No matter how sophisticated technology gets, human nature stays the same. Maybe it’s my Jersey roots, but I don’t like being told what to do. But I don’t mind a polite request.
When I receive messages from people by email, Social Media platforms or old school papyrus telling me to “like” their page or “follow” them or “connect” with them, it sounds like an order to me. And I don’t like orders.
At the risk of sounding quaint, what would happen if these folks started their command with “please”? It would turn an order into a polite request or offer. And I’m betting that their responses would be more favorable.
Always err on the side of being too courteous. Both online and offline. “But Kev, what does this have to do with Social Media and business? I’m trying to grow a business here!” Exactly. And people can feel that. They can feel that you’re trying to grow a business and not grow relationships. And it shows.
As my friend, Bob Burg, taught me many years ago: “All things being equal, people do business with and refer business to people they know, like and trust.” A little courtesy goes a long way in this regard.