But really this is a pet peeve of mine.

Why on earth do people insist on using online networks as SPAM vehicles? It’s such a waste of a (potentially) powerful interactive tool.

It happened today again, and it was just about the time where I was thinking about writing anyway, so here we are.

I don’t know about you, but I get this a couple of times a week. There is an Edinburgh-based business (I won’t name names yet) that runs networking events in the city. I am connected to the MD on LinkedIn.

Now pop-quiz:

Hands up who think that your online networks should be treated with the same respect as your offline one?
Hands up who thinks your online networks are there to be an cheap sales platform?

(I’m not normally subtle – the first answer is correct)

So this morning I, yet again, get a message from LinkedIN. MD-man has sent me an invitation to an event. Again. This happens every month.  Multiple times. And you know what? I’m actually to the point where I am going to block him from my network. I mean, what’s the point? He doesn’t think “gee Jordan’s business might really benefit from this event. He hasn’t been in a while, so I’m going to get in touch with him and see if he’d like to come”. No, instead I’m pretty sure his thought process is “right we have an event coming up and I need to sell my tickets, let me go into my handy online community and send it to everyone. It’s easy and free and it’s the law of numbers, right?’.

Well you know what? He’s right. It is the law of numbers and I’m sure he’ll get his attendance.

But he’s lost me. Absolutely. He’s lost me for good. He’s lost any referrals, any relationship, and business, he might have received from me.

And I’m probably not the only one.

Your online community is no different from your offline one. You build relationships and you build trust. If all you’re going to do is SPAM me with sales messages, you’ll see how quickly I get rid of you – and you’ll lose me for good.

It’s not that hard. Treat your online community with the respect they deserve. That is the surest way to building a mutually beneficial (and profitable) relationship.

(And stop sending me all those fucking LinkedIn invites please)

- j

For those who haven’t:

Initial thoughts: not effective way to change minds and convince people. Also not hugely impressed by their rationale.

On the other hands – props for starting with the kids!

- Jordan