A Big Mistake in a Social Media
received a message in my LinkedIn Inbox today from someone who says they are an expert in Sales, Marketing, and Advertising.
Except I didn't ask for it. In fact, I'd never really indicated any interest in him or what he does. We had connected via LinkedIn. Except he never cultivated any kind of relationship with me.
I may have had an interest. I may have even been a good partner for what he does.
But because he never took the time to really get to know me, I disconnected from him and sent an email explaining myself.
His email read as follows:
Thought this dynamic event might be of interest to you.
Hope all is well and you're staying booked! I am taking a moment to write you personally to tell you about an incredible program coming up here in Atlanta with myself, Fred G. . ., and Matt B . . . This is a superstar lineup of master marketers.
It's all about product development and information marketing. Please check it out. (his website) If you are interested we're accepting only 80 students. Please help us to spread the word and help us get people involved. I wanted to send you and a few of my friends this personal, one-on-one note before we mass marketed the event. Please take a look at the website, its beyond your wildest expectations.
Hope everything is good and prosperous for you.
No personal greeting. A thinly veiled attempt at cordiality. A request for me to promote him and his stuff. A thinly veiled offer with an impending event - standard sales letter stuff.
And he expected me to be interested? And to help him. I don't really know this guy.
My response was a follows:
XXX,
I've removed you from my connections for the inappropriate use of this platform.
Sorry that you've misunderstood my willingness to connect.
Chip
Do yourself a favor. Remember that the people you are connecting with are just that - people. If you want them to opt-in to receive your marketing, have them do that. Make them an offer. Make it attractive. Give them lots of value. But have them opt-in.
If you want them to help you - contact them personally. Ask for their help. See if it is appropriate for them to participate with you. Remember that this is a SOCIAL media.
Old time shotgun marketing doesn't work in a SOCIAL context. It just pisses people off.
And you could be shooting yourself in the foot and damaging relationships than can really make a difference for you, your partners, and your potential clients.
Raymond Chip Lambert
Network 2 Networth
Deep Business Development
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