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The right way to pitch on LinkedIn

I love making connections on LinkedIn. I’ve learned and shared so much on the platform that checking in has become a valuable part of my routine. What I do not find valuable is when someone messages me with an unsolicited pitch on LinkedIn.

It seems that recently whenever I check my LinkedIn message inbox, I am almost guaranteed to receive an unsolicited pitch — and sometimes, the person will not go away. Just a few weeks ago, a person I did not know invaded my inbox with a solicitation I did not want. As always, I was firm but polite in explaining that I was not interested.

He didn’t get the hint. He steamrolled over my objections and tried again. When I told him I didn’t appreciate his tactics, he ignored me and tried yet again. It was at that point that I asked him not to contact me.

If this were a one-off situation it wouldn’t be particularly notable. But these kinds of pitches seem to be infecting LinkedIn and bringing down the quality of connections the platform is so famous for.

There is a right way to pitch, and it does take time, just like an in-person relationship. But do it correctly and you will reap the rewards.

Ask yourself: Is this potential connection a candidate for my pitch on LinkedIn?

Spend some time reading their profile, their posts and comments. Ask yourself if this is someone that can benefit from your products and expertise before you go down the sales path.

Start slowly.

Start by asking if you can connect with the person. Message them, introduce yourself, and give a quick explanation of why you’re following. Maybe you have a connection or subject matter in common.

Build rapport.

After you connect, take the time to like the person’s posts and comment thoughtfully on them. In the end, the number of connections you have isn’t as important as what you do with them.

Broach the subject in a considerate way.

Send an InMail message and offer your services or product in a polite, respectful manner that shows you’ve been paying attention to the person you’re pitching and the needs of their business.

Know when to drop the subject.

If the person you’re pitching says no, be understanding. Ending the conversation on good terms leaves the door open — pushing the subject will close it.

LinkedIn offers amazing opportunities, but the nature of the platform means you have to work smarter — not more forcefully — to develop relationships. Stay polite, be thoughtful, and your pitch on Linkedin may pay off in ways you did not expect.

What has been your experience with pitching on LinkedIn? Please share and let me know!

Posted by Margaret Page in Entrepreneur, StartUp, Business, Business Etiquette and tagged LinkedIn, Pitch on LinkedIn, social media, LinkedIn communication, LinkedIn Messaging, selling on LinkedIn, Building rapport on LinkedIn, LinkedIn Connections.