I read a Facebook post about being sold to during a 1 on 1 networking call.

In the comments of that post, someone said that she was getting really sick and tired of being sold and pitched to via DM on LinkedIn.

I instantly went on the defensive in my mind, because I am protective of this platform. I enjoy it so much that I built my business around helping people get the most out of it.

One of my biggest pet peeves is being sold to immediately after connecting. It’s a HUGE pet peeve of mine.

So much that I engage now with those people (I message them back and say “Did you look at my profile before you sent this?”) who do it. Funny, doesn’t seem to happen NEARLY as often anymore.

PLEASE don’t sell to people right after connecting. Do NOT use bots as lead generation tools.

Instead, find some common thread with that new connection. Look at his or her profile!!! Did you go to the same school? Do you work in the same industry? Does his or her latest post or comment resonate with you?

Fabulous conversations happen in the DMs. Relationships transform into opportunities and deals into calls.

Don’t pitch instantly. Don’t pitch in the 2nd or 3rd or even 4th message. Build the relationship.