How NOT to connect with someone on LinkedIn
(and then, we’ll fix)
True story…(edited for brevity)
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Apr 25: Hi Ted – I saw you’re a sales & marketing leader. I work with others in the role, so thought we could be a good resource for one another.
Not a bad connection request – I connected with him
Apr 27: Hi Ted, thanks for connecting! Are you currently using video for enablement and training? I’d love to explore how we can operationalize the process and see where we can find some efficiencies for you.
Red flags:
- broke trust – went from friendly connection request to a pitch
- assumes I have a problem (shitty operations)
- he pleads “I’d love to…”
- there’s no CTA
Note: To be clear – I have no problem people trying to sell to me on LinkedIn – I have a problem with people sucking at it…but let’s keep going before we fix this mess….
May 4: Reason I ask is that we offer businesses the most efficient and reliable way to create high-quality videos. Our unique production model combines expert creative talent with leading project management teams to create a powerful, bespoke process.
Red flags:
- it’s 7 days later….your “reason I ask” is dated
- celebrates him, his offerings, his company
- hard sell, wordy, and still no CTA
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Let’s try to fix with one connection request:
Hi Ted, not sure this is on your mind, so I’m trying to create awareness about a unique way to optimize video that could potentially boost your revenue. Worth a chat? Worst case, we connect networks and part as friends. Thanks, Ted