Think before Linked

Posted on 07. Nov, 2008 by nate in News

I find it interesting that so many people just spout off anything onto the message board on linkedin and other social networking sites. Think about it. What you put out there is a full reflection of who you are.

So many people are constantly lowering their own quality and capacity to network by being selfish in their comments.

Here is what I am talking about… most discussions that are started are self serving. Most of us are busy and we skim through questions if we do at all. If someone puts a question out on the discussion board that is not immediately appealing, thought provoking, and appealing, most will just pass it over.

For example, I asked this question today:

If you were having lunch with a person that had the power to fund your business, what are the top three questions you would ask?

I posted this question at 2:30pm today on various applicable message boards and it is 6:41 right now the same day. I have had exactly 49 responses that are thoughtful, thought provoking and are adding value to the groups that answered.

Now most of you may think, big wow, 49 responses isn’t much of anything. But what you don’t see is the quality of the network that is built from it. I now have networked with three major owners of Venture Capital firms (one of my initial goals) because of this question alone. In fact one of them requested to sit on my Board of Advisors… all this happened today from asking a good question… in a little over four hours.

Learn the power of thoughtfulness and put some thought into the comments and questions you make before you make them. Ask yourself these questions before pushing the “send” button:

1. Does this comment or question portray me the way I want to be seen?

2. Does this comment or question add value to other people if answered thoughtfully?

3. Does this comment or question help me reach an end goal…however indirect it may be?

4. Am I placing this question or comment in a place that will be interested in the topic?

5. Am I helping the individuals in this group grow from this question?

I hope this helps.

6 Responses to “Think before Linked”

pete

08. Nov, 2008

Great point Nate. Seriously, once someone grasps this simple but powerful approach, it opens sooooo many doors. Thanks for sharing.
Michael G A Brown

27. Nov, 2008

Yes Nate, I agree, I have found your suggestion
very useful. It is important to look at things
from other people’s point of view. It is one of Jay Abraham’s
principles. It is so easy to be self serving, So
I do agree with you that we should think
carefully before posting things.
Best Wishes
Michael
Andrew

21. Dec, 2009

Hi Nate thanks for reminding me of the power of the internet and it is so often used frivolously. A friend of mine is starting an online business and apparently one of the major causes of online business’s failing is not being able to cope with the volume of sales coming in . The net is World wide 24/7 and that’s a huge audience…
Peter

08. Jan, 2010

Great point Nate. I don’t know Andrew but do you mean cope with excess jobs or not enough jobs? If it is excess jobs then please let me know how to get to that point LOL. I can use all the business I can get right now. Nate, could you post the top three things that came from your question please?
mike

12. Jan, 2010

Your note should be posted on all linked in websites – the number of groups I belong to shrinking fast due to useless commentary. i.e. what does a US baseball score have to do with a biotech network? If people just want to be noticed that is why facebook, bebo, myspace exist.

Does the comment add value – will the other party grow – very key thougths to whether you should start or add a note
Lynne Jarman-Johnson

22. Jan, 2010

Nate,
Your #5 is my #1 – Am I helping the individuals in the group grow? I like to ask whether my posts and /or comments help the person I am reaching out to. Or, am I posting just to see myself post ?

I receive quite a bit of discussion back and forth – and the quality discussions with value become flagged for a potential radio interview. It’s been a wonderful way to find great content and insightful guests.

Thank you for this discussion. It’s much easier to post before thinking of why you are engaging in the first place. I also think (as mike) this should be a post on many many sites!

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