Any experience with approaching people on social networks - Linkedin

[awesom-o]

Has anyone had any experience (positive/negative) approaching people on Linkedin or other social networks?
I'm currently trying to approach procurement departments at some large companies - their corporate websites are often unclear as to where is best to send proposals through. I've been able to find a few employees in the procurement departments on Linkedin I'm sure to if its acceptable to send a short message through or not? I don't want to come across as 'stalky'

Any opinions?

 

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[drewjones]

If it is a legitimate thing, go for it. I get alot of messages from different people all the time on linkedin.

 

[The-J]

Yep. I've had both negative and positive responses.

It's a mixed bag. Some people will be happy that you approached them, others will report you for spam (which is dangerous, by the way). The key, I've found, is to be conversational. Thing is, you lose a lot via text, so your goal is to get a phone number and a good time to call.

I love LinkedIn. Without it, I would have to do so much more work. Anybody in B2B who doesn't already have connections in the field needs to be on LinkedIn.

 

[awesom-o]

Thanks for your inputs. Think I will send a couple of inmails and see what happens! Just going to keep it short, sweet and to the point.
I've been having a more in-depth look at Linkedin this weekend and until now I've never really realised the power of it! Especially for b2b sales there are often entire groups dedicated to your niche with employees high on the food chain (decision makers ) opted in.

 

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[The-J]

Don't use InMail. Just send direct messages.

 

[awesom-o]

If I'm not in their network didn't think you can send DM?

 

[The-J]

If I'm not in their network didn't think you can send DM?

Get in their network.

 

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