Motivation Monday - When a sales pitch follows a connection request…how do YOU react?

Summary

The speaker discusses common experiences on LinkedIn where new connections quickly pitch their services, a sales strategy that can be off-putting. Initially frustrated, they realized it's a numbers game for these sellers. The speaker suggests a shift in perspective: understanding it as a business tactic while choosing not to engage. They encourage focusing on one's goals and purpose, and maintaining a positive approach, even when faced with unsolicited sales pitches. The message is to lead with resilience and a clear vision, acknowledging that in business, one might also be perceived as a seller, even with the best intentions.

Takeaways

• 🤝 The script discusses the common occurrence of receiving connection requests on LinkedIn with the immediate follow-up of sales pitches.
• 🚀 The speaker initially had a strong negative reaction to these unsolicited sales attempts, feeling targeted and not wanting to be sold to.
• 🔄 The speaker suggests that one can simply remove such connections or delete messages as a way to handle unwanted sales pitches without getting too emotionally involved.
• 💡 There is an acknowledgment that this type of sales strategy, while not personally endorsed, is a numbers game where a small percentage of outreach might convert into business.
• 🤔 The script points out the potential risks of such an aggressive sales approach, including the possibility of being reported or blocked by annoyed recipients.
• 🧘‍♂️ The speaker reflects on the importance of focusing on one's own goals and not getting distracted by the actions of others, especially in a business context.
• 🤝 The script highlights the inevitability of being 'sold to' in various aspects of business and life, and the need to understand and accept this as part of networking and growth.
• 🎯 The speaker emphasizes the importance of maintaining focus on one's own purpose and goals, rather than getting sidetracked by unsolicited sales attempts.
• 💌 The script encourages a mindset shift where one can respond to unsolicited pitches with kindness and a simple disengagement, without holding onto negative energy.
• 💡 It is suggested that even when building rapport and genuinely developing connections, others may still react negatively due to their own belief systems and preconceptions.
• 🌟 The speaker concludes by emphasizing the importance of self-reflection and leadership from within, challenging one's belief systems and reactions to become a stronger and more resilient leader.

Q & A

What is the common experience described by the speaker on LinkedIn?

The speaker describes receiving unsolicited connection requests on LinkedIn, followed by immediate messages offering to improve one's business strategies or sales, often accompanied by a Calendly link to book an appointment.

How did the speaker initially react to these unsolicited messages?

Initially, the speaker felt annoyed and questioned the senders' motives, not wanting to be a target for sales pitches. They considered removing the senders as connections or deleting the messages.

What realization helped the speaker to change their perspective on these messages?

The speaker realized that this is a common sales strategy and that while they may not agree with it, they understand that businesses are playing a numbers game, hoping for a small percentage of positive responses.

Why does the speaker suggest not getting too energized about unsolicited sales messages?

The speaker suggests not getting energized because it's a part of the business world, and focusing on it can distract from one's own goals. They also note that it's easy to remove or ignore such messages if they are not of interest.

What is the speaker's view on the potential risks of such sales strategies?

The speaker acknowledges that if too many people get annoyed by these strategies, they might report or block the sender, which could impact the sender's ability to use the platform effectively.

How does the speaker relate their own experience to the broader context of business and networking?

The speaker relates their experience by pointing out that everyone in business, including themselves, engages in some form of promotion or sales. They mention their own practice of talking about their college and its programs as an example.

What advice does the speaker give for handling unsolicited sales messages?

The speaker advises responding with a wish for the best for the sender, acknowledging that one is not interested, and then removing the connection or deleting the message without investing emotional energy into it.

What is the speaker's approach to focusing on one's goals amidst such distractions?

The speaker suggests focusing massively on one's purpose and goals, and not allowing distractions to divert attention from what is truly important.

Why does the speaker emphasize the importance of self-reflection in leadership?

The speaker emphasizes self-reflection as it is a critical part of leadership, influencing how one shows up and engages with others. It helps in managing perceptions and reactions to various situations.

What does the speaker suggest as a way to challenge one's belief systems?

The speaker suggests challenging one's belief systems by considering how one might shift reactions not only to digital interactions but also to life events, aiming to become better, stronger, and more resilient leaders.

How does the speaker view the interaction on LinkedIn in the context of the discussion?

The speaker views LinkedIn as a platform where these interactions occur and uses it as an example to discuss the broader topic of belief systems and reactions to unsolicited business approaches.

What is the underlying message the speaker is conveying about handling unsolicited business interactions?

The underlying message is to maintain a balanced perspective, understand the nature of business strategies, and not let such interactions detract from one's own objectives and growth as a leader.