What’s With All the LinkedIn Messages!?

By Ryan J

Why is it every time I add a LinkedIn member or accept a request I’m bombarded with impersonal, clearly automated messages?

Check out my website. Read my blog. Head on over to my YouTube channel. Subscribe to my newsletter.

Look at me! Look at me! Look at me!

Listen, I get it.

It’s tough trying to grow a following as a content creator, business owner or whatever.

You’ve got to do everything you can to get your name out there, attract attention and hopefully catch the eye of the right people.

But surely there are more tactful ways to do so other than flooding an inbox with unasked for pleas?

Perhaps starting a genuine conversation first may help?

The only time I’ve ever gone on to check out someone’s content after a LinkedIn message is when they’ve made the effort to chat beforehand.

Nothing deep or serious. Just a friendly hello. How are you? What are you about?

Something as simple as that has been enough to grab my attention and have me curious to find out more about the person I’ve just met.

But when an automated message comes through the second I hit the accept button, most of the time I don’t even bother to read the damn thing.

My first thought when receiving such texts is usually:

“Just another sales pitch from someone trying to sell me on something I’m not interested in.”

Never underestimate the power of conversation.

If you truly care about growing a following for your site or business then you’ve got to show people you care.

Show them they mean something to you by reaching out in person. Send a ‘real' message.

Explore their profile. Follow their links. Read their content first. Find out their wants, needs and interests. Then strike up a conversation.

Feeling that connection and knowing the person you're dealing with has actually made an effort speaks volumes and you can’t help but be engaged.

At least, that’s how I feel.