Strategies and etiquette for those who want to be LinkedIn
No introduction, no explanation of what the business was and no niceties at that.
Perhaps it was intended to be tongue-in-cheek, but having never met the person before, the tone smacked of someone wanting to "use and abuse". Plus it was kind of rude. Laurel Papworth teaches social media at the University of Sydney and also helps small and large businesses develop online strategies. Here are her tips for what not to do on LinkedIn:
Don't spam strangers
The first time people hear from you should not be when you are touting your new product or pushing your services. Answer questions, show value and then offer consultancy or a product.
Do not be irrelevant to
that community
Some groups are right for you; some are not. Yes, you are a life coach or an IT consultant, but do not join the accountants' group just because they may need you. If you join a group, offer value, or stay out of the chat until it is relevant to you.
Do not only promote your stuff
People are looking for generosity online. Find great articles, pertinent statistics and share them regularly with your community. You will become the go-to person for industry information.
Do not get into nit-pick fights with competitors
Discussions online can be passionate, and everyone is staking a claim in the ground. Make your point, then back out. No one likes a know-it-all, even clients who are looking for experienced businesses to work with.
Do not forget why
you are there
You are on LinkedIn for business reasons but specifically for a business you are passionate about. Do not spend too much time stalking customers and competitors, and don't start to feel like it's a chore.
Frequently Asked Questions about this Article…
To use LinkedIn effectively, focus on building relationships by answering questions and showing value before promoting your products or services. Avoid sending unsolicited messages to strangers.
Avoid spamming strangers, joining irrelevant groups, only promoting your own content, engaging in petty arguments with competitors, and losing sight of your business goals.
Joining irrelevant groups can make you appear out of touch and may not provide value to your business. Instead, focus on groups where you can contribute meaningfully and engage with relevant discussions.
Sharing valuable content like articles and statistics can position you as a go-to resource for industry information, helping to build your reputation and attract potential clients.
It's best to make your point respectfully and then step back from the conversation. Engaging in prolonged arguments can harm your professional image and deter potential clients.
Stay focused on your business objectives by engaging in activities that support your passion and goals. Avoid spending excessive time on non-productive activities like stalking competitors.
Regularly share insightful articles and relevant statistics with your network. This demonstrates generosity and helps establish you as a knowledgeable and reliable industry expert.
Remembering your purpose helps you stay focused on your business goals and ensures that your LinkedIn activities are productive and aligned with your passion and objectives.
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