Are you on facebook? I recently received a friend request on facebook from a woman with whom I had 27 mutual connections. After a quick look at her page, decided to accept the request. Within a short time she sent me an email to introduce herself, her product and a link to her website to look at the complete catalogue. I’m all about making connections and enjoy the role social media plays in bringing you together with people you might otherwise not have the chance to meet in person. It’s also a terrific way to enhance existing relationships outside of typical networking events. What I don’t like is someone immediately trying to sell you on their product or service when you know very little about them.
In my frustration I made a post on my wall which said: To my facebook friends, please don’t connect with me and then immediately start marketing your product/service. If you feel the need, you may want to re-think your strategy.
The comments started immediately so it appears I’m not the first one who’s experienced this. I’ll admit in years past I was guilty of going for the immediate ‘sell’ and realized I wasn’t making the right connections for the right reasons. Thank goodness for the people who showed me how to cultivate win-win relationships.
We have a choice about who we accept as friends (facebook), connections (LinkedIn), tweeps (twitter), well you get the idea. We also have a choice about the posts we make and emails we send. Yes, we live in an instant gratification society but think of how much better it could be if we would all take a little time to get to know someone first whether it’s over coffee or the web.
Interested in taking your relationships to the next level? Make that personal connection and if you haven’t done so already be sure to read Endless Referrals by Bob Burg, The Go-Giver by Bob Burg & John David Mann, and the 7 Levels of Communication, How to Go From Relationships to Referrals by Michael J. Maher.
Until next time……..
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Timely word, and well put. Thanks!