Don’t Be A Pitch-Slapper! Start Connecting Authentically Instead

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How many DMs do you currently have unread on LinkedIn? Kind of starting to look like your email inbox now too, right!? Now, imagine what an SVP or C-Suite’s must look like – hello 300 buried and unread messages!  

Even worse, those times you do reply to a DM and BOOM a sales pitch immediately follows (like, did they EVEN have time to write all that in the 3 seconds after you accepted (🤖?!?)

We all hate it, but often forget that our buyers feel the exact same way. Make a better impression by tactfully and thoughtfully approaching LI outreach.

Here are a few ways to stand out with connection requests and messages:

  • Always send context in your connection requests with a message. A short note grabs their attention when it pops into their inbox because they’ll want to know who you are, and why you’re reaching out (no sales pitches here, please! Think more #smykm) 
  • Got a connection request that has no context but you want to accept? Always write a message back. That way, they’ll remember they connected with you, and perhaps they will even tell you why they connected with you if they write back.
  • Whenever you have a meeting coming up, connect with everyone attending before the meeting. It prompts the buyers to do a little research on you, and offers a simple way to follow up afterwards. And don’t forget the context! “Bill, thanks for your reply back – looking forward to our meeting on Friday!”

Now onto the next challenge – where do you go from here?

Once the buyer accepts your request, nurture them! Teach them something or add more to the conversation. Take a peek at their content or background, and share your insight. If you have a tip you can offer, go for it! But, remember, this is not the time to “sell.”

If nothing else, a simple “Thanks for accepting – looking forward to staying in touch” works wonders and is a nice surprise for a change.

Biggest tip: make no ask whatsoever. Don’t be thirsty out there!

First impressions are everything.

 

Want more tips like these? Check out our #samshorts!

For tips on using our absolute favorite sales resource – LinkedIn Sales Navigator – check out our LISN Workshop on demand!