So you sign into your LinkedIn account – and viola! – your inbox gets flooded with all these annoying automated and unwanted spam messages. But then you also do the same thing with your business and spam everyone. It’s a vicious cycle! (And you’re wondering why no one has ever gotten back to you.)
In today’s conversation, Erik Cabral chats with Ben Albert, owner of Balbert Marketing and curator of the Real Business Connections Network, about connecting and building relationships – in strategic ways. Fun fact: Ben and Erik actually met on LinkedIn. They were outside of each other’s circle. But how did the magic happen? Let’s find out!
Here are some power takeaways from today’s conversation:
Episode Highlights:
Human-to-Human Experience vs. Transactional Automated Experience
There's nothing wrong with automating a lot of processes. But we get so much automation going on right now that we lose a bit of our humanity. That being said, this sets an opportunity for those people who are willing to take the time to craft a unique, more personal message because they truly want to connect. Therefore, treat relationships like a human-to-human experience, and not as a transactional automated experience.
The Concept of More Equals More
The concept of more equals more does make sense in certain areas. However, it doesn't work if It doesn't convert. The more you do cold calls or cold emails, the more you’re taking humanity out of it. It’s then much better to connect with fewer people with whom you know you’re going to get real conversations.
Tips for Building Relationships and Creating Connections
Whether you’re launching a podcast, a course, or whatever it is you offer, reach out to people you're similar with. Edify them, make them feel really good about themselves, and bring them on board as a partner. Don't ask for anything that's going to cost them money. If anything, you're asking for their time. And so, over-deliver in the time spent and the product you create for them and their audience.
In terms of becoming a podcast guest, be sure that before you reach out to the host, you’ve already done your research. Listen to an episode and pull out at least three takeaways you got from it. That way, you’re letting the host know that you listened to them, you care about them, and you appreciate them. Then ask for a recommendation and listen to it. Then tell them you’d love to offer to be on their show if they think you’re a good fit.
How to Create Valuable Content
Find your sweet spot and what's best for you. For instance, pull out a quote from the podcast and turn it into an image with a synopsis and a link for the long-form conversation. Others create reels. Use that image to attract people into the long form. Many times, too, the image itself creates the aha moment for the people reading it.
Resources Mentioned:
www.balbertmarketing.com/alllinks
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/balbertmarketing
Book mentions:
The Go-Giver by Bob Burg
Atomic Habits by James Clear
