Can you 'Tinder' your Linkedin Sales Efforts?

Hey there! Connecting with someone on Tinder is like swiping right and hoping for a match. It's like playing a game of chance with your heart on the line. But when you do get that match, it's like hitting the jackpot! Your next move? Don't mess it up! Come up with a witty opener and get that date scheduled ASAP!

On the other hand, connecting with someone on LinkedIn is like networking on steroids. You're not just looking for a date, you're looking for a professional connection. You need to come up with a thoughtful and engaging introduction that showcases your skills and expertise. Get that connection accepted and schedule that discovery call!

How to woo your matches with some killer questions on Tinder and what do you send on Linkedin?

First things first, in both cases, you gotta start with a good opener. Don't just send a generic "hey," that's boring and won't get you very far. Instead, ask an open-ended question that shows you're interested in getting to know them. Maybe something like, "What's the craziest adventure you've ever been on?" or "If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?" could be good options for Tinder.

Here are some techniques you can use to establish a common connection and build rapport from the get-go, with the help of Linkedin:

• Read their profile thoroughly and look for commonalities to use as talking points.

• Mention any mutual connections to establish credibility.

• Highlight common goals or challenges to show that you understand their situation.

• Reference recent posts or updates to demonstrate your interest in their content.

But similar to your Tinder intros, try to keep your questions open and interesting on Linkedin.

Once you've got the ball rolling, make sure you're actively listening to their responses. Don't just fire off a bunch of questions without engaging with what they're saying. Ask follow-up questions, show that you're interested, and really get to know them.

Be sure to utilise Focused question generating features to to avoid being too generic or boring with your questions. Instead of asking the same old questions everyone else is asking, Focused will generate something unique and creative. For example, instead of asking about their job, you could ask about their dream job or what they wanted to be when they were a kid.

Once you've scheduled your first date or discovery call, it's time to bring your A-game. Be charming, be engaging, and most importantly, be yourself! You want to make a good impression and show them that you're worth investing time and energy into. If things go well, schedule that second date or in-depth demo call.

Read: Tips for Conducting Effective Discovery Calls That Lead to More Demo Calls.

And when it's decision time, make sure you're both on the same page. You want to make sure that you're both benefiting from the relationship and that it's worth continuing. And if it is, be sure to check in with those "delight" meetings to keep the relationship strong and healthy.

In both platforms it is very important to be authentic and genuine in your message, and focus on building a relationship rather than making a sale. Don't try to be someone you're not or pretend to be interested in things you're not just to impress them. Be yourself, have fun, and see where the conversation takes you.

Who knew that dating and networking in sales had so much in common?