asking.

Start by building a relationship with the following steps:?

Step #1: Give them Attention?

By LIKING their content before you even send a connection request you give them attention. Visit their LinkedIn page and LIKE a few pieces of content. LinkedIn will notify them that you viewed their profile, and they will most likely investigate your profile in return.

Step #2: Give them Validation

By COMMENTING on their content you give validation. Take the time to read their posts and leave an informed, thoughtful comment. You can tag them in the comment or even tag someone else in your network, recommending they read the post. The goal is to give them your stamp of approval.???

Step #3: Give them Recognition

By SHARING their content you give them recognition. Make the effort to put their content in front of your audience. BUT don’t just hit the share button; add your own text explaining why you found their post valuable enough to share with your audience.?

?Step #4: Give them Authority

By TAGGING their name in your post you give them authority. Take a piece of your prospect’s content and use it as the basis of your own post. Write at least 1300 words on why you found their content compelling, and make sure you tag them as a reference to the source.?

After all of that Giving, it is time to Ask.

Ask them to CONNECT with a purpose.

Now you can reach out to request a connection knowing that the balance of the relationship is strongly in your favor, increasing the likelihood of a meaningful engagement.?

When you do send a connection request, don’t send a generic request with no text — tell them WHY you’re reaching out. This is another opportunity to give. You are giving them a reason to accept your connection.

Asking is a necessary step of the sales process. Oftentimes many sales people, especially when social selling, fail to develop a balanced relationship with their prospects.?

If you take the time to give generously to your prospects, when it comes time to ask for a connection, a call, a meeting or a sale, they will be more likely to say yes.

Remember, before you even think of asking, think of giving first.?