networking gone wrong: how to do it better
if you’re on any digital platform (social media, email, text), there’s a strong likelihood that you get unsolicited and/or tactless outreach.
if you follow me on instagram, you’re likely familiar with my regular ‘networking gone wrong’ examples where i share screenshots from my inboxes and explain what went wrong so we can do better. (one follower called it ‘marketing vigilante justice’ and i’m into it.)
i’m bringing that to your inbox today not to shame the writers of these messages, but to help you see areas where you can improve your outreach.
there is no such thing as success alone. it takes relationships. so, having the tools and skills to build, nurture, and manage those well is critical.
here are a few lessons for today:
1. an absolute door-closing strategy for cold outreach:
2. a reconnect strategy that does you no favors:
3. relationships > transactions:
4. beware of ‘pick your brain’ syndrome. people’s intellectual property is valuable:
5. it’s okay to ask for what you need. it’s not okay not to take ‘no’ for an answer, particularly when someone states that they’re uncomfortable:
6. people generally want to be helpful and supportive. but they have to enroll and offer it.
7. having an outreach and/or nurture strategy is great. but no one should feel like part of a strategy rather than a relationship you value:
for greater high-level context, here’s what networking is:
and here’s what it’s not:
if you’re looking for more depth and insights into building a network that goes to bat for you and opens the doors you need, enjoy this free training (aka how to do this well):
*you'll be asked to submit your email but since you've already shared it with me, you'll do so here again, but it will it simply grant you access to the 4-part video training!