9 needy networking nightmares

Oh hi didn’t expect to read from me on a Wednesday?

Well, me neither.

It just so happens I wrote a cute LinkedIn post on networking (cz let’s be honest, most ppl suck at that……..)

And it would be a waste to gatekeep from my loyal list, right?

(that’s u hehe)

Let’s start giving you nightmares, then.

'What does a bro like you do in a place like th– '

Offline you're not sure you're sane.
Online... you know you aren't.
Cz.....

'Networking' is ridiculous.

Network = net worth, and since u wanna be rich...
you're falling prey to BS advice.

'Just add value bro.'
'It's all about leverage bro.'
'Get big accounts to follow you bro.'

Today, I'm gonna make you cringe.

(cz fear's a powerful motivator)

Wanna build a meaningful network?

Don't do the following.

1) Networking gone wrong.

Every time I see an AI response on my post, I'm low-key tempted to pursue legal action.

But with Elon updating the platform, people didn't rest:

They innovated whole new ways of screwing up.

Here's 9 needy networking nightmares u wanna avoid:

Cringe #1: Don't be yourself if yourself is a dick.

Sure, authenticity is key.

Still...

It's no get out of jail free card.

In the name of being authentic, I've seen ppl

• start fights

• play the victim

• ditch responsibility

That's no authenticity, that's poor emotion control.

State your opinion, don't lie about your feelings (ppl smell fake), but consider context and social rules.

(yeah, rules)

You wanna lead?

Become a person worth following first.

Cringe #2: This is how you make people follow you.

Boldness is a cool trait.
Confidence is attractive.
Banter makes networking fun.

Still...

There's a difference between confidence and arrogance.

Cringe #3: Just polarize.

We're in the attention business.
Every views are good views.
Every press is good press.

Right?

Nah.

Polarizing for polarizing's sake crushes your credibility.
You're becoming predictable, and people are no fools.

(they aren't)

Also, you might get yourself punched.

Save your war paint for tougher times.

(attention is expensive)

Same with…

Fishing for attention on your feed:

'Bye. I'm quitting X.'

...I thought the other day.

I didn't do it. But I could've.

[insert lame body here]

[insert motivational lesson]

Hooks you can't sustain are the fastest way to get scrolled over.

Cringe #4: Can we follow each other?

The best way to get followers...

is to attract.

Put your energy into building yourself and your content...

and people will come.

You don't need me to tell you this.

(Some people do)

Cringe #5: Thank you so much for taking the time to talk to peasants like me.

I love self-deprecating humour.
I'm a fan of not taking yourself seriously.

But...

Putting people on a pedestal isn't funny, it's making them feel weird.

It's a strange mix of assigning an inappropriate level of status + guilting at the same time.

Cringe #6: List of accounts to engage with.

You wanna take control of your feed.
You wanna make engagement more efficient.
You wanna optimize for leads & keep track of your friends.

Cool.

Just make sure you keep your strategy lists private.

Cz the day you sell someone by putting them on your public 'Dream 100 clients' list...

...well let's just say it ain't happening.

Cringe #7: How do I get big accounts to follow me bro?

I'll make this simple.

DON'T GO AFTER ACCOUNT SIZE.

I can't stress this enough.

Yes, I'm fazed by big accounts.
I see zeroes + assume authority.

That's how humans work.

That's why you're growing your own account.

You want that kind of status.
You want proof you're powerful.

You want powerful friends, so you're going for powerful people.

Stop chasing retweets (you're cheating the effort).

Nobody's making you famous...

if you don't do it yourself.

Attention is worthless –

when you got nothing to drive it to.

Go for friends... and become powerful together.

Okk ya I know...

I didn't convince you.

(easy is for amateurs)

That's why I raise you...

to reality check big accounts.

Numbers on a profile don't mean

• kindness

• competence

• they're a good fit for you.

You don't know how they got those numbers, you don't know if you're even a match, and the 1 thing you can predict about the person behind the screen is that they've been around long enough to understand the platform.

They can be a hard worker, they can pay ads, they can be cool, they can be a grifter...

You don't know.

Chances are, they're still riding the bus without giving autographs.

So what do you do?

You guessed it.

Support –

regardless of account size.

Take your pick....

Then take a bet on yourself and your friends.

(btw you still can + shall paint the town red when someone you look up to follows back)

Cringe #8: Harassing people.

You found the one.
Your creator soulmate.
The person who's everything u wanna be.

Awesome...

Just keep it together on the admiration scale.

(I did that fangirly thing. It's annoying.)

→ Cool it.

Express how you feel, but don't suck up.

(You're talking to a person, not a Greek statue)

Also...

Talk to people like you would in a bar.

(preferably before that 3rd Mojito)

State your opinion as a friend.

Cz you might make one.

Cringe #9: Just bumping this up.

'Hey Lessa, it's been a while and you haven't answered.'
'Lemme just block you cz I haven't heard back.'
'Are you ghosting me.'

I've saved this for last cz this rEaLlY gets me.

We're all building stuff, and nobody likes to be guilted into a response.

DMs get buried, life gets hectic and you're not 'owed' a prompt answer.

Respect people's time...

and follow up without complaining.

(yesss 'jk' is still complaining)

Would you wanna talk to someone who's making you feel bad?

Notice what's been missing from my list?

Cringy DM templates.

That's cz...

I got my messages closed.
(ppl I don't follow can't DM)

3 clicks to your peace of mind:

Before u rip me...

You're not missing out. You're filtering for quality.

You connect with people in the comments... and if you vibe, you follow.

(I'll prove it if u keep reading)

I've never sent a cold DM in my life –

and you don't have to, either.

Now...

none of them nightmares applies to you (obviously).

Here's what you’re already doing right:

2) Networking gone rite.

Choose your vibes well.

Social media is endless –
why suck up to people you don't like?

'Network' with everyone you vibe with.

If you love their content, your chances of successful networking aka actual connection are highest.

Invest in quality people without agenda:

It makes your social media game meaningful.

(this is how u actually make friends)

(+ partners in crime)

And cz it's you... here's

9 non-needy networking nuggets:

1. Be real.
2. Be fun to be around.
3. Have conversations in GIF.
4. Don't take yourself seriously.
5. Help people – without agenda.
6. Keep an open mind... and you will learn.
7. Show your transformation: I've applied ur stuff –
and this is the result.

8. Give credit: Show how ppl's content has inspired you.
9. Don't brag. You connect more over shared struggles, anyway.

And just in case you've lost track....

Why are we doing all of this?

The creator world is your future.

No more forced group projects in school.

Imagine being friends with your favourite creators.

Imagine working with ppl who share your excitement...
and get your ideas.

Imagine hiring your besties.

(The Internet is insane)

Now…

Wanna become friends with your favourite creators?

It’s actually easy (i’ll show you how if you click):

xxx Lessa

PPS did you make a friend today?