I’m writing this before the start of 2012, but I’m hoping that you’ll make “how” you connect with others a New Year’s Resolution no matter when you read this.
As I said in a prior post, we often get caught up in quantity vs. quality in connecting with people on our various social media sites. Mind you, I’m talking about building our connections for business reasons, not personal use.
It’s wise to remember that quantity is totally subjective—one person may think that having a hundred connections is good, while someone else aims for thousands.
However, what is critical is the quality of connections you have. Successfully including social media in your marketing plans means building relationships with your connections. I tend to harp on it, but it’s all about having two-way communications. If you just want to post and never respond or interact…it’s called a website!
“How” you request to connect is a big part of initially developing a relationship…and one I’m resolving to do better myself! On Facebook, do you just send a generic Friend request—or do you send a quick note saying why you want to connect?
Sending a personalized note is even more important in LinkedIn specifically because it’s for building professional connections. DO NOT just use LinkedIn’s generic template: “I’d like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn.” How boring is that?
Tell someone why they should connect with you. If you recently met them, remind them where…and what you may have discussed. If you have mutual connections and/or interests, point those out. It’s especially important to provide a brief note of introduction if you don’t know them, met them more than a couple of weeks ago or it isn’t obvious why you want to connect. Give them a reason to connect with you—and develop a business relationship with you.
I’ll be relocating to Atlanta sometime in 2012 and I’m actively increasing my LinkedIn network with Atlanta contacts. In every request to connect, I say:
Hello! I’m moving from Denver to Atlanta in 2012 and am expanding my network. I hope that you’ll connect with me. Thanks! ~ Deb Krier
If we have a mutual interest or connection, I also include that, but I always keep it brief. NO ONE has not connected and almost every time, I get a reply from them, welcoming me to the area and offering to help.
What is vital is to make your request to connect SHORT! Just a couple of sentences will do. This is absolutely not the place to make a sales pitch! Once you have established a connection, you can gently start providing them with information on what they do. Or, more importantly in building a relationship, ask how you can help them achieve their goals!
It’s also important to send a quick “thanks for connecting” note when you accept a Friend request or LinkedIn connection. Again, don’t use this as a place to promote yourself; just keep it simple. After all, you’re hopefully working toward a long-term relationship.
I’d love to get your comments below on how you connect…and why. Also, why do you not connect with someone when you get requests?
Deborah, I absolutely agree with your point that personalizing invitations is essential. Though I do this also, I can’t claim a 100% acceptance rate and am surprised by who does not accept, namely some who claim to be open net workers.
On the other hand I do at times accept the “template” invitations. It would be interesting to find out why people do or don’t accept invitations.
Thanks for your comment! I’ve found the same thing. I’m an open networker and will connect with anyone on LinkedIn – but before I do, I always go to their profile first to learn more about them and “why” they might have requested to connect. I think that for the times I’ve been turned down (or ignored) it’s usually because they don’t use LinkedIn too much. On Facebook, I’ve found that they don’t accept my requests if they really don’t see a good link between us. My bad for not providing it to them!
Spot on, Deb. I’ve received connection requests through LI and I typically do the homework, as you do, to see if the connection makes sense. A couple of times I’ve ignored the request when it’s just the template and the reason for the connection isn’t clear. Once or twice, if it’s “just the template talking,” I’ve e-mailed the person in a friendly but professional way to see if we’ve met — but that’s been sincere (as in, I really can’t remember!).
I hope your relocation is the beginning of an exciting new chapter.
Meanwhile, I’m resolving to make the time to comment more often.
I love the idea of contacting someone who sent the generic request to see why they are interested! Good tip!! ?
I have been attending trade shows and I get business cards. All of a sudden…it may be a fluke… but most of the last bunch of people I have requested won’t connect! Some of them look at my profile though.
I don’t understand it. If someone looks at my profile, I know they got the request… but don’t they realize that I am very unlikely to do business or support their business if they ignore me? It’s not like I am asking anyone to go on a date or lend me money… it’s JUST a connection, folks, you can always delete it later if the person is annoying.
I think there are still many people who don’t comprehend the basis of networking… it’s not about linking to people you already work with, regardless of what LinkedIn says!
Gary – it is confusing! When you send them the request to connect, do you remind them “where” you met them? You could also remind them about a specific topic that you discussed. It may be that they met so many people that they don’t want to admit they don’t remember you, so it’s easier to ignore the request. Before sending them the request to connect, you might also look at their Profile to see if they post fairly often. It may be that they just don’t use LinkedIn all that often…or unfortunately, aren’t familiar with the fact that it’s a great way to keep in touch! Best of luck to you – and send me a request to connect on LinkedIn. I’ll definitely connect!