I have to confess this is my all time pet peeve! I am so tired of getting impersonal invites to friend connect on Facebook or the generic invite on LinkedIN "I'd like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn." I'll tackle LinkedIn in next week's article, this is about Facebook.
Remember this isn't about collecting names as friends or connections. It is about building relationships. At the rock bottom minimum you must (please, please, please) make your invite personal. Let the recipient know why you want to connect and how you found them. This isn't difficult, take a look at some easy FB connect reasons here:
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I've been following your blog and love what you share.
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You show up everywhere and I love your wisdom.
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We share X# of friends so I want to friend you.
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I am impressed by your profile and what you are working on, like to friend.
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You've got a great smile, I want to friend you. (weak but complimentary)
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Not sure you'll remember me but we both attended Name of School.
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We attended an event (name the event) and I wanted to friend you here.
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Great to see you here, so enjoyed your recent teleseminar/webinar/speaking event.
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Oh and you must have an avatar to make recognition easy. That is a current headshot, not one that is 30 pounds lighter, 10 years younger and with a different color hair! It is tough enough to remember those people I see often let alone recognize someone from an event or years ago without honesty in imagery. I had this reinforced again at a recent TweetUP at High Point Market. There were 2-3 Tweeps that I totally didn't recognize and they confessed that they'd put on a bit of weight. Get over yourself, get on with integrity. This isn't a body shot, just a headshot.
With a proper headshot, close up smiling, no pets, no kids, no interiors, just you and a warm invitation that is personal, I am thrilled to add you to my friend circle and share you with anyone there. While you can friend anyone you like, not everyone will friend you back, having a recommendation can help. I'm here to make your Facebook experience better, just ask me anything you want about it and I'll answer or tell you who can!
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