We interrupt our regularly scheduled postings on influence to address LinkedIn spam. I’ve been more than a little bit grossed out.
LinkedIn has become a challenging place to spend time over the past few months. Nearly every contact request turns into an attempt to sell me something:
- Do I want to buy a mailing list? Absolutely not
- Do I want a stranger to teach me how to use social media? Definitely not
- Do I want SEO help with my website? Still no
Recently, these attempts have become more subtle. Someone reaches out to connect, praises my writing, sends several friendly messages, and then asks to cross-promote their workshops to my clients and mine to theirs.
Just no. I do collaborate with others, but not to cross-promote. I collaborate when I believe I can build something new and valuable with partners (hat tip to Bernie and Anil), not for the sake of making a few extra dollars.
My promise, if you sign up for our newsletter or take a workshop from me:
- I don’t resell your information to other people.
- I don’t cross-promote other people’s products to you.
- My clients are not a source of $$ to be exploited.
When I seek to make money in our business relationship, it will be clear and direct. I offer learning and charge money for it.
If you have a service to offer, please don’t reach out to me via LinkedIn, email, or otherwise, asking if I want your service. Especially don’t befriend me only to ask about cross-selling.
#Influence #Ship30For30