Do you remember when instant messaging became popular in the early 90’s? You know…when AOL and Yahoo Messenger were the fun and exciting places to connect? Don’t forget the chat rooms, there probably weren’t any business discussions happening there though.
Well, technology has certainly evolved since the AOL and chat room days, and it’s now more common to use direct messaging for business, some might say.
Today, let’s take a visit to the DMs and see what networking is really like down there and how it could impact your business.
Anyway, I got a DM, but you probably already figured out it had something to do with that. And you’re right.
This DM was on LinkedIn:
Firstly, it was so impersonal, I guess I was lucky enough to get a “Hey”.
Secondly, what’s going on with the excessive use of emojis? I’m a fan of emojis, but not in this context. Can I say red flag? 
Thirdly, I am on LinkedIn. Why am I getting DM’s about Instagram on LinkedIn?
I understand that DMs can be a more convenient way of communicating, but the question is, is it the most effective way?
The thing is, it wouldn’t hurt if they got to learn something about you to personalize the pitch, like scrolling through my LinkedIn page or website ahead of time.
Instead, it’s a canned message that comes off very salesy and unprofessional, which is an instant turn-off for me.
I don’t send unsolicited DMs, and that’s why I don’t like receiving them.
For the type of business that I’m in, I do better with relationship marketing, which means connecting with someone face to face in real life or video conferencing. I’m in the business of cultivation long term relationships, and for that to happen there needs to be a foundation of trust.
Depending on your business model, direct messaging can be a great way to reach out to potential clients if done properly. However, it may not be the most effective way to follow-up for these reasons:
1. Difficult to Track
This is one of the reasons why my preferred way of communication is by email, because it’s hard to keep up with important information through text messaging or DMs.
2. Potential Spamming
DMs are highly associated with being spam. Potential clients can easily get annoyed because your message can come across as spammy.
3. Cold, Impersonal Approach
This is the opposite of relationship marketing. It’s difficult to create genuine relationships this way.
So, when you receive an unsolicited message in your DMs, here’s what you can do:
1. Ignore It
It’s okay to do that. You’re not obligated to respond to every message.
2. Be Professional
If you choose to answer, be respectful with your response as it could negatively impact your personal brand.
3. Update your Privacy Settings
Here, you can control who can send you messages and connection requests.
Here’s the bottom line:
We live in a fast paced world of networking and technology. If we must send DM’s to reach out to potential clients, a little personalization goes a long way.
How do you feel about sending DMs offering your services if it’s not requested?
Chuckle of the day! 😂
DMs are like Forrest Gump’s box of chocolates: you never know what you’re gonna get, but it’s usually spam.
Shamayne Brown is a virtual assistant and the founder of Camp Virtual Assistance.
She works with solo professionals and small business owners who are ready to invest in their business and need the support that she offers.
She specializes in creating email newsletters as well as other admin and creative design tasks.
Click here to connect on LinkedIn.
Click here to set up a discovery call.
