If you’re someone who frequents the “Answers” area of LinkedIn or participates in any LinkedIn group, maybe you’ve noticed some rather bizarre behavior. This behavior surprisingly comes from those who are, presumably, on LinkedIn to:
- Prospect for new business leads.
- Demonstrate their expertise.
It seems that some individuals spending time on LinkedIn for the purpose of generating new business are shooting themselves in the foot in the process. Is it just the younger marketers? Surprisingly, it’s not them at all. It seems to be mostly those marketers who should know better . . .
“I’m Cranky” — Don’t You Want to Do Business with Me?
One comment posted by a marketer on LinkedIn noted she was “cranky.” This was in a Question-and-Answer area. She didn’t mention a particular challenge had made her cranky or a particular client situation had made her cranky. She just flat out stated, “I’m just cranky . . .” — as, evidently, a key part of her personality that we should all know about.
Let’s see. How many clients are going to rush to work with someone who’s cranky? (Yes, we all get cranky now and then — but do we mention it to potential and current clients on LinkedIn??? Is that part of our opening pitch to potential clients — “hey, just thought you should know, I’m cranky . . .”?)
“I Was Bored with a Client So I Got Rid of Them”
Nothing attracts new clients like a consultant who brags about firing other clients. In this particular post, there was no story about why the client was fired, that maybe others could learn from. No, it was just a “here’s a glimpse into how I do business” statement as part of a LinkedIn post. Yikes.
It’s true that not every day working with every client may be action-packed. But if you’re a creative marketer, you should be enjoying the work most of the time. If you’re ever bored with a client, maybe it’s because you haven’t suggested any interesting strategies for your client to pursue! (And if you’re doing a good job for a client, who actually has the time to be bored?)
“I’m So Tired of These Youngsters that (fill in the blank)”
The Baby Boomers ruled marketing for a good part of the 1980s and 1990s. Then the Internet came about — and suddenly, Gen Xers, followed by Millennials were the marketers who “understood” how to market online. Understandably, Boomer marketers bristled — and are still bristling — at the implication that marketing experience isn’t enough to be good at these new online tactics.
But do Boomers have to continue to whine about “this new generation” of marketers? How many LinkedIn Answers and Group posts include this type of whining that clearly makes the whiner sound like he/she is about 100 years old:
” I have heard idiots breathlessly announce that everything’s changed for one reason or another” ”Why do these youngsters think they can . . .” “Why is it that entry-level marketers . . .”
Enough already. There is tremendous value in deep experience built over decades. But every company wants to work with smart, vibrant, “we know how to maximize your marketing dollar” marketing whizzes — who can also incorporate the latest marketing vehicles into an overall strategic marketing plan.
And it’s true that marketers of every age can be experts in any area of marketing that we choose to focus on.
So how about demonstrating your expertise — rather than merely showing your age?
LinkedIn can be a great social media marketing vehicle to demonstrate your expertise, make contacts, and build relationships. But as you would when you meet prospects face-to-face, lead with your best foot forward. Cranky, Bored, Showing-Your-Age marketers need not apply.
Have you seen any other types of inappropriate posts we should add to this list?
Karen,
Just read you post, and frankly I’m very taken aback.
You use broad brush characterizations to deride “baby boomers”, attempting to point out their foibles while you display your own bias and prejudice. You use terms like cranky, whining, and ask, “So how about demonstrating your expertise — rather than merely showing your age?”
You’ve heard the old adage, The pot calling the kettle black?
I don’t know which demographic you fit, but your post shows an intolerant unhelpful and uncharitable attitude which frankly smacks of snobbishness and a perception of superiority.
Sorry but there it is and I wonder if any one else would be honest enough to post their unscripted reaction.
Meryl Burke
Sorry Meryl, if you were offended by the post. The point was to suggest that a best practice when using LinkedIn (or any social media site, online forum, etc.) is to only post things that are fine to be read by potential clients, existing customers — and potential employers. Do you agree that a best practice BEFORE YOU CLICK “POST” should be to ask yourself, “Am I fine with potential clients, existing customers, and potential employers reading this?”