Is Narcissism Hurting Your Success Selling on Social Media?

The way you see the world plus your “view-​of-​self” plays a huge role in your selling on social media. You may be unaware, but your posts, outreach, comments and replies each carry markers of your authenticity and intent. Therefore, it’s imperative that you consider how your message is landing with your intended audience.

Brynne Tillman teaches teams how to leverage LinkedIn for sales success. She states, “Social selling is not about dials, pitches, or activity quotas. It’s about relevance, context, and trust.”

Subsequently, she’s long considered the evolving landscape of social media and its impact as a sales tool. Her lessons emphasize the need for sales professionals to adapt and innovate continually. Recently, Tillman has written how personality traits can impact selling on social media.

Selling on Social Media Requires Fresh Techniques

Tillman’s post regarding narcissistic social sellers is directed at those of us who have our priorities out of line. It’s a reminder that LinkedIn, specifically, is a tool for building professional relationships.

Unfortunately, old habits die hard, and some sellers tend to drag old-​school sales training onto this vibrant, modern platform. In doing so, they may erode trust and make the recipient feel faceless in a one-​sided numbers game. Being solely interested in what others can do for you is short-​sighted and self-defeating.

An impressive number of connections is only validated by the quality and value of your interactions. As Tillman states, “Buyers who encounter narcissistic sellers don’t feel heard, valued or respected”.

LinkedIn Success Begins with an Accurate Profile

LinkedIn profiles should be crafted not just as resumes but as resources for perspective clients. Don’t showcase your awards or irrelevant accomplishments. Instead focus on solving client problems and building credibility.

Content Creation with AI

Selling on social media with an AI component requires using your own voice. Use AI to generate content but assure you’re using a personal transcript and company-​specific information to maintain authenticity.

A Critical Review of Your LinkedIn History

Take a few moments to look back at your posts with a critical eye. In her narcissists article, Tillman gives ten examples of narcissistic behavior and what to do instead. She points out how self-​centered posts appear to read like a promotional brochure.

Similarly, posts that lack recognition of the prospect’s role or experience appear ignorant and lazy. Indeed, taking time to personalize the content or challenge assumptions show that you recognize them as individuals. “When buyers see themselves in your content, they begin to see you as a resource.”

Leading with product pitches or demo invites is an immediate turn-​off. If a prospect engages with you show your appreciation and ask for their perspective. Avoid the temptation to prescribe before diagnosis; that’s malpractice!

Keep Your Agenda in Check

Posting just to post without substance or an intent to inform wastes everyone’s time. Selling on social media translates to building relationships rather than touting your own experience. Instead, ask how you can contribute in a positive manner to earn a conversation and build a bridge.

Reset with a Reintroduction Post

If the review of your social media posts leaves you a little cringy there’s still hope. Jon Marie Pearson explains why reintroducing yourself on social media matters. What’s more, she gives a play-​by-​play on how to do it.

Here are some basics:

Your story and your mission – this should be more about your passions than who you are. Share your growth and journey to become vulnerable and relatable.

The type of content you will share – Clearly outline the kind of content your followers can expect. Here’s where you can share research or thought leaders you follow.

Expectations to engage or interact – Do you encourage questions, enjoy discussions or hold Q&A sessions? Further, if you want to solicit feedback be clear on your intentions.

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