I had an awesome conversation with someone who had recently discovered me, and I had noticed that they had liked a fair chunk of my posts.

So I sent them a message and said hello.

No agenda.

Not trying to sell anything.

*JUST* genuinely wanting to connect with another human, who is in the same world as me.

That in turn leads to a call and now we will hang out out work together, all from having a genuine interest in getting to know the people who Like my work.

Now, Ive said this before – and this is the wrong way to network, or grow your online infuence:

1) add person as friend

2) Send ONE message (some done even send that) with a vague and cut/paste hello

3) pitch your fucking coaching programme

Mainly, because you look like a towering cock-womble…

Honestly, I know I can be accused of dumbing it down at times, but copy this = real connections and longer term relationships:

1) See someone you want to connect with? Add them as a friend

2) Wait for them to accept

3) When they have accepted – shoot them a PERSONAL message – have a read of their wall, what they like, and reference WHY you added them

4) Have NO agenda

5) Be a fucking human!

Equally, if that is a little too direct for you, try this:

1) Follow those people you wish to connect with

2) leave meaningful comments on their post, fairly regularly – but not SO often that you look like a stalker

3) Share their content, take them, reference WHY you shared it – again not often, ONLY if you actually rate what they have written

4) Interact on public message comments

5) Add as friend

6) Be a fucking human.

Honestly, does that sound that hard?

My friend Justin Devonshire taught me an amazing phrase that ‘Your Net Worth Is Your Network’

Do I have an amazing network?

I would say so.

Do I class these people as a means to an end, a $ sign, or someone I can get something from?

Do I fuck?

If that happens – great!

If not, don’t give a shit – the fact I have a meaningful connection means more to me than some short term gain. That and I actually like people!

So next time you add someone on FB – have some manners if they accept and at least shoot them a little message.

Trust me – this goes a long way 🙂