There is no acceptable way for a friend to pitch to you!

Not over LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Email or in Person!

This week I have been pitched to five times a day, sounds normal right? Well for me I expect this from strangers, “solution” and tools providers but not from personal friends and previous work colleagues.

In 2013 there are probably too many mediums in which friends can communicate with us on, IM, social networks, emails, text, telephone. (mostly thanks to our life companion our shiny smart phone) We then cannot overlook the potential awkward situation when your friend wants to pop over for a catch up or go for a coffee (in most cases in my industry a drink) in person (IRL to the lolcatz) - you will then know they want something.
Taking it a step further, there then are many more mediums to set up a sales pitch to us, the most popular at the moment is messages or inmail on LinkedIn, I appreciate this is a professional social network BUT (you knew there was a but) when you are pitched a new product, a competition or data collection service from someone who probably knows your middle name, your mother or how many sugars you have in your tea - how is this then deemed acceptable social behaviour?

Speaking from personal and professional experience I have never had one LinkedIn message which has led me to take a service, a solution or product so why do strangers or friends persist in reaching out and soft pitching to me? Is Facebook pitching ok is it too personal? For me I never ever respond to a friend pitching via Facebook, it has also led to a few people being de-friend-ed.

My response generally is a polite no thank you (and you should always be polite remember manners cost nothing), however yesterday I took another tact, how about I pitch to you, the what, the how and the why they were wrong to pitch to me.
The result was a slightly confused yet agreeing friend who apologised shortly after with an email.
Moral victory for human kind I thought, well for me at least.

What can I/you learn from this?
* Do you/I need to pick who you/I connect with more carefully? I definitely need to more moving forward.
* If the opening line of the LinkedIn message is not specific probably best to ignore it.
* If marked as inmail - 90% chance its best to ignore (unless an amazing job opportunity).
* Facebook friends will abuse the right to pitch, much easier to ignore as personal network, treat it like one as much as possible.
* If your friend is good at what they do likelihood is you will approach them.
* If you want something you will probably research and ask for the right or the best product around, I am pretty sure your friend will be able to pitch then.
* Say no and quickly, do not entertain them, you are just prolonging their agony.
* If it is a close friend, be honest with them, they should appreciate it, if they don’t probably not a great friend. * Doing an introduction to a mutual friend can cost your reputation points, be careful it could backfire on you.

I would to hear your thoughts on whether you think if its ok to leverage/abuse friendships or connections to pitch business - drop me a tweet @Dannydenhard and i’d love to chat about it.