Leverage this 3-part strategy BEFORE you give Unsolicited Advice.
Recently, I received a LinkedIn invitation from a business owner who answered my vetting message by telling me:
"I was going through your business website. And I think there are some changes you need to make in design and functionality." Then he proceeded to give me 4 main problems he saw on my website and provided solutions to those problems.
While I appreciate the fact that he was willing to review my site and give suggestion on problems he believe I had; he made ONE HUGE MISTAKE.
He gave unsolicited advice.
Not once did I approach him to share that I was looking for help. As a matter of fact, my vetting question asked "what prompted you to invite me into your LinkedIn network and what value do you do you believe can be created as a result of our connection"
If he would have responded that the reason for his outreach was to establish a professional relationship and share some feedback on a few gaps that he thought I had pertaining to my website, I may have accepted his invitation. Instead, I thanked him for his unsolicited assessment and declined his invitation gracefully.
Why you may ask?
Because he violated a pet peeve that he didn't know I had and it cost him a connection.
You may say, "you should give him a pass, he was only attempting to help you". And my response would be, you never get a second chance to make a first impression.
Thus, the reason why I'm sharing this message. So that people are aware of a pet peeve that many people have - receiving unsolicited advice. Below you will find a 3-part strategy to leverage BEFORE you decide to give Unsolicited Advice.
Leverage this 3-part strategy BEFORE you give Unsolicited Advice.
It could save you the embarrassment of losing a valuable connection.
Whenever you tell someone what they “need to do” without their permission or request, you are giving unsolicited advice. Doing this shows that you have a gap in your Communication Skills and will do more harm than good.
If you see that a person has a GAP that you can fill with your expertise, start by establishing a professional connection.
Follow this 3 part strategy to position yourself as a valuable resource without turning people off.
First, get to know the person by building rapport.
Second, as you strengthen the connection ask one of these questions to position yourself to give your advice:
“Are You Open To Feedback?”
“If I saw something that could be hindering your business, would you be open to receiving advice on how to fix it?”
“Are you currently struggling with (Challenge You Can Fix)?” If they say yes, then say “Do you mind if I offer you a solution?”
Finally, if the person says “No” to either question, give them space. But if they say “Yes”, bless them with your knowledge. Leveraging the above strategy will show the other person that you care and respect them. It will also position you as an expert and can potentially land you a new client.
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About The Collaboration Creates Currency Movement
The Collaboration Creates Currency Movement is built upon the best-selling book "Collaboration Creates Currency: The Blueprint for Visibility, Credibility, and Profitability".
Through Coaching, Events, Keynote & Workshop Presentations, The Collaboration Creates Currency Movement empowers Business & Community Leaders to Cultivate Connections & Credibility in the Marketplace so as to increase Influence, Impact & Income.
To learn more about The Collaboration Creates Currency Movement, follow the page on LinkedIn or visit thecollaborationcreatescurrencymovement.com
About Rob "YB" Youngblood
As Founder of The Collaboration Creates Currency Movement, Rob “YB” Youngblood supports the personal, professional and business development efforts of authors, entrepreneurs, and speakers who want to enhance connections, credibility, and currency.
YB is on a mission to eradicate mental & relationship poverty by empowering people to build wealth through leveraging their God-given gift.
He is a 2x Author, Award Winning Speaker, Visionary Business Coach, Chamber of Commerce Connector and LinkedIn Top Business Networking Voice. In many circles, he is known as The LinkedIn Locksmith because of his ability to unlock the power of LinkedIn for his clients who want to increase their influence, impact, and income while leveraging the platform as a public relations tool that allows them to attract speaking opportunities, sell more books and change lives. Since 2016, he has coached over 1000 professionals to leverage LinkedIn to create currency through collaboration.
YB conducts keynote speeches and workshop presentations for Alumni Networks, Chambers of Commerce, and Industry Associations. Organizations such as the Chesterfield Chamber of Commerce, Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance, Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce and the National African American Insurance Association have invited YB to empower, inspire and impact their members.
YB is a proud husband, father of two teenage daughters, an active member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc, and a graduate of the greatest HBCU in the nation - Virginia Union University.
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