Silly LinkedIn prospecting mistakes that you must avoid at all costs

LinkedIn is in danger.

Danger of what I hear you ask?

Well, what was once a very strict place for professionals and where LinkedIn etiquette was always upheld is now in massive danger of turning into “SpamIn” rather than LinkedIn.

Let me explain why…

If you’re like me you most likely get bombarded each week with LinkedIn messages like this:

istock

You accept and then you can literally start the countdown until you receive a follow up message like this:

Two minutes ago I had never heard of you and now you’re sending me a “me mail”

“Just introducing myself…”

No, I’m not interested in you. I’m interested in only me and my company.

“Our business…”

No, I’m interested in my business, not your business.

“They are great for helping…”

You’re talking about yourself and your products again!

This is a prime example of throwing some mud up at the wall and hoping that some of it will stick.

Here’s another real example. At least this guy sent me his “follow up” 3 hours after linking up with me. 

Ok, here goes.

“Please forgive the direct approach…”

Never apologise! Although I am pretty peeved of having to read this rubbish so I might let you off.

“I wanted to introduce myself and my company…”

Why? Do I have a need? Talk about me, not you.

“Having worked in…”

Not interested in this. You haven’t grabbed my attention yet to want to be interested in this.

“Our service is…”

Me me me!

Examples of poor LinkedIn prospecting emails like this are becoming the norm. They are like asking your date for a one night stand on the first date when you have just met them.

You know nothing about them, if they are interested in you or if they are in the marketplace for what you offer.

One of my old mentors gave me a piece of valuable advice:

“Sean, if you want to be interesting then you need to be interested”

That’s always stuck with me.

If you’re going to prospect through LinkedIn then don’t shoot for home runs from the outset. Build the relationship, add value and nurture your new contact.

This guy below was attempting this when he linked up with me but then immediately sent me this:

Why should I be bothered to send a reply when I know it will most likely lead into one of those other emails that I received above? Surely if he has LinkedIn up with me then he knows what my business is? Unless, of course, he is shooting fish in a barrel again.

He is asking me a question to try and get my engagement which is good but the question is all wrong and he isn’t even on my radar yet. He’s never liked any of my content or made any comments. What’s in it for me to reply?

Okay, so this post sounds like a rant and it is. But I want you to avoid sending rubbish like this.

In next month’s article I’ll be sharing with you some really effective prospecting templates that you can steal and use! But for now, please don’t send LinkedIn messages like the ones I’ve covered.