Have you ever accepted a connection request on LinkedIn, only to immediately receive a notification in your message inbox from the person who just connected with you?
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More often than not, this message is an unwelcome sales pitch—an attempt to sell something before you’ve even had the chance to understand who they are or what they offer. It’s like walking down the street, responding politely to someone saying hello, to only find the next thing is they are shoving a leaflet in your face, selling their goods and wares. This approach can be off-putting and annoying, often prompting a potentially valuable and influential new connection to quickly unfollow or disconnect completely.Â
The Shopfront Analogy: The Instant Sales PitchÂ
Imagine stepping into a shop, ready to browse at your own pace. But before you can even glance at the products, a salesperson rushes up to you and starts pitching you a product, assuming you want to buy it. There’s no introduction, no understanding of your needs—just an immediate rush to sell. It's a bit overwhelming and makes you want to leave the shop, doesn’t it? The same feeling is triggered on LinkedIn when someone immediately sends a sales message after you accept their connection request.Â
The Importance of Understanding Your AudienceÂ
Just as a salesperson should gauge whether you're there to shop or simply browsing, it's important to understand who you're connecting with on LinkedIn. If you're reaching out to someone who already has expertise in the field you're offering, an immediate sales pitch can come across come across as irrelevant, uninformed, or misplaced. Taking a moment to look at someone’s profile can reveal whether your services are a fit, and whether it’s worth starting a conversation first.Â
"Try not to become a man of success but rather try to become a man of value" Albert Einstein: May 2, 1955 issue of “LIFE
Building Relationships First
The key to a successful LinkedIn connection is building a relationship before jumping into a sales pitch. Instead of immediately trying to sell your product or service, try engaging with the person’s content, commenting thoughtfully on their posts, or sending a message that introduces yourself without any sales pressure. By nurturing the connection first, you can create a more authentic and lasting conversation that could naturally lead to a business opportunity.Â
A Better Approach: Value-Driven EngagementÂ
Rather than rushing into a sales message, focus on offering value. Share an insightful article, offer advice, or ask thoughtful questions related to their work. By showing a genuine interest in their professional life, you prove you're not just there to sell something. Tailoring your message to the person you're connecting with—after understanding their background and interests—signals that you’re interested in more than just a transaction and shows you’re invested in building a meaningful connection, making your approach feel more personal and engaging.
How Would You Feel?
So next time you connect with someone on LinkedIn, think about how you'd feel if someone rushed to sell you something the moment you stepped into a shop. Most people would feel uncomfortable, likely avoid that shop and inform others to stay clear of them. The same goes for LinkedIn. Instant sales pitches can quickly drive people away. Take the time to understand who you're connecting with, offer value, and build a relationship first. This will lead to more meaningful connections and, over time, more successful business relationships.
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