Human vs. Bot Connection: The Danger of Automation Without Authenticity
David Specht
Transforming Leaders, Shaping Futures | Leadership Development Expert | 4-Time Founder & Entrepreneur | Speaker & Coach
Recently, I had what I thought was a promising LinkedIn connection. A book publisher reached out, claiming he saw my profile and believed I had another book in me—one that could make a great impact and generate significant income.
As someone who loves opportunities, I agreed to take a meeting. But when I got on the call, it wasn’t with the person who originally reached out. Instead, it was another representative from his company, encouraging me to join a "masterclass" with the individual who initially connected with me.
The masterclass? A sales pitch (which I expected). But something felt off—the host didn’t seem to recall our earlier online conversation.
Fast forward a few days later, and I was on a sales training Zoom where they brought up the use of LinkedIn automation bots—tools that send connection requests, craft follow-up messages, and funnel people into sales pipelines without actual human interaction.
That’s when it hit me: This publisher never reached out to me—a bot did.
I had been tricked into believing I was building a human connection, only to realize I was just another name in an automated sales funnel. I felt lied to and mistreated.
Automation Can Be Useful—But Not at the Expense of Trust
Don’t get me wrong, I see the value in automation. It’s a powerful tool in marketing, email campaigns, and business processes. But when it replaces genuine human interaction, it backfires.
Sales, entrepreneurship, and leadership are built on relationships. And relationships require trust.
As my friend Jim Morris says: "There is no substitute for authentic, human connection."
A Cautionary Tale for Sales and Marketing Professionals
If you’re using automation in your business, be careful how you deploy it. Here’s why:
1. People Can Tell When It’s Not Real
There’s a difference between an authentic, personalized message and a canned, robotic one. Bots can’t replicate true conversation, and savvy professionals will pick up on it.
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2. Trust Is Hard to Earn and Easy to Lose
Once I realized I had been contacted by a bot, my perception of the "publisher" changed instantly. What could have been a meaningful opportunity turned into disappointment.
3. Human Connection Wins Every Time
No matter how advanced technology gets, nothing replaces an honest conversation, a personal touch, or a genuine relationship. People buy from, partner with, and follow those they trust.
Final Thoughts: Use Tech Wisely—But Keep It Human
Automation has its place. It can help amplify connections, but it should never replace them.
If you’re in sales, networking, or entrepreneurship, be intentional about building real relationships. The best business isn’t done through bots—it’s done through trust, authenticity, and human connection.
Let’s Discuss
Have you ever been on the receiving end of an automated message that felt inauthentic? How do you balance technology and real connection in your business? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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1 个月David I have had a few conversations like that in the last several months. I did not realize it was a bot until the 3rd or 4th sentence. Also see bots trying to continue a conversation when if it was a human they would have ended it.