It was a Monday morning, and I had just returned from an amazing personal retreat in Florida. I was determined to keep my good vibes going, but instead I had received multiple offers in my LinkedIn inbox. I had been royally spammed.

Instead of getting annoyed, I decided to use it as a teaching moment and enlighten the spammers. I created a LinkedIn post, which then engaged others in a discussion of their experiences. I definitely hit a hot button among other LinkedIn users.

Here is what I wrote:

You know what LinkedIn behavior I really dislike? When I receive a request to connect message that reads “I saw your post and I think your content is really helpful and engaging.”

I check their profile to see if we’re in alignment and it appears we are UNTIL I get spammed with messages of something they want to sell me. You know who you are, and I have some advice for you.

1) Provide free content that is helpful for the community.

2) Follow & engage with others by providing meaningful content on their posts.

3) Post your freebie as a LinkedIn-wide post.

4) Ask yourself before sending a PM about your workshop — “Have I built a relationship with this person?”

5) Then and only then…send a PM

I guarantee you will close more sales and make more $.

So, I’d like to share an insight and four ideas that will prevent you from spamming your business and alienating potential clients.

Insight: You can and should build a thriving, sustainable business without being salesy, spammy, or inauthentic to who you are at your core.

Idea #1: Identify your own personal core values.

Your business activity must align with your personal core values. The first step in identifying how you will work, who you will work with, and how you will go to market is to establish the core values upon which you will operate.  

If the activity you are engaging in or the client you are trying to land falls outside of your core values, you should not pursue it. If you do, you are out of alignment with who you are, and it becomes a drain on your authenticity, life, and business.

In the “More to Grow On” section of my newsletter, I have provided an easy worksheet to identify your core values if you haven’t already.

Idea #2: Operate within your Zone of Genius. 

Admittedly, I am stealing this from Gay Hendricks’ The Big Leap, but it is so valuable I must share it with you. I’ve even provided a link to the book in the “More to Grow On” section so hopefully he gains more book sales.

Identify what is your genius and how you can bring it forth in ways that serve others and yourself at the same time. This is a game-changer for reaching high productivity and life satisfaction. Ask and ponder these statements.

I’m at my best when I’m ___________ .

Then go deeper: When I’m at my best, the exact thing I’m doing is ____________.

Then get detailed: When I’m doing that, the thing I love most about it is __________. 

As a side note, when you narrow down your zone of genius, you then narrow down your offer, which helps you to narrow down your target market. Remember the riches are in the niches.

Idea #3: Connect with others authentically.

For goodness sake, just be yourself. When you’re out connecting in person or on social media, JUST BE YOU. Don’t worry about impressing others, gaining business, or gathering leads.

Pay attention to who is in front of you. Ask them “get to know you” questions, rather than telling them about your business. Just share yourself authentically and notice how potential clients are attracted to you.

When you operate this way everything else is easier. It is the difference between striving to gain or allowing to come forth.

If you feel a good connection, and they seem to align with your values, then offer to link up or exchange business cards.  Send a quick note like “It was great to connect with you. I especially enjoyed…………. If you ever find yourself in need of (your zone of genius) then please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Idea #4: Provide value and give it freely.

Ask yourself: What value can I provide to others that is within my zone of genius? Do it all the time. Look for opportunities to give people a taste of what it would be like to work with you while you are posting on social media, walking with a friend, having coffee with a colleague, talking with a client, meeting someone new at an event, or wherever it may be. 

Essentially, highlight yourself as an authentic representation of yourself and as an expert in your particular offering. Following these ideas builds your relationship with others and your connection to potential clients. Then, people will happily support you and your business.