Are you using online networks to save time? Or are you wasting time because you don’t yet understand some of the features? Here’s one great way to make the best use of your time online.
A contact of mine recently went the long way around to introduce me to a valued connection. This post is about what he did, how time was wasted and the quick and easy way to do the same job. And a top tip to help you improve your personal brand.
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John connected me to Dave by email
My mate John (not his real name) and I are collaborating to bring confidence building workshops to our education system. I don’t mind sharing that one of my long terms goals is to ensure “soft skills” are introduced to the national curriculum. Because it is a clearly defined goal it’s already happening. John recently met a really high quality contact (we’ll call him Dave) at a seminar.
He realised that Dave and I would get on and that we could introduce each other to valuable contacts. John sent me a really detailed email that must have taken some time to produce telling me all about Dave. What he didn’t know was that I already knew Dave. I’m pleased he took the time to make the effort yet wondered if he did this often. Do you?
How was the time wasted?
Apart from the fact that I already knew Dave, which made the whole exercise a waste of time, there was the long winded email. I felt compelled to read it as it was from someone I like. I didn’t want to miss that all important snippet. There wasn’t an all important snippet.
I am often the recipient of long winded messages. Usually, they are sent direct in the form of newsletters or other spammy messages with no value. However, some people fail to clarify why they are making an introduction. Droning on about why I should meet someone is unnecessary. Make it short and sharp to get attention. I’m quite happy to accept introductions as an adult and I’m sure that other people are too.
What can I do online to stop wasting time?
If you meet someone you want to introduce to others you could take a look at their LinkedIn or other online profile. It will have a summary of what they do on their profile and also tell you who they’re connected to. If they are already connected it saves you time. If not, send their profile to your connections rather than preparing a detailed message. That can come later.
John now knows how quick and easily he can connect people. When I connect people I make it abundantly clear in one sentence why the two parties should connect, perhaps you can cut and paste from their profile? They can make their mind up without thinking they’re offending anyone. A word of caution. As joiners say “measure twice, cut once”. Think about the merit & value of a connection before you make it.
Wrap up: Email is not always the best way to connect people. Once connected, a short message allows people to work out if there is synergy or not together. LinkedIn, twitter and other online networks allow you to suggest connections and let the other parties decide.
Top Tip: If you do find people you thought had synergy are already connected still send them a message saying something like “I’m pleased you’re already connected as I thought you had synergy when I met Dave”. This shows both parties that you are thinking about them and may reveal an opportunity they might otherwise have missed.
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