When the Connection request is more than that
So there you are doing your work, and out of nowhere, it happens. “The connection request on LinkedIn. You have been trying to build your professional network, so this alert is exciting at first, but then you remember the amount of sales pitch connection requests you have had to deny politely. But you take a look at this one, and it is different. The person on the other side of the request appears to have actually looked over your profile. They maybe have even visited your website. You can tell just by the wording of the connection request. So you take the leap of faith and connect to them. Only to be slapped in the face by a laser-like sales pitch punch to the gut. To quote the “Talking Heads,” “Well, How did we get here?” That is exactly how I felt.
This type of connection request happens to me from time to time. This time I took time to deal with it. It comes down to two things when you network. Having “True Intention” and “Earning the Right to Advance.”
- Having True Intention – This is the plan, the secret sauce, or better yet “THEY WHY” behind the contact. Why are you wanting to really connect to someone. As a Digital Accessibility Consultant, what makes me uncommon is I really want to find out what you need and what you know first. Then I want to help you find what you need. My true intention is to know as much about you and your needs so I can go on the hunt.
- Earning the Right to Advanace – Once I have honored my commitments from my first contact, and every subsequent contact, I ask the simple question. ” Is it okay to continue?” But I can’s asked that question before I finish the task at hand.
