Don’t call me. I’ll call you.
Maybe.
I have ALWAYS told solicitors “If I want or need what you’ve got, I will call you.”
I mean, if I need siding, an extended car warranty (the WORST), the “greatest skincare product EVA”, or anything else, I can assure you I am not just going to sit at home hoping I get a phone call, email, or the newest annoyance, a copied and pasted note via FB Messenger.
I absolutely, beyond a shadow of a doubt, support small business. I mean, have you met me?? (If we have not met, and you just stumbled upon my blog, welcome! LOL That would be a rhetorical question, because I have a nonprofit devoted to supporting small business.)
So, I understand and appreciate the hustle. I am just not a fan of the methods some of these folks are using.
I am totally fine with you sending me a request to connect, especially if we share friends, and have something in common. I will almost always accept. However, if, within minutes of connecting, you send me a very obviously copied and pasted template message telling me how great your product(s) is/are and asking me to buy “before they disappear!!” it all but guarantees I am not going to purchase. This is especially true if you start the message with “Hey there, Mary”! That just means I am about to immediately undo that recent connection we made. 😉
Don’t get me wrong. If, after connecting and interacting a bit, if I have a FB page I think might be of interest to you, I will most certainly invite you to like it. However, I DO take time to consider if it is relevant or something you might enjoy.
However, that is something that you can choose to ignore if you like, without feeling a need to address it somehow. I assure you I will never come back and ask you why you didn’t immediately “like” it.
Business, and especially small business, is about relationship building. It is about wanting to be a resource, not a sales pitch.
If and when I need a product or service you provide, I WILL come to you. And, if I am pleased with the service/product, I WILL refer you whenever appropriate.
I love making new friends and connections. I love being a resource and a supporter for those who I meet that make a positive impact or impression on me.
If it is meant to be it will happen organically.
So, if it involves a sales pitch, don’t call me. I’ll call you.
(But I probably won’t.)