Whether you like it (or not), small talk is a great skill to learn (and master). It can feel like it lacks being genuine to some degree, but you can control that. See, effective social media prospecting is key to network marketing success.

And, since you are using the power of the online world, it is critical to learn how to prospect online (without being slimy!). 

Let’s assume you’ve worked through your hot and warm markets. You are now interested in venturing into the cold prospect world, and you feel stuck. 

Perhaps you’re feeling nervous or scared about how well you will be received, and guess what? Those are normal feelings because it’s likely unknown territory. 

Today, we will outline some quick tips to hopefully help you feel more comfortable and give you a slight confidence boost to get started! 

SOCIAL MEDIA PROSPECTING 

First, imagine you are simply speaking to a friend you haven’t talked to in a while.

You know, you’re catching up. Things will move a lot more smoothly once you take some pressure off who the person is; things will move a lot more smoothly. The moment you view these cold conversations as prospects, for whatever reason, people go into interrogation or sales mode — don’t do that. 

Here are a few conversations starters to consider;

1. What’s been the highlight of your (day, week, or month) so far?
2. How did you choose to work in [field]? If you could go back in time, would you make that same choice again?
3. When was the last time you did something for the first time? Were you glad you tried it?

… and so on. These openers come after you’ve broken the ice with something simple like ‘hi, how are you?’. Don’t be afraid to share a bit of yourself to put the other person at ease too.

Remember, you’re as much a stranger to them. 

Now, the worst-case scenario is that they don’t reply. And that’s OK. The more conversations you have with ‘strangers, ‘the easier you will be able to break down what questions are the most effective (and which are not). 

Another critical thing we recommend is to avoid leaving the other person hanging. 

Learn how to close the conversation as well effectively. Here are a few examples of that;

1. Well (name), I’m glad we got the chance to connect. I don’t want to take up too much of your time. Would it be OK if I messaged you again?
2. I can’t wait to hear how (your initiative, project, personal decision) goes! Let’s catch up again soon?
3. Is there anything I can (help you with, do for you)?

NOW, LET’S TALK ABOUT THAT AWKWARD SILENCE. 

Please know it doesn’t have to be awkward.

Sometimes people are busy, and they don’t respond right away — be patient. If you don’t hear back for a couple of days, reach out! Just because they don’t reply doesn’t mean they’re not interested. 

Lastly, the more you do, the better you become. Set a goal for yourself to have 10-15 new conversations every day. Social Media Prospecting is about building and filling that funnel. Results won’t happen immediately, but plant those seeds, and the harvest will come!