Making Friends on Social Networks

Welcome to the world of Social Media and Social Networks. I'd like to share a powerful tip that will help you brand yourself and develop stronger connections.

Let's talk about customizing your invitations to connect on Social Networks.

Social Networks will allow you to invite people to connect with you. Facebook, Linkedin, and other Social Networks have a default invitation. In fact, the default for Facebook is just a plain notification. It doesn't even have a polite one-liner like the one used by Linkedin.

You can do better. Whenever possible, take the time to personalize your invitation.

For example:

"Hi Jane. I really enjoyed your description of your product at yesterday’s Success Through Collaboration Meeting. I’d like the opportunity to learn more about your business. Would you like to connect as Facebook friends?"

Avid Networkers can get 10 to 30 Friend Requests per week (or more!). Set yourself apart by making a personal statement.

The same premise applies to Linkedin. By clicking a few buttons you can invite dozens of people to connect with you. Each person you invite to connect gets a default message:

"I'd like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn."

It's a polite statement, but it is both sterile and boring, particularly after the 300th request with the same line. Make a strong first impression. Customize the invitation with content that creates a mental image for the recipient. Allow them to "place" you.

For Example:

"John, it was great meeting you at the IACC Global Conference last Thursday. Thanks so much for sharing tips on local restaurants with me. I was really impressed with the way you presented your business and I'd like the opportunity to learn more about your services. Are you open to connecting on Linkedin and staying in touch?"

Sounds a lot warmer and reflects more genuine interest than the impersonal, empty default invitation.

I know that it is so much easier and faster to just click the buttons. Resist the urge to take that short cut. Think of invitations to connect on Social Networks as an opportunity to brand yourself. Investing a few minutes on making a proper connection can lead to higher rates of acceptance and stronger relationships. It's worth the time.

Happy Connecting!

Liz