Let me start off by saying that I enjoy LinkedIn and its functionality. LinkedIn has helped me stay in touch with family, friends,  and colleagues in a business capacity and ultimately helped me connect with like-minded people.  Social Media Networks like LinkedIn have opened the door for traditional sales representatives to connect with spam members of the same LinkedIn Group.

I recently received this spam email and wanted to share what NOT to do when using LinkedIn for Business. [The Spammer will remain anonymous, but the content of the email will not.]

How To Fail At Using LinkedIn

LinkedIn Email Spam Headline

LinkedIn Spam Email Title

How did I get spammed?  I share a LinkedIn group with the spammer, opening up the opportunity for the spammer to contact me via email.  The Title of the email is “Build your sales pipeline.”  Ugh. Really?  Yes, I am a “Sales Representative” but, really?

LinkedIn Spam Email Introduction

LinkedIn Spam Email Intro

The Spammer says, “Hi” but does not reference me.  If you are going to spam someone via email, at least have the courtesy of personalizing your message.  If the spammer was genuine, I may have responded to the email.

Want to fully understand how to use LinkedIn and learn LinkedIn Best Practices from The Inbound Marketing LinkedIn Group?  Here is a video and eBook:  LinkedIn Best Practices from LinkedIn’s Top Marketing Community