Welcome to our latest 12-Month LinkedIn Social Selling Plan update.
More than 9,000 people have viewed, downloaded and hopefully, read and implemented our original 12-Month Social Selling Plan post in January and our Q2 Update. This plan can be followed verbatim or in parts; it’s up to you. The important thing is that you begin and stay consistent. These updates should help you go more in-depth and focus on a key activity.
I know how easy it is to fall off in the summer months, the busy months, the holiday months. But when you think about it, every month and every day are busy. So let’s re-align our priorities.
Anyone who is responsible for developing business needs to prospect continually, gather information and broaden their connections within a company. The person who is not prospecting every day either in person or online will find themselves less competitive and less valuable over time.
Most people ask me at some point to help them find more people to connect to on LinkedIn. I can make that happen.
When I ask the question, “What’s going on with your 1st level connections?” I usually get a few blank stares, a chuckle or a head shake. And, a “Not much.”
You connect quickly with no real intention and end up with a pile of people you don’t know. Then what? So what? Who cares?
How is that any better than just looking at their profiles? Oh, you can see their 1st level connections? Right. Ahh, more people you don’t know. It’s not helpful or strategic.
It’s easier than ever to prospect once you have learned some new skills and how to maximize LinkedIn artfully. Yes, there is an art to connecting with others well.
We all find ourselves in that position. Rather than add more people into the “not much” bucket, let’s be in touch, ask a question, be interested in them and see if something does materialize — a conversation, a meeting, an introduction, referral, etc.
Each message should also include a link to a favorite article, blog post, a book that you think will bring value to that individual. You may need several links, but it’s worth the time and energy.
One of my clients mentioned he focuses on four value-drivers. Perfect. I suggested finding a well-written article highlighting each value-driver and share one (with a brief introduction) with each message he sends. By doing this, he reaffirms:
Don’t forget to jump back over to your 12-Month Social Sales Plan where we talk about each of these areas in more depth.
Be intentional about this effort and you will build an engaged network of colleagues, business associates, referral sources, clients, prospects, and people. And, don’t forget: