The Opportunity of Sending a Message on LinkedIn
Picture this: You’re at a bustling networking event, and you spot someone you’d love to connect with. Would you walk up to them, hand them your business card, and walk away without saying a word? Of course not! So why do we often do this on LinkedIn?
Sending a personalized message when connecting on LinkedIn is like extending a warm handshake in the digital world. It’s your chance to stand out from the crowd and make a memorable first impression. As I always tell my clients, “In a sea of generic connection requests, be the message that catches their eye.”
By taking a few extra moments to craft a thoughtful message, you’re not just adding another connection – you’re opening the door to a potentially valuable professional relationship. It’s the difference between being just another name in someone’s network and being a person they remember and want to engage with.
Remember, LinkedIn is all about building relationships. A well-crafted message can be the spark that ignites a meaningful conversation, leading to collaborations, mentorships, or even new career opportunities. It’s your chance to showcase your personality, demonstrate your genuine interest, and lay the foundation for a mutually beneficial connection.
How to Write an Effective Connection Request Message
Now that we understand the importance of sending a message, let’s dive into the art of crafting one that gets results. Here’s my tried-and-true formula for writing connection request messages that get accepted and spark conversations:
Greeting and Introduction
Start with a friendly, personalized greeting. Use the person’s name and, if appropriate, their professional title. For example, “Hello Sarah,” or “Good morning, Dr. Johnson.” Follow this with a brief introduction of yourself, including your name and current role or area of expertise.
Explaining How You Found Their Profile
Transparency goes a long way in building trust. Mention how you came across their profile – whether it was through a mutual connection, a LinkedIn group, or after reading an article they wrote. This shows that your outreach is intentional and not random.
Finding Common Ground
Here’s where you can really make your message stand out. Look for something you have in common with the person you’re reaching out to. It could be a shared alma mater, a similar career path, or a mutual interest in a specific industry trend. As I often say, “Common ground is the fertile soil where professional relationships grow.”
Stating Your Purpose for Connecting
Be clear about why you want to connect. Are you looking to learn from their expertise? Interested in potential collaboration? Or simply admiring their work and wanting to stay updated? Whatever your reason, express it honestly and concisely.
Closing the Message
End your message on a positive note. Express your appreciation for their time and consideration. You might also include a call to action, such as suggesting a brief call or meeting if they’re open to it.
Examples of Effective Connection Request Messages
Let’s put theory into practice with some real-world examples. Here are a few templates I’ve used successfully in different scenarios:
Connecting After a Networking Event
“Hi Alex, It was great meeting you at the Digital Marketing Summit yesterday. I really enjoyed our discussion about AI in content creation. I’d love to connect here on LinkedIn to stay in touch and continue our conversation. Best regards, [Your Name]”
Connecting with Someone You Admire
“Hello Sarah, I’ve been following your work in sustainable energy for some time now, and I’m consistently impressed by your innovative approach. Your recent article on solar panel efficiency was particularly insightful. I’d be honored to connect and learn more about your experiences in this field. Thank you for your time, [Your Name]”
Connecting with a Potential Mentor or Collaborator
“Hi Dr. Johnson, I recently came across your profile while researching leaders in biotech innovation. Your work on gene therapy is truly groundbreaking. As a young researcher in this field, I would greatly value the opportunity to connect and potentially learn from your experiences. Would you be open to a brief chat sometime? Thank you for considering, [Your Name]”
Connecting with a Recruiter or Potential Employer
“Hello Maria, I noticed you’re a recruiter at TechInnovate, a company I’ve long admired for its cutting-edge work in cloud computing. I’m a software engineer with 5 years of experience in this field, and I’m exploring new opportunities. I’d love to connect and learn more about potential openings at TechInnovate. Thanks in advance, [Your Name]”
What to Avoid in Connection Request Messages
While crafting your message, be mindful of these common pitfalls:
- Generic or impersonal messages: The default “I’d like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn” is a surefire way to get ignored.
- Immediate sales pitches: Nobody likes to feel like they’re being sold to right off the bat. Build a relationship first.
- Spelling and grammar mistakes: These can make you appear careless or unprofessional. Always proofread!
- Overly long messages: Keep it concise. Aim for 2-3 short paragraphs at most.
Remember, as I often tell my workshop attendees, “Your connection request message is your digital first impression. Make it count!”
FAQs
How long should a connection request message be?
Aim for 2-3 short paragraphs, or about 50-75 words. It should be long enough to be personal and meaningful, but short enough to respect the recipient’s time.
Is it okay to send a connection request without a message?
While it’s not forbidden, sending a request without a message misses a valuable opportunity to start a meaningful connection. It’s always better to include a personalized note.
How often should I follow up after sending a connection request?
If you don’t receive a response within a week, it’s okay to send one follow-up message. After that, it’s best to respect their decision and move on.
Should I connect with people I don’t know personally?
Yes, if there’s a professional reason to do so. Just make sure to explain why you want to connect in your message.
Can I use the same message for multiple connection requests?
While you can use a template as a starting point, it’s important to personalize each message. Generic, copy-pasted messages are often easy to spot and less likely to be well-received.
What if my connection request is rejected?
Don’t take it personally. There could be many reasons why someone doesn’t accept a request. Focus on continuing to build your network with other valuable connections.
Is it appropriate to mention mutual connections in my request?
Yes, mentioning mutual connections can be a great way to establish credibility and common ground. Just make sure you actually have a relationship with the mutual connection you’re mentioning.