Don’t cold pitch on LinkedIn
Today's newsletter is possibly a bit of a rant, because cold pitching is very annoying.
I hear so often that people hate being on LinkedIn because they are bombarded with messages with people selling their stuff. There they are in your inbox as soon as you accept them.
It is nauseating.
Those messages that promise to book in 80 sales calls a week or make you 7 figures if you want their video. Yuck. It is utter nonsense and it really isn’t doing you any favours.
That is not how I sell here at Social Flow Collective. I don’t work with people that do cold outreach either, it's not my jam.
So talking about outreach and the many reasons why cold slap pitching is harming your brand and what approach you should take for your outreach strategy!
Do your research
Sending out volume is never going to work well and will definitely affect your success rate and credibility. Twice this week I’ve had messages from other people trying to sell me the same service I offer. Rather than messaging the universe in the hope of a sale, be intentional and strategic in who you want to approach. Write a ‘target list’ of people that would be potential buyers. Invest time and do your blooming homework.
Personalisation
It takes more time but getting the correct name in your message is basic but so often I get messages that are just copied and pasted and not updated. I recently had a message sent to me that was an entire message discussion between the sender and another prospect. That’s a sloppy cut and paste job. And a waste of my eyeballs reading it. Be personable and start a conversation. This will build trust and not make you look like you’re desperately messaging anyone and everyone for a quick sale.
Don’t send links
I won’t click on a link sent from a stranger. Just no.
Tailored pitching
Once you’ve started a conversation, ask the prospect about what issues they may have in their business. Make your conversation relevant to them, address their needs, paint points and goals. This tailored approach is more likely to resonate with them and prompt a positive response.
Be relevant
I recently was sent a cold pitch for men's socks. Yes I do buy men's socks but the messaging was aimed at me as if I were a man and not aimed at my Christmas gift list. Pitching a product or service that is completely unrelated to your prospects needs can lead to frustration and a negative impression.
Identify Collaborations
By doing your homework and understanding their offerings, you might uncover potential collaboration opportunities or partnerships.
Time Wasting
Sending relevant and well-informed messages saves everyone's time.
Build Credibility and Respect
Spend your time building relationships and credibility instead of wasting time cold pitching to the masses. When you show that you've taken the effort to understand their business, you come across as the nice human being that you are. Not a snake oil salesperson that would sell their granny for a few quid.
Positive First Impression
Your initial interaction sets the tone for your relationship. Making a positive first impression can lead to future opportunities, referrals, or even word-of-mouth recommendations. Creating connections and building real relationships is where the magic of LinkedIn happens.
Remember, it’s your digital reputation, don't ruin it by pitch slapping. People will buy when they’re ready to buy from you.
If you are reading this, thinking ‘I need to leverage LinkedIn but I’m not sure how to’ and you don’t know where to start with your content, engagement, and audience growth then please do get in touch.
#LinkedInHacks #LinkedIntips #SocialFlowCollective #LinkedInLaura #ColdEmail
