Online Communication Etiquette

Want to become more persuasive? Here’s what decades of research reveal and how you can use it to influence anyone (ethically): First: Don’t be an extrovert. That loud, slick-talking stereotype of a great persuader? Totally wrong. In fact, strong extroverts are often bad at persuasion. They talk too much and listen too little. But introverts aren’t the answer either… The best persuaders are ambiverts. Not too loud. Not too quiet. Ambiverts know when to speak and when to shut up. They push when needed, but they also pause. They’re adaptable. Flexible. Balanced. And here’s the kicker: Most of us are ambiverts. Second: Use social proof. People decide what to do by watching others. Want someone to act? Show them that people like them are already doing it. Example: “Reuse your towel it helps the environment.” (meh) “Most guests reuse their towels.” (33% more effective) Trying to pitch a new idea? Don’t just share benefits. → Say: “Our competitors already use this.” → Or: “Half our team is already testing it.” People follow patterns. So show them the pattern. Third: Don’t focus on changing minds. Most of us resist changing our beliefs. So stop trying to convince people. Instead, make it easy for them to act. This shift changes everything. In one study, students were asked to donate food. Giving them all the reasons why it mattered? Mildly effective. But when researchers gave a map, food suggestions, and follow-up? Donation rates soared even from people who didn’t care much at first. So ask yourself: Have I built an off-ramp? Is the action crystal clear? Can someone say yes without friction? Simplify the next step. That one change might make your pitch 10x more effective. In summary, 3 proven ways to persuade: Be an ambivert: Flexible, responsive, and balanced. Bring social proof: People follow others. Show them who’s already in. Make it easy: Action beats argument. Now you’ve got the playbook. Use it well.

The best social media pros aren’t just good at social. They understand positioning. Audience segmentation. Funnel stages. Paid media. Product drops. They know how creative and strategy work together to drive actual business outcomes — not just likes. Because when leadership’s asking for results, they’re not asking for engagement rate. They’re asking how social content moved people toward the sale. Social is one of the most powerful marketing tools we’ve got — but to really earn that seat at the table, you have to speak the language of marketing, not just content. So read the brand deck. Ask to sit in on the product meeting. Learn how to write a brief. Don’t just know what to post — understand why it matters.

What's hurting your networking game isn't conversation starters... ...it's conversation continuers 💬 I've had many a networking conversation where, after a few minutes of back and forth banter, we're hearing crickets and aren't quite sure how to move forward. To stay engaged and conversational when meeting with someone, be sure to have a few conversation continuers at your fingertips 🤝 Here are a few of my favorites ⬇️ ✅ When someone gives you a short answer and you want to know more: "How did that happen?" "What was that like for you?" "Tell me more about your process." ✅ When you want to go deeper: "How did you figure that out?" "What surprised you about that?" "Knowing what you know now, what would you do differently?" ✅ When you want to show you're actively listening: "You mentioned [x]—I'm really curious about that." "That reminds me of what you had said earlier about..." "During my last internship/current experience, I also encountered..." ✅ The reset button: "Are there big goals you've been working toward?" "Is there something you hope to achieve by the end of the year?" "What has you excited right now? What are some of your big ideas?"

10 Copywriting Rules (From a Dad of Twin Teenagers Who Knows a Thing or Two About Persuasion) Growing up with twin teenage daughters has been the ultimate crash course in persuasive communication. If I can get two teenagers to agree on dinner plans without an eye roll, selling anything to anyone becomes a breeze. Crafting a compelling copy? Surprisingly similar. It’s all about: • The right tone • Catchy phrasing • Knowing exactly what they want (even when they don’t). Here’s how these lessons translate to copywriting: 1/ Strong CTA = More Conversions Convincing teens to choose one restaurant? Like a CTA, it needs a “what’s in it for me” factor. “Click Here” works if paired with why they should care. Example: “Click Here for Mouthwatering Dinner Ideas.” 2/ Highlight What Matters In family debates, shouting the best option works (sometimes). In copy, highlight with: ✔️ Bold text ✔️ Visual cues ✔️ Testimonials Give readers reasons to trust—and choose—your offer. 3/ Symbols Speak Louder Than Words Teenagers scan for emojis. Readers? Scanning for key symbols. Use: ✔️ $ for discounts ✔️ ❌ to show what they’re missing without you. 4/ Numbers > Words “Be home at 1” is clearer than “Be home at one.” Numbers grab attention. Use them in headlines, discounts, or stats. 5/ Follow the “Goldilocks” Rule Too many options = indecision (or teenage rebellion). Limit choices to make decisions easier—group into 3-4 options. 6/ Meaningful Hooks “Dinner options” sounds boring. “Let’s try sushi tonight!” sparks curiosity. Same with copy: Your “Plans & Pricing” page? Rename it. Try “Find Your Perfect Plan.” 7/ Picture It Like a Conversation Persuading teens means sitting down and talking face-to-face. Write your copy like you’re chatting across the table with your audience. 8/ Explore Layers of Benefits Teens need more than “it’s good for you.” They want specifics: “You’ll feel great and your friends will love it.” Your copy needs the same. Features are nice, but benefits sell. 9/ Showcase Your Best Dinner debate strategy? Start with the best suggestion first. Your copy should, too: Feature best-sellers or top reviews upfront—don’t bury them. 10/ First & Last Impressions Matter In family arguments, what you say first and last is what gets remembered. Structure your bullets the same way: • Strongest point first • Close with a powerful takeaway Master these rules, and whether you're selling products or settling family debates, you'll win every time.

Does “Packaging” still matter? The other day, a former client reached out, looking for a particular service provider. I immediately thought of someone I’d heard great things about—word of mouth was solid. They were known for doing excellent work. So I went online to find links to their social media pages and that’s where the problem started. Instagram? Mostly personal and church-related posts. Now, there’s nothing wrong with that, but there was little to nothing about their actual work. LinkedIn? Worse. There was no clear positioning, no compelling proof of expertise, nothing that would make an executive take them seriously. So, messaged them directly to ask for links showcasing their work. When they finally sent me something, the content itself was decent, but the packaging was off. The visuals were subpar. The presentation lacked polish. It just didn’t exude credibility—it didn’t match the standard that decision-makers are used to. And sure enough, when I sent it to the executive, the response was lukewarm. Here’s the thing: executives, especially baby boomers who built their reputations in a pre-digital era, need to understand that in today’s world, “packaging” is just as important as substance. People are accustomed to: ✅ High-resolution images that showcase professionalism ✅ Well-designed brochures that exude credibility ✅ Polished social media pages that demonstrate thought leadership If you’re a serious professional or entrepreneur looking to attract high-level clients, partners, or board roles, your digital presence must reflect the level of excellence you bring to the table. 4 Ways to “Package” Yourself for the Digital Era 1️⃣ Polish Your Online Presence • Your LinkedIn and Instagram should be aligned with your expertise. • Remove outdated, blurry, or irrelevant posts that don’t contribute to your professional brand. • Have a clear, compelling bio that tells people exactly what you do and who you serve. 2️⃣ Invest in Professional Visuals • First impressions matter. Your headshots, brand assets, and marketing materials should reflect quality and attention to detail. • Hire a photographer for high-resolution images and invest in clean, visually appealing designs. 3️⃣ Create Content That Demonstrates Credibility • Don’t just post about your work—package it in a way that resonates with decision-makers. • Share client testimonials, case studies, and industry insights in a structured, easy-to-digest format. 4️⃣ Make It Easy for Others to Refer You • If someone wants to recommend you, do they have high-quality links, a website, or a brochure they can send effortlessly? • Have an up-to-date portfolio, a polished LinkedIn profile, and a professional one-pager so people can confidently introduce you to their networks. Perception shapes opportunities. You might be amazing at what you do, but if your packaging doesn’t reflect that excellence, you’ll struggle to get the attention you deserve. Do you agree or disagree?

Dear students, It’s truly heartening to see so many of you sharing your internship experiences; celebrating your growth, skills, and the joy of working with clients and participants. However, I want to be honest about something that’s been weighing heavily on me. Every time I see internship photos on LinkedIn or Instagram - images of clients or participants with visible faces, often shared without careful thought - I feel genuinely heartbroken. It’s not just a lapse in judgment; it’s a breach of professional ethics. In our rush to showcase our work, we forget what truly matters: trust, respect, and confidentiality. Portraying our work in a way that compromises these principles undermines the very ethos we stand for. Colleges have a duty to teach students what can and cannot be shared on social media and to instil ethical practice from the outset. Sharing photos of clients or participants - whether they’re holding balloons or making boats - must be done with explicit consent and full awareness of how these images will be used and who will see them. Let’s be mindful. Let’s be ethical. Our professionalism extends beyond just the work we do; it includes how we respect and protect those we aim to help. Confidentiality is the cornerstone of our profession. When we post photos with visible faces - regardless of permission - we are breaching trust because by showcasing their faces, we are using their images to boost engagement, increase visibility, and elevate our presence on social media. We are prioritising our gains over their dignity and privacy. Do they understand that their faces are being used as tools to promote us? Are they aware their images could be shared widely or exploited? This is a serious breach of respect and ethics. It robs them of their dignity and reduces their participation to a mere commodity. Here’s what I suggest: take photos from angles where faces aren’t visible or blur faces before sharing. These small steps show respect and uphold dignity. Remember, social media algorithms may push for more likes, but our profession isn’t about chasing views - it’s about integrity, compassion, and standing by our core values. Let’s be responsible, respectful, and hold ourselves to the highest standards because their dignity and the integrity of our profession depend on it. #psychology #therapy #mentalhealth #internships

Every decision we make is influenced by subtle psychological triggers— whether we’re aware of them or not. For marketers & sales teams, understanding these nuances can dramatically enhance how we connect with prospects & close deals. Here are a few key psychological drivers: 1. Anchoring bias: → Initial information frames decisions. → Highlighting a premium offering first can make subsequent options appear more attractive. 2. The scarcity effect: → Limited availability creates urgency. → “Only 3 spots left” taps into the fear of missing out & drives quicker action. 3. Social proof: → People follow the crowd. → Testimonials, reviews, or case studies make potential clients feel safer in their decisions. 4. Loss aversion: → Potential losses resonate more deeply than equivalent gains. → Phrasing matters: “Don’t miss out on this opportunity” often outperforms “Here’s what you’ll gain.” 5. The reciprocity principle: → When you give, people feel compelled to return the favor. → Offering free resources or insights builds goodwill that nudges prospects toward action. Let’s understand now why it matters: Decisions aren’t just logical— they’re emotional too. Tapping into psychology can turn hesitation into action. Hence, making communication more persuasive & impactful. How are you aligning your sales strategies with these behavioral insights?

If you struggle to keep conversations going during networking, this tip will increase your response rate. Talk about people’s passions. Why? After getting more than 17,000 followers and networking with hundreds of job searchers, I can confidently say that: People love talking about what excites them. It’s an easy way to build rapport. Here’s how I’ve helped 50+ data professionals leverage this strategy to increase response rates and build meaningful relationships: 1️⃣ Do some research. Look at their LinkedIn or portfolio. Find something impressive. 2️⃣ Start with flattery and curiosity. Example: “Hey [Name], I noticed you [accomplishment/project]. That’s incredible! What’s the part you enjoy most about it?” 3️⃣ Follow their passion. Ask questions to show genuine interest. Let the conversation flow naturally. 4️⃣ Find common ground. When they mention something you relate to, dig deeper. Build the connection. 5️⃣ Tie it back to your goal. Shift the conversation to their role or company. Example: “Oh, does your team work on X?” “How does your company approach Y?” For instance, let’s say their passion is travel. You: “That’s awesome! Where’s the most interesting place you’ve been?” Them: “I loved Thailand!” You: “That’s on my list! Did you manage to work remotely while there?” From there, the conversation naturally moves toward their job. Pro Tip: Not everyone will engage, and that’s okay. You don't have to be "perfect" to start networking. Yes, you will still get rejected, that’s part of the game. But you'll get better after multiple iterations. Focus on connecting with the right people. Try this next time you’re stuck in a conversation and let me know how it went.

99% of my deals start in the DMs. From elegant conversations. Not the kind that says: "Buy my service." "Can I pick your brain?" "Let’s jump on a quick call." Here’s what has worked for me: 1. You post something that emotionally connects. 2. Someone replies: "I loved what you shared." "That really resonated." 3. That’s not the time to say "Thanks" and move on. It’s a signal to go deeper. So instead of pitching, you respond with something like: "What stood out to you in particular?" "Why do you think it made you feel that way?" "What have you already tried?" You’re listening. That’s what makes the conversation elegant. You're responding with curiosity and care. And that’s how trust is built. Some will say, "I don’t chase. Opportunities come to me." That’s simply not true. Even with the following I have and the inbound messages I receive… I still pursue opportunities. (This is a non-negotiable). The right people respond when the message is coming from a place of care and curiosity. It doesn’t feel like chasing, it feels natural and aligned to you and to them. Elegant conversations aren’t about perfecting your skills. They’re about standards. Start by reviewing your last five DMs. Were they about you? Or about them? 💛 If you want more of this, sign up to my newsletter [https://lnkd.in/gxkAmXSt]

Stop trying to "go viral" on LinkedIn. It’s a waste of time. A single, insightful comment on the right person's post is worth more than a viral post with 100,000 empty views. One builds relationships, the other just feeds your ego. The problem is, finding the right conversations and engaging consistently is a huge time sink. So, I built a system for it. It’s designed for high-leverage engagement, not high-volume noise. I call it the "3x10 Rule," and it turns your LinkedIn comment strategy into a powerful relationship engine in just 15 minutes a day. 𝐌𝐲 𝐒𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 "3𝐱10" 𝐑𝐮𝐥𝐞 1. 𝐂𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 "𝐓𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐋𝐢𝐬𝐭": First, I stop scrolling the main feed. It's a distraction. Instead, I have a separate, focused feed that ONLY shows posts from a curated list of ~50 people: my top prospects, key partners, and the sharpest minds in my industry. This is my "target list." 2. 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞-𝐁𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐤 3𝐱10: Three times a day (morning, noon, late afternoon), I open this focused feed and spend 5 minutes leaving 10 insightful comments. That's it. 3 sessions, 10 comments each. 3. 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 90/10 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐥𝐞: To do this efficiently, I use an AI automation trained on my unique voice and expertise. It handles 90% of the initial discovery and drafting. My job is to provide the critical 10%—the human polish, a unique insight, or a personal spin that turns a good comment into a great one. This system saves me over an hour every day and keeps me consistently top-of-mind with the people who can change the trajectory of my business. Stop chasing vanity metrics. Start building valuable connections with a focused system. I'm putting together a deeper guide on this "3x10" framework, including how to build your own focused feed and target list. Comment "3x10" and I'll send it to you.