5 Mistakes to Avoid on LinkedIn

LinkedIn needs to be part of your sales training and strategy.

It’s the world’s biggest B2B platform that’s continued to grow, even in lockdown. With the introduction of the Clubhouse App, which is causing excitement and discussion worldwide, it’s harder than ever to stand out.

Most people haven’t been trained properly or regularly in sales, which is why most people can’t sell.

LinkedIn is no different. Most people haven’t invested in a LinkedIn trainer and are not generating the results they’re capable of.

Here’s 5 mistakes to avoid on LinkedIn.

1. Don’t sell as soon as you connect

This is the biggest mistake people make. You lose credibility. If you keep spamming people with pointless messages, you can get blocked. Sales is relationships first and selling second. Give as much value as you can. Like and comment on your prospect’s post before connecting, they will appreciate you.

2. Sending a generic invite

It’s harder than ever to stand out in a busy world. Sending a generic invite requires no thought or effort. Sending a personalised invite shows you’ve taken the time to look at their profile or read their content. When you send a personal invite, I always reply. If you say you want to connect “to explore working together or synergy” people often don’t accept your invite. It’s not about you, it’s how you can help people.

3. Don’t ask somebody what they do

Do your homework. See what you have in common. If there’s not much on a prospect’s profile on LinkedIn, go to their websites. Read news, blogs and case studies. When you inform a prospect you read an article on their site or comment on a post, you stand out from 99% of people who don’t.

4. Don’t have a blank header

The headline banner is the rectangular headline banner behind your profile picture. If it’s blank, it’s a missed opportunity. Tell people how you help them. It shouldn’t have your logo plastered across it. Logos mean nothing until you’re Apple or a billion pound company. Also, have a way for people to contact you on your header.

5. Not posting content

This holds many people back. What will people think of me? What do I say? Should I keep it all business? People are not judging you as much as you’re judging yourself, so don’t worry about that. Talk about your challenges and how you’ve overcome them. Enter the conversation in your client’s head.  80% business and 20% personal works well. People buy people. Nobody invests in my business, Everybody Works In Sales, for sales coaching. They hire me, the human being, who shares valuable content and has written books that people get results from.

BONUS  - Post Regularly

1 day a week or once in a while never builds momentum. Start posting twice a week, then three times a week and keep building to 5 times a week. It can take 6-8 months of posting before you start getting incoming enquiries. Business is a marathon, not a sprint.

About the author

Niraj is a trusted sales coach, LinkedIn trainer and author of the Amazon bestsellers, Everybody Works in Sales and The Easy Guide to Sales for Business Owners.

He helps you with overcoming objections, mindset, prospecting, LinkedIn and hitting your target.

Contact him today through Professional Academy or LinkedIn to get results for your business.