If you’ve ever felt frustrated or unsure about how to approach potential clients on social media, you’re not alone. I know how awkward and uncomfortable it can feel to reach out, only to be met with silence: or worse, a block. Social selling doesn’t have to feel pushy or transactional. The best results come from slowing down, being intentional, and focusing on relationships first. If this resonates with you, I’d love to share the four simple but powerful stages of social selling that have helped me connect meaningfully and grow my business without sacrificing authenticity.
The Four Stages of Social Selling
1. Friending: Start by Being Genuine
The first step is friending, and it’s exactly what it sounds like. Spend time getting to know your potential contact. Like their posts, comment thoughtfully, and show you’re paying attention. Don’t rush; focus on at least ten meaningful interactions. This isn’t about setting up a sale—it’s about showing up as someone who genuinely cares.
2. Connecting: Wait for the Conversation to Begin
A true connection starts when they engage back. Whether it’s a reply to a comment, a response to your DM, or even just liking your posts, this mutual interaction signals that they’re interested in you. If they haven’t responded yet, keep friending and engaging authentically. It’s all about earning the right to move forward.
3. Bonding: Build Trust at Their Pace
Bonding is where relationships grow deeper, and it takes time—sometimes months. Use this phase to have real conversations, offer support, and learn about their challenges. Trust can’t be rushed, so focus on making them feel seen and understood without pressure to buy. This is where they start to view you as someone they can count on.
4. Selling: Offer Help, Not Hard Pitches
Selling only comes after trust has been established. When the time is right, approach them with a genuine desire to help, framing your offer as a solution to a problem they’ve shared. It’s not about closing the deal—it’s about showing up in service. Even if they say “no,” they’ll remember you as someone who cared.
Why Patience Is the Key to Social Selling Success
I get it—waiting and building relationships can feel slower than just diving in with a pitch. But trust me, this heart-centred approach to social selling pays off in ways that go beyond sales. It builds community, trust, and long-term opportunities.
If you’re feeling stuck or unsure about your social selling journey, let’s talk. I’d happily share insights, brainstorm ideas, or be a sounding board. Reach out anytime—I’d love to hear from you!
Related:
Mastering the Art of Authentic Social Selling: A 6-Step Daily Strategy
P.S. Struggling to track all your interactions across social media? I’ve found the perfect solution: the Geniechat app. It’s like having a lightweight CRM, task manager, and follow-up tracker all in one. With Geniechat, managing your touchpoints across posts, comments, and DMs becomes seamless—no more falling through the cracks. Interested? Visit my link to learn more and give it a try!
