People Like This Should Not Be On Social Media

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If you are getting nowhere on social media it is probably because you sound like one of the following five examples:

1. Mr. Pick Up Line

People are always complaining that they get “hit on” in a professional sense (blatantly marketed to) on LinkedIn.

But what about actually getting hit on?

It’s happened to me.

Example:

Somebody randomly connected to me. Usually I get a lot of connection requests from financial people, but this was out of industry. So I messaged the person and asked this message:

Hi <name>, thanks for connecting. How did you find me?

To which he responded:

I was connecting to a friend who is a writer, but please don't blame me for not being able to stop to looking at that lovely smile of yours

Hmmm.

Weird. And creepy.

So I responded with this:

Thanks but just to be clear you know I'm married with four kids right? (Well, technically I am not married to Antonio, but let’s be real: with me having four of his kids, I own the dude, there is no getting away from me, and likewise.)

He then apologized but since he was the first one to step out of bounds I felt it was okay to do it back, so I said:

Ok no worries. Anyways I am also a writer and one of the best in my industry so if you are looking for a ghostwriter then please keep me in mind.

Now, normally I don’t operate like this but if you’re going to act like LinkedIn is a meat market, then so am I!

Touché, Mr. Pick Up Line!

Why this message annoyed me

Not everyone propositions other people romantically on LinkedIn, but even in a business way nobody likes the hit line. Yet so many people do it.

Just like nobody wants to get the one liner in the bar, nobody wants the quick pitch on LinkedIn. Get to know the person a little bit and then, if it makes sense, bring up how you can help.

Mr. Casual Mention

Sara, Searching here on LinkedIn for "podcast hosts" I came across on your profile. I've got a podcast and hope to connect with other podcasters. Thanks!

Why this message annoyed me

I take a lot of pride in my work, but I get offended when someone tells me they noticed I have a podcast, (but never bothered to actually visit the page and listen to one word.)

When it comes to my content, I gotta admit, I’m a little bit conceited.

Having it handled so casually makes me want to jump through the screen and yell, “Hey don’t you even care that you’re talking about the best show out there? Do you even know that? Show some respect, you fact-neglecter!”

Smack smack.

Which leads me to this: What is the point of connecting with me? Why does it matter that you have a podcast just like I do? He never said.

Mr. Casual Mention, did you really think that you could ingratiate me that easily so that you can follow up with some pitch? In which case if you’re trying to sell me something, at least say that upfront.

Delete!

Mr. Obvious Question

Thank you so much for the job you are doing with the YouTube channel. I really appreciate your advice. I am currently a CFA Level I candidate for June 2019.

I am currently working at a bank, but my dream is to work in investments like you did. How can the CFA help me break into the investment industry?

Also, do you suggest I pursue the CFA or the MBA? I see you have both.

Why this message annoyed me

I have a pretty successful YouTube channel, so I get a lot of questions. The problem is I end up just referring them back to my channel because most of the time I already answered the question.

Asking a question is a great way to start to get to know someone. In fact, I highly recommend it.

Just make sure it’s not already answered, because then you’re saying to the person that your need for information is more valuable than their time, and you’re saying that right away. Especially if you are contacting someone who gets a lot of these requests, be careful not to make this mistake.

Mrs. Pointless Meeting Request

Here are three examples of people who are trying to get me on the phone and suck up my time with no clear indication of why or how I could benefit.

Thanks for accepting my invitation and hopefully we can meet in future.

Hi Sara, I am delighted to connect. Would be happy to chat when you have a moment. Thanks.

I am in NYC tomorrow and Friday for work. Have some time for coffee or a drink if you are free?

Why these messages annoyed me

Mrs. Pointless Meeting Request, your message just screams “I’m here to waste your time if you’re careless enough to let me!” Nobody whose time has any importance will respond to someone who doesn’t take the time to spell out why they deserve some of it.

Ms. Vague Pitch

Podcast Inquiry! My name is Ms. Vague and I represent Michaela Michaels. I looked into the brand and think that Michaela would be a great guest on your show. Email me and I will provide Michaela’s One Sheet Bio.

Why this message annoyed me

Said in honor of a certain three year old child of mine:

“But why? Why why why why why????”

Here was my response to Ms. Vague:

What topic would you like Michaela to discuss on my show? Give me a show idea pitch.

To which Ms. Vague responded back with:

Sign me up to receive email newsletters from VettaFi Advisor Perspectives

Real estate investing

Oh that’s cute. First of all, my show is about marketing not investing and you don’t even know that. Second of all, you’ve told me nothing that would be of value to my audience other than throwing a general term out there.

Yes, my show is somewhat involved with “investing” but not real estate investing. Maybe if you took the time to think up some reasons why I should discuss real estate investing and how it would benefit my audience, I would consider you.

You’re fishing and hoping that someone will take the bait, Ms. Vague.

Bye bye!

Sara’s upshot

LinkedIn messenger is a huge opportunity for advisors. If you aren’t getting enough leads and opportunities, it’s most likely because the communication is off. If you want to know how to do it right, join my membership by clicking here.

Sara Grillo, CFA, is a top financial writer with a focus on marketing and branding for investment management, financial planning, and RIA firms. Prior to launching her own firm, she was a financial advisor and worked at Lehman Brothers. Sara graduated from Harvard with a degree in English literature and has an MBA from NYU Stern in quantitative finance.