How to Stop Annoying Your Network

If you’ve ever been “stalked” on social media or by email, you know how annoying it can be.

I’m talking about connections who ask if you, or anyone you know, could use their products or services.

And then they keep asking.

They pester you with follow-up emails, asking the same question again and again. They stalk your social media accounts and plaster them with likes and comments.  And then they add you to their newsletter list, without asking.

Whatever you do … don’t be that guy!

Yes, you want to stay in touch with your contacts when you ask for a referral. Your goal is to stay top of mind when opportunities do come up.

But you don’t want to do it in a spammy way. And you don’t have to!

Here’s a better, more moderated approach:

If the person is a personal contact, connect with them on LinkedIn and other social media platforms. Personalize your connection request!

Then, occasionally like and comment on their posts without stalking them. Be cool. Be friendly. Be human!

That alone will keep your name top of mind. And it will increase the probability that they’ll see your own social media updates where you talk about a recent client win or how you help people.

If the person is a professional contact, do the same but use a mix of contact methods to stay in touch, such as emailing a relevant article, commenting on a LinkedIn post, leaving a voicemail, sending a piece of direct mail or subscribing them to your newsletter (with permission).

And you can follow up in this way every three months or so.

But DON’T use this as an opportunity to ask (again!) whether they know of anyone who could use your services.

And whatever you do, keep your communications low-key.

The idea is simply to stay top of mind when an opportunity does come up.

And thankfully, you don’t have to be annoying to do it.

 

 

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