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Inside the Issue:

✍️ Cold-pitching? There's a better way.

☕ Fill Your Cup: Chacuterie Anyone?

Hey there, Reader,

Welcome:)

I'm a content strategist & writer, but before that, I worked for 15 years in the corporate world as a digital marketer.

This week, I finalized the dates for a digital marketing course I'm co-teaching in June 🤓

All the assets and deliverables have been handed over to a female founder for her LinkedIn profile page and strategy. (I can't wait to see it live!)

Oh, and it's about the warmest week so far in Ohio - high 60s! Yep, my kids are wearing shorts to school 😁

What are you up to?

✍️ Cold-pitching? There's a Better Way.

A couple of weeks ago, I met with Frank Rekas, and we had a great conversation about LinkedIn.

I firmly believe it's THE platform to broaden your network and build your business.

It's where I met Frank, and 100% of my business has directly or indirectly resulted from LinkedIn connections.

Building relationships on LinkedIn has allowed me to continue freelancing and not go back to a 9-5 for the last couple of years.

But what's the secret?

How have I done it?

It really hasn't been the result of cold-pitching (although you can do that).

But what I've found instead is it's easier to focus on...

Warm outreach.

What's warm outreach?

Warm outreach is when you've earned the opportunity to talk about your services because the person is already familiar with you.

You've invested time into the relationship - learning more about them, doing what you can to help, and genuinely wanting to work with them because the biz chemistry is right.

From my experience, warm outreach looks like the following...

#1. Proactively leaving insightful comments on posts

Even if you aren't posting on your profile, you can make an impact with comments...

Insightful comments.

These are comments where you're scattering value and adding to the conversation in a meaningful way.

☝️I'm almost 100% sure that's the comment that got me noticed for the first time by a client I'm working with today on her LinkedIn content.

You don't have to write a book, but you do have to go beyond "Great post" or "Love it!" to prompt further engagement.

And engagement is what you're trying to encourage.

If you want someone to be comfortable reaching out to you, you need to comment on their posts several times so you become a recognizable name and face.

#2. Sending a connection request (and thanking them when accepted)

Say you've commented several times on their posts.

If the person is someone you want to see show up in your feed, send a connection request.

And personalize the request if you can.

I know you can be limited in the number of requests you send (5/month) and by character count (200 characters), but reserve personalized requests for the individuals you want to work with.

It could go something like this...

"Erin, I've really enjoyed commenting on your posts lately. You have great insights about fostering a leadership mindset. It would be nice to connect officially. I look forward to chatting more."

Then, if Erin responds, take a moment to send a message and thank them for accepting the request. (It's the small gesture that means a lot.)

#3. Initiating a conversation in the DMs, trying to get to know them

Here's the part where I think many of us can get awkward.

You're not alone.

But there's a way to make it less awkward...

Ask questions NOT related to business.

For example, while writing this newsletter, I was talking to another female executive coach in the DMs.

She left the nicest compliment on one of my posts.

So in return, I sent her a voice message through the DMs thanking her.

That comment morphed into talking about...

Her time on Wall Street (yes, I was impressed!)
Living in Paris & London (both on my bucket list to visit)
And talking about how LinkedIn can be an easier way to talk to others when you're not a big fan of networking events

Now, I feel like I know her better, and I'm excited to support her.

The Takeaway

Cold-pitching isn't the only way to grow your business.

In fact, if you're actively building your personal brand and connecting with others on LinkedIn, warm outreach is the better way to go.

Comment intentionally
Proactively send connection requests
And spend as much time in the DMs as possible

☕ Fill Your Cup: Charcuterie Anyone?

Ok, so maybe there is ONE reason you should walk away from LinkedIn…

THIS charcuterie board 😋

Lol, just kidding.

But isn't it gorgeous? Almost too good to pick apart! (I just had to get a pic.)

In all seriousness, I ❤️ LinkedIn, but…

There's also nothing like getting dressed up, feeling the nerves of meeting new people (yes, it's uncomfortable, but it's good for me personally), and attending a networking event.

I almost didn't go to the unveiling of this new co-working space last week, but I'm glad I did.

I saw a few familiar faces and had a wonderful conversation with a new female entrepreneur I didn't know in my community.

She works 9-5 for a global company and has her esthetician business on the side.

And it was refreshing to get real.

We talked about…

Being moms and trying to make our dreams come true.
The reality of making enough to feel like it's worth it.
Taking the leap to outsource before feeling ready.
Overthinking what the next right thing to do is...ALWAYS!

So many things and not enough time.

In my opinion, these unexpected conversations are the gems of getting out, meeting others, and watching real expressions in the face of the person opposite you.

Yes, seeing this charcuterie board was cool. (I'm pretty sure it was the biggest one I've ever seen.)

But the people…

The face-to-face conversations…

Made the experience one I'm still thinking about a week later ❤️

Are you good at pushing yourself to get out and meet people in real life?

(I still find myself needing and extra nudge. Having other local solopreneur friends helps!)

What's going on in your world? Respond and let me know.

Talk soon,

How I Can Help You:

Follow me on LinkedIn if you aren't already so you can get daily posts! I love to engage there:)

If you're a founder or CEO looking to expand your LinkedIn profile and presence, I'm here for you!

I have 3 Tiers of LinkedIn Package Options:

45 min. consult meeting w/ customized DIY checklist
Full LinkedIn profile page optimization w/ content strategy
Profile page, content strategy, and 12 posts/month for 3 months

Reply now, and let's chat.