Don't dismiss your corporate connections now that you're an entrepreneur!

All my connections are from a 'past life' they are no longer relevant. I'll just delete my account and start over. NOOOOOOO

or

I pivoted from couples counselling to creative writing for software developers. I'll just disconnect from half my network. NOOOOOOO

or

My clients don't search for a [insert your service here] on LinkedIn, so it's useless as a lead generation platform for me. NOOOOOOO

none of this matters!

Client of mine was practising his commenting skills. Someone who was a colleague in corporate a decade ago saw the comment. You know, the person you're dismissing as no longer relevant.

Guess what? That person had also moved on and offered my client a 10K project.

I signed a new client this week. Nope, not that one who discovered me through a 5-year-old podcast and signed up 48 hours later. This person came through a DM introduction by a mutual connection.

In the chat history with my connection, I noticed we 'met' on a talk I did 3 years ago. To a group that is not my target audience.

Guess what? This person kept raving about me to their friend → landing me a so-called 'high ticket' client.

Pick a card, have a look, remember it... is it the Queen of Hearts?

Ok, maybe not a card. Think of someone that you are connected to on LinkedIn. Someone you actually know. Someone who is GUARANTEED not your target audience.

Got someone in mind? Their face, their name...

Now tell me this, are you 100% sure that none of their

• siblings, in-laws, parents, step-parents or inlaws are your ideal client?
• neighbours, friends, (sports) team members or drinking buddies are your ideal client?
• colleagues, students, teachers, volunteers are your ideal client?

and what about the partner, best friend or adult child of their (any of the above). Are you 100% sure that none of them are your ideal client?

THERE! No more of that not-relevant nonsense.

Focus on what people need to remember about you. Then, when they catch up with a friend who has a good old whinge about [insert problem that you solve] people will get out their phone and say:

Hang on, there's this person on LinkedIn who's always carrying on about that. Here have a look. BAM ?? That is how your network grows your business. Even when they are 'not relevant'.

Turn your network into raving fans, referring ambassadors and amazing clients. In that order!

Got a story to share about how you got business through a 'not relevant' connection? I'd love to hear it!

??Where's your focus? On relevant connections or being recognised for your expertise?

Oh no ?? you’ve reached the end and still want more? Here you go! More misconceptions that stop you from generating leads on LinkedIn!

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• Your job is to turn your network into raving fans, referring ambassadors and amazing clients. AKA build your online authority your thought leadership, and become known as the expert in your field. Your 5 quick and easy action steps.

The consistency myth exposed

• I’ve posted every single day for a year and didn’t get a single client from it. I was shocked when I heard this. Every single day? 365 posts in a year, 7 a week… and nothing to show for it! Stop wasting time going through the motions, instead attract quality leads consistently.

Is your home feed full of crap?

• Ever feel like this when you log on to LinkedIn? Feel there is too much happening on your homepage. You won't even scroll because you're overwhelmed already? Complain how LinkedIn no longer is what it used to be or take control.

You might even discover something you didn't know about me...

• Do you trust a coach to get you x revenue, when they only make half themselves? An overweight weight loss coach? A leadership coach without a background in a leadership role? I DO! and here is why
• even more unexpected talents of mine here?? and this is what I looked like 30-odd years ago

Got this far and still reading? I guess when the article is THAT interesting, you might as well share it with your network. Bit selfish to keep all the good stuff to yourself, right? ??

So what's your opinion on connections from your past? I know you've got an opinion so drop it below. The more perspectives to consider, the easier for our network to decide what works for them! ????????????