When crafting the perfect LinkedIn Connection Request, the last thing you want to do is come across boring and spammy. Chances are the person you are reaching out to has an inbox full of requests, and “I’d like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn” is not going to cut it. You have to customize your message to truly stand out and invite the individual to not only accept your request but check out your profile as well!
Now, that is much easier said than done! That is why we reached out to 10 business leaders with the busiest LinkedIn notifications in the game. Below, you can find their advice on how to always get your invitations accepted.
It’s Your Elevator Pitch
Think of your connection message as an elevator pitch, because that’s what it is, essentially. Develop two or three key points to mention that describe who you are and why you wanted to connect. Don’t overwhelm your potential connection with a long pitch requesting they do something for you. Keep it short and sweet!
Court Will, Will & Will
Show Interest in Their Profile
LinkedIn messages need to feel genuine. If you can avoid it, do not use the automatically generated responses they give you –it looks disingenuous and unprofessional. Instead, take a moment to analyze the person’s profile that you are messaging and compliment something about their career or a place they have worked in the message. This shows that you took the time to look at their profile and you have an interest in them as a professional. They will likely be more receptive to your message if you show genuine interest.
Peter Babichenko, Sahara Case
Keep it Short
Don’t attempt to send a novel to someone who does not yet have any connection to you. They may even be under the impression that your message is spam or a sales pitch and ignore it. Use their name, where you know them from or how you found them and that you’d like to build a connection.
Jon Schneider, Recruiterie
Personalize It!
Make your message as personal as possible! If you have met the individual before, remind them of where you met or how much you enjoyed chatting about whatever topic you discussed. If you haven’t met them before, explain why you are interested in connecting with them. This will make them more likely to accept your request and reply to your message!
Nikitha Lokareddy, Markitors
Make Your Point While Being Friendly
Keep your connection message short, to the point and friendly. My network exceeds 10000 connections and was built with a simple request to members in a synergistic profession. “Hi John, we share contacts and interests, let’s connect!” When I wanted to connect to a prospect that is c-level, I changed it a little to “Hi John, I do this and this when companies need this. I’d love to connect and possibly work together in the future, lets connect!”
Tony Baumer, Old Grey Tiger Consulting
Don’t Always Have Expectations
My first tip is, if you aren’t connecting on LinkedIn you are doing it wrong. My second tip is, if you are sending canned messages, you are also doing it wrong. My third tip when crafting a LinkedIn message is, come from a place of honesty and sincerity and don’t always have expectations. For example, I truly care about connecting with you and sincerely want to learn more about you and your business!
Erika Acorn, Tempe Chamber
Give the Person a Reason to Connect
Always remember to focus on the other person, not you. Too many people talk about themselves in the LinkedIn connection request and wonder why it gets ignored or denied. People want to know what’s in it for them and how they stand to benefit, so tell them directly.
James Pollard, The Advisor Coach LLC
Continue the Conversation
I use a formula that goes like this. First, introduce yourself, reason why you are connecting with them, and end with a question to continue the conversation going. This formula has worked not just on Linkedin, but also on Facebook and Instagram direct messages.
Sara Yusupov, iHeartRadio
Have a Valid Reason to Connect
Visit the profile of the user and study their achievements, line of business, if they are writing on LinkedIn, and check their posts. By doing all this, you are actually finding a logical and valid reason to connect. Once you’ve found your talking point, then you are all set to message the person and initiate conversation. The process goes as follows:
- Put a catchy subject line. “Happy to Connect with You,” “Thank You for Connecting” or any other line which can hold the person’s attention to go further down.
- Introduce yourself. Then keeping it short, give a brief intro about yourself.
- Mention the things you two have in common. In the second paragraph, give an overview about the interests you both share and ask them to elaborate on their other interests.
- Offer your help. In the third or closure line, offer your assistance and support if you can provide any.
With this, you can initiate a good conversation with your new connection and you are all set to build a new professional relationship on good grounds.
Rameez Ghayas Usmani, PureVPN
Deliver Value
That’s also my tip for networking—always deliver value before (instead of) asking for a favor, job lead or sale. Take a minute to tell a job seeker you have many recruiters in your network, or to compliment someone on a recent post. It’s highly effective—so much more so than asking for the sale before you even say “hello.”
Joni Holderman, Thrive! Resumes
