Yes, you can send a message when you connect with someone on LinkedIn. LinkedIn allows you to customize the connection request you send by adding a note. This note will be visible to the recipient when they receive your connection invitation. Adding a personalized message is a great way to introduce yourself, explain why you want to connect, and increase the chances that your connection request will be accepted.
How to Send a Message When Connecting on LinkedIn
Sending a message when connecting on LinkedIn is easy to do through the LinkedIn website or mobile app. Here are the steps:
On the LinkedIn Website
1. Go to the profile page of the person you want to connect with.
2. Click “Connect” below their profile photo and name.
3. In the pop-up window, click “Add a note”.
4. Type your personalized message in the text box. You can write up to 300 characters.
5. When you’re done, click “Send” to send the connection request along with your note.
On the LinkedIn Mobile App
1. Go to the profile page of the person you want to connect with.
2. Tap the “Connect” button below their profile photo and name.
3. On the next screen, tap “Add a note”.
4. Type your message in the text box. You can write up to 300 characters.
5. When you’re done, tap “Send” to send the connection request with your note.
Tips for Writing a Good Connect Message
Here are some tips to follow when writing a message to include with your LinkedIn connection request:
Personalize the Message
– Mention how you found their profile or if you have any connections in common. This helps explain the reason for your request.
– Refer to their work, education, skills, or interests to show you looked at their full profile.
Keep it Brief Yet Friendly
– Get right to the point in 2-3 sentences. You don’t need a long message.
– Use a warm and enthusiastic tone to start building a relationship.
Explain Why You Want to Connect
– Share why you think connecting would be valuable for both parties.
– Outline any ways you think you could help or collaborate with each other.
Include a Call to Action
– Let them know you look forward to connecting or future conversations.
– Suggest following up over email or scheduling a call to connect further.
Sample Connect Messages
Here are some example connection request messages you can use for inspiration:
Basic Introduction
Hi [name], I saw we’re both involved in the digital marketing industry. I’d love to connect so we can collaborate and support each other’s work. Look forward to connecting!
Common Interest
Hello [name]. I noticed we share an interest in [common interest]. I enjoy learning from others in the community and thought connecting could lead to some great conversations. Hope to connect soon!
Mutual Connections
[Name], I see we have some mutual connections – [connection names]. I would be great if we connected as well. Looking forward to networking and chatting more!
Referred by Someone
[Name], [mutual connection] suggested I connect with you to discuss [topic]. I think we could have a great conversation about [topic]. Hoping we can connect!
Met at Event
It was great meeting you at [event name]. Let’s connect on LinkedIn so we can stay in touch. I really enjoyed learning more about your work in [industry]. I think connecting could lead to some interesting opportunities!
Following Up After Connecting
Simply sending a connection request with a message may not be enough to start a conversation. Here are some tips for following up with new connections:
Send an Email
– Thank them for accepting your request.
– Restate why you wanted to connect and suggest continuing the dialogue over email.
Comment on Posts
– Check their LinkedIn feed and comment meaningful thoughts on their posts to start engaging.
Send a Message
– Use LinkedIn messaging to follow up with your original note and start a new thread.
Offer to Help
– Look for ways you can offer advice or support based on what you know about their goals.
Tips for Managing Connections
Here are some additional tips for effectively managing your LinkedIn connections:
Connect with People You Know and Trust
– Avoid connecting with strangers or contacts with unclear intentions.
Personalize Invites
– Always customize your request with a note, no matter how well you know the person.
Follow Up Promptly
– Set calendar reminders to follow up shortly after connecting to start regular communication.
Add Connects to Groups
– Get more value by adding new connections to relevant LinkedIn Groups for ongoing discussions.
Engage Thoughtfully
– Comment on updates, share their content, and like their posts to keep them in your network long-term.
Pros of Sending a Message when Connecting
Sending a personalized message with your LinkedIn connection invitation has many benefits, including:
Increases Acceptance Rates
Notes show you took the time to view the person’s full profile and explain why you want to connect, making acceptance more likely.
Sparks Better Conversations
The message gives you a starting point for future conversations and interactions after connecting.
Shows You’re Thoughtful
Custom messages demonstrate extra thought and care went into initiating the connection.
Starts Relationship Building
A warm, friendly tone helps put a new connection at ease so you can start building rapport right away.
Expands Your Purpose
Explaining mutual interests, goals, or contacts clarifies your purpose for connecting beyond just expanding your network.
Cons of Connecting without a Message
There are risks and drawbacks to sending LinkedIn connection invitations without personalized notes:
Lower Acceptance Rates
Recipients are less inclined to accept requests from strangers without any context or explanation provided.
Appear Spammy
Mass connection requests can come across as spammy if each one isn’t customized with a unique note.
Forgettable
You may end up forgetting why you connected or how you know the person without notes for context.
Miss Conversations
Lacking an initial message misses the opportunity for organic conversations arising from your request.
Seem Lazy
Putting no effort into personalizing invites suggests laziness rather than a thoughtful effort to establish a meaningful connection.
Can LinkedIn Connections See Your Other Connections?
One common question when sending connection requests on LinkedIn is – can your existing connections see who you are connecting to? The answer is maybe. Here are the specifics:
1st Degree Connections
Your 1st degree connections, meaning people you are directly connected to, cannot see who you are sending invitations to connect with. This information is private.
2nd Degree Connections
2nd degree connections, people connected to your 1st degree connections, may be able to see some information about your connection requests. When you connect with a 2nd degree connection, the mutual person in your networks may receive a notification about it.
New vs. Existing Connections
Importantly, when connecting with someone new, even 2nd degree connections won’t get notified or see any information. Notifications only happen when connecting to someone already within your “network of networks.”
Settings Control Visibility
As the person sending the request, you can also control visibility. Under your account Privacy settings, you can uncheck the box that says “Share your network updates with 2nd degree connections” to turn off this connectivity information entirely.
Conclusion
Sending a personalized note when requesting a connection on LinkedIn can lead to higher acceptance rates, improved relationship-building, and more meaningful connections. Though simple, taking the time to customize your connection invitation demonstrates thoughtfulness and care. It’s the first step to starting a conversation and engaging with your connections. Just be mindful that existing mutual connections may be notified when you connect within their network. But overall, a personalized message can go a long way in expanding your professional network meaningfully.