From Linkedln to "Let her in": Tips for Seamless (and valuable) Networking

LinkedIn has transformed how we approach sales and networking, becoming an essential tool for professionals like myself. It's truly been a game changer, opening countless doors and paving the way for new opportunities. However, like any platform, success on LinkedIn requires adherence to certain etiquettes.

Here are four tips on what to avoid on LinkedIn if you want to succeed, based on what I've observed day after day (and I'm still learning about):

1. Avoid Generic Connection Requests: Sending out generic connection requests without any personalization is a surefire way to turn off potential connections. Instead, take the time to craft a personalized message that highlights why you want to connect and how you can provide value to the recipient.

An additional tip to consider is that the only way to bypass the etiquette of sending personalized connections is when you already have connections in common, possess strong and interesting connections, or have engaging posts (several, not just one or two), comments, or relevant information that potential connections may find interesting to follow.

If the person accepts your connection invitation, it's a good practice to send a personalized note thanking them for connecting (I do that every single time). This small gesture can go a long way in building rapport and starting a meaningful conversation.

2. Don't Pitch Right Away: LinkedIn is a networking platform, not a sales pitch platform. Avoid jumping straight into your sales pitch as soon as someone accepts your connection request.

Make yourself known. It requires time and effort to establish authenticity and consistency. Showcase your skills, expertise and offerings genuinely. If others want to connect, buy your product, do business or hire you, they'll naturally gravitate toward you over time. Patience and diligence in your approach are key to success.

3. Don't Spam with Irrelevant Content: Bombarding your connections with sales messages can quickly lead to being muted or even removed from their network. Make sure that the content you share is valuable, informative and relevant to your audience's interests and needs.

And please, if you're going to utilize AI to respond or comment on a post, ensure that the answer is relevant to the post's topic. Remember, AI can make errors or misconceptions that may result in comments that aren't related to the post itself. And yes, we'll notice.

4. Avoid Overly Aggressive Follow-Ups: Persistence is key in sales, but there's a fine line between being persistent and being overly aggressive. Avoid bombarding your connections with multiple follow-up messages if they haven't responded to your initial outreach. Instead, give them space and respect their decision.

Personally, I only send one initial introduction note, which tends to be kind of lengthy (I know ??). In it, I establish who I am and what I do, without selling anything. Then, I wait at least 6-8 months before sending a follow-up with a little bit more of info. If there's no interest by then, that's it. I don't remove the connection, as they've given me the opportunity to be part of their network, but it's clear they're not interested in what I have to offer... for the moment. Again, patience and consistency are key.

By avoiding these common pitfalls, you can ensure that your LinkedIn strategy is effective, respectful and ultimately successful. Remember, it's not just about making a sale; it's about building long-term relationships and adding value to your network.

#networking #business #sales #investments #linkedin