Late last week, I attended an online demonstration of an all-in-one marketing automation platform. Upon the completion of the 1.5-hour webinar, my brain was enlightened, and my head was spinning.
Then, by habit, I searched LinkedIn for the presenter's profile.
For the record, it wasn't like searching for Bob Smith where a plethora of results might pop up. His moniker was nearly one of a kind (for this discussion, let's refer to him as Nicholas Nickleby).
I typed in the name and hit the return key.
Nothing.
Then I tried Facebook.
Nothing.
I was a bit taken aback that an individual who made a living selling online marketing service might consider maintaining an anonymous on-screen identity.
Next Step.
Google.
I searched "Nicholas Nickleby."
Voila, I found him!
From the news story that popped up, Mr. Nickelby was in deep, deep trouble. According to the article, Nicholas Nickleby was facing some potential prison time due to his upper management involvement with a Midwestern meth lab.
Yikes!
Fortunately, and following confirmation from my presenter/contact, despite having the exact first and last name, he was a different Nicholas Nickleby.
Phew!
Bottomline:
For the sake of legitimizing both yourself and the online product or service that you wish to sell, establishing your credibility through social media sites like LinkedIn and Facebook should be the first step.
The Nicholas that I spoke with was very charismatic and knowledgeable. However, because he lacked a foothold within the virtual business world, in my mind, there is a slight shadow cast on the legitimacy of both himself and the company that he represents.
Human or robot? Nick, we want to get to know you! –Doug.