Once you’ve sent out your connection requests and you start to get new 1st connections, it’s time to start a conversation on LinkedIn.
We recommend that you have created your content plan so that you know what you want to communicate as a means of informing, educating, and maybe even entertaining your audience.
Say what to start a conversation on LinkedIn?
You may have noticed that the subject line of the first message that you receive from LinkedIn after you make a new connection is “Let’s start a conversation”.
Some people will start a conversation with you, as soon as they connect with you.
And LinkedIn even provides a few stock answers which you can use (in regular LinkedIn, although not seemingly in sales navigator, as of the time of writing).
So, you may well receive a message such as “Thanks for connecting”.
This is a conversation starter, so feel free to respond, appropriately.
When we are starting a conversation on LinkedIn typically lead with “How are you? Hope you’re well” followed by a question.
Just like we would if we met someone face to face in a real live networking situation.
When do I get to sell in a conversation on LinkedIn?
There seems to be a bit of a trend, particularly in some industries like web development, to sell straight off the bat.
SPOILER ALERT: Don’t sell straight away. It simply doesn’t work and will be deleterious to your reputation.
Much better to get to know the person gradually and build a relationship based on your competence, ability to solve problems, build trust, and generally act like a genuine human being!
Selling comes much later.
How do you engage?
It’s always a good idea to check the person’s LinkedIn profile and see if you have many shared interests or mutual connections, education, etc.
And demonstrate your interest in their business.
And, most important of all…
be authentic and genuine.
With enough practice, you may discover that asking for help or input in developing your product or service or proposition is a great way to increase engagement.
When do you invite to an appointment?
When the time is right, it’s good to give the person the option of booking through an automated appointment link to your online calendar, or offering to send a Zoom link, or providing your phone number.
If you need help to improve your conversations on LinkedIn, give us a call or book a time in my calendar and we’ll be happy to help
