don't do this


Don't do this.

The technology for conversation bots is getting better and better.

Initially tech companies rejected these.

WhatsApp used to have water-tight security and be impregnable.

Yet even it now has support for bot conversations.

So they’re here to stay.

Are they useful for founders?

Yes!

But here’s an example of what not to do:

This happens because the person has set up a bot to canvas their existing network of connections for new business and set up chats.

There’s nothing wrong with new chats (seriously - it’s not hard to get in my calendar).

But there is something wrong with burning your 1st degree connections with this sort of BS.

So how can founders do this better?

Well if you’re going to use tech:

  1. Design it to be guided towards authenticity ASAP
  2. Review conversation logs for weird crap like the above
  3. Take a “give value” approach first by being hyper-relevant e.g. I’m reaching out to you because help I offer is specific to X, here’s Y for you to help you at your own leisure

Ways you can do this without tech:

  1. Batch new connection request and starting conversations as a daily habit
  2. Get a VA to manage things and escalate/ping you around any curly questions until you’re sure it will be managed well
  3. Inviting people into your DMs instead of DMing them

Are any you using bots - did I miss anything?

Also:

I was pretty sure the winner was going to be “quick hack” this time.

Something about “haCKing alGOritHMs” just gets people clicking.

Until next time!

-Marshy

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