A little advice for people here using LinkedIn and Facebook, more of a very strong suggestion… stop sending out invites without a personalized note, and best if that note offers a reason you want to connect. EVEN if we just had a conversation/engagement… ALWAYS include a personal note.
If you don’t include a personal note when you reach out to connect here on LinkedIn… the odds are I will ignore and delete the request. Obviously a lot less likely if we know each other or just had a convo, but either way, please take this advice. I promise it will help people remember and respect you. A Brand is what a business or person does, a Reputation is what people Remember and Share.
Make it personal… do what you can to initiate engagement. AND always send a personal note when you accept an invitation, even if there was not one with the outreach.
Just saying people… it’s all about building relationships, not just being connected, and the first step of that relationship is the introduction… especially if we have never met!
“Just saying people… it’s all about building relationships, not just being connected, and the first step of that relationship is the introduction… especially if we have never met!”
It’s scary, but it’s also very true. I couldn’t help myself, and instantly thought of creating a post title for that statement. I think that goes beyond the whole point, as the advice is simple and easily digestible. We make our own choices, and whether we want to increase our connection numbers, or have something real going on is completely up to us.
Well said, Ted.
Yes indeed Alex. Thanks for the input.
Hello Ted,
I absolutely agree. I recently blogged about this topic (https://socialmediaslant.com/generic-invitations-linkedin) and ruffled a few feathers as a result. It was interesting to see some reactions, to be honest.
I’m glad to see more and more prominent people call out this practice. There is no shortcut in life. You either make efforts, or people will treat you accordingly.
Thank you!
The best part Cendrine is that due to the fact most don’t nor will never do it, those of us who do stand out 🙂