To (Some of) My Future LinkedIn Requests

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This post is dedicated to everyone who is going to reach out to me in the years ahead with a connection request on LinkedIn but doesn't have an obvious reason for doing that.?

Context

Part of my job is business development for our firm. I use LinkedIn (LI) to content market and participate in cleantech’s dialogue about how we can communicate better as a set of disruptive sectors. I market on LI and try to provide value through the content itself. But I avoid doing much selling to anyone. I figure potential clients can read how we think and approach problems, then decide whether to contact us our not. So far, it’s working well.?

That said, I respect that you are contacting me for business development purposes. No judgment of you for that. But when you contact me with a generic LI request, I’m going to respect your time by first replying with a URL for this post.?

This article lists services I don’t need. It also lists those services our firm maintains an active vendor bench for, but for which I’m asking you not to spam me.

Bottom line: I’m writing to you out of genuine respect for your time, but with some gentle guidance. Take it for what it’s worth.?

First, some advice

Check out Lee McKnight, Jr. of RSW/US. He’s articulate and knowledgeable on selling professional services. He’s often warned against “treating LinkedIn like a used car sales lot.” Lee means don’t send a generic LI connection request, and then send a follow-up message asking me to schedule time with you to talk about your product or service.?

@Lee, would you be willing to post the link to your used car sales post below??

And, no, giving me a specific time suggestion or letting me know I should “feel free” to contact you doesn't work. I already feel free to do what you’re suggesting. When I get treated like that, I feel tricked. My next step is to delete the connection and block you going forward.?

If you're selling these services, I'm not a good prospect for you

As a help to you spending your time efficiently, here’s what I don’t need for the foreseeable future:

• Executive coaching
• Financial planning
• HubSpot vendor (various types)
• M&A help
• Sales lead generation (our pipeline in 100% inbound)
• Market intelligence
• Capital investment from financial institutions
• Dental services (not joking!)
• Business phone services
• Credit card processing
• Internet services
• Payroll automation
• Office space

Below is a list of services for which our firm keeps an active vendor bench, but for which connecting with me on LI is ill-advised. Instead,?for the services below,?you can send?[email protected]?your pitch (once, not multiple times, please). Sarvi is detail-oriented, empowered and talented at screening potential vendors that provide these services:

• Animated video production
• Web development
• SEO service
• Graphic design
• IT support

I’m sending you this after turning down your LI request because it looked like you were going to "used car lot" me. If I’m wrong, please send me a LI connection request with a short, tailored note of a few words saying you want to join our discussion with other #cleantechers. I’ll readily accept and be grateful for the opportunity to get to know you.

If you’re just reading this post and have the same used car lot problem I describe, you are welcome to copy, use and tailor this post for your purposes. H/T to me is optional.

I wish you all good “LinkedIn-ing,” unless you are engaged in used car lot sales. If that’s what you’re doing, please stop that.?At least check your success rate with these tactics. I predict you’ll find your batting average to be roughly the same as spammers offering a stake in developing countries' gold mines or international brides.