9 Golden Rules for Connecting & Rejecting on Social Media [Episode 43]

Making a great first impression on social media is just as important as when connecting in person.

The way you initially reach out to someone can make the difference between them accepting you into their network, or pegging you as a creepy stalker.

And why is this important?

Well, if you’re using social media to grow your business, find a new job or other new opportunities, building the right networks is going to exponentially improve your chance of success.

Since I’ve been making a lot of new connections and getting strategic about managing them (listen to how I’m using my new CRM system here), I’ve been learning about what works and what doesn’t.

Here are my 9 golden rules for connecting with (and rejecting) people on social media:

1. Define your goals
2. Establish your boundaries
3. Pick your platform when connecting to others
4. Message someone first before you friend request them on Facebook
5. Do not machine gun potential LinkedIn connections
6. Personalise your LinkedIn connection messages
7. Connect within 24 hours after meeting someone
8. Send a polite rejection message
9. Listen in to find out rule #9! (Hint: it was inspired by George Siosi Samuels, host of the It Will Come show)

What are some of your golden rules? I’d love to hear your tips for connecting with people (and yes, rejecting too) on social media. Just leave a comment below or tweet me: @cjcanters

Other things I mention:

• Tool for finding anyone’s email address: Voila Norbert
• Thanks to ANZ Talk of the Town Toastmasters for awarding me best speaker! (Click here for video)
• Come to my free Elevator Pitch workshop on Tuesday Feb 2. Click here to register.