InMail is keeping me up at night – and not in a good way.
I sit and ponder - Am I alone, or is anyone else feeling like this? Because either I’m missing something, or we’re all annoyed and that felt like pertinent information that would allow me to sleep.
So, I put a poll out to my connections asking whether they read InMail.
Do you like it? Hate it? Feel mildly happy with it?
Simple question, I wasn’t even digging for data – I genuinely want to know because it’s been gnawing at me. I was reminded that I forgot to add an option for “What the hell is InMail” – an actual response I got from someone when I asked them which poll option they would choose. Apologies for the rest of you in that camp I may have left out by not offering that option.
The poll is in & its results time.
14% of you think InMail is valuable and love it (I would seriously need to recalibrate my algorithm to meet you where you’re at, but the marketer in me loves you). Then there are over half (54%) who are on the fence, and a whopping 33% who either ignore or send to the digital trash can. Not looking good for the InMail evangelists.
It seems the decision to use InMail is driven by a need for speed or as the "new cold call" – the least personalized way to reach out to someone professionally that you’ve never run into, and a potentially big turn-off.
InMail, when used right, can be a game-changer for professional networking and meaningful communication. But when it turns into a relentless barrage of unsolicited sales messages, that's when things take a turn into Spamville.
Please prospect carefully, and when engaging in a cold call, by whatever means – social/email/text /carrier pigeon – don’t just point and click.
You’re much better off connecting with people and their brand, then messaging them about something relevant. Include something of value – a free demo, a consultation, a download. Ensure you write like a human, not a bot.
You’re starting a conversation, and prospecting is an art, as is communication, as is social selling.
I've learned from experience that genuine connections and authentic conversations beat outdated tactics any day of the week. Drop the old tricks and focus on real, meaningful communication, offering something of true value. Those are the messages I appreciate and engage with.
The Bottom Line
Now, is InMail inherently bad? Not at all, when used appropriately as it was designed, for professional networking and communication. With over a decade of experience working with digital marketing, and a former email marketer by trade, I'd urge a little caution.
So, here's to meaningful connections, delightful conversations, and using InMail for what it was meant for – genuine networking and communication. And hey, if you ever want to chat about all things marketing and digital, count me in! I love connecting with fellow enthusiasts, I thrive on meeting new people, and growing my network. Just remember, spammy InMails? No thank you, sir.