Connecting with new people on LinkedIn can seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right strategy, you can approach anyone on LinkedIn in a friendly, professional way. The key is to personalize your initial outreach while being mindful of the other person’s time.
A great LinkedIn connection starts with common ground. Look for shared connections, groups, colleges, companies, or interests you have in common. Point these out in your customized connection request to show you took the time to notice what you share. Express why you’d value connecting, like to learn from their experience, discuss an idea, or explore potential opportunities.
Keep your ask clear and specific, like a virtual coffee chat or quick phone call to start. Avoid asking for too much time or help right away. Relationship-building takes time, so focus on making a good first impression and seeing if you mutually want to connect further.
Follow up promptly if they accept your request. Thank them for connecting and reiterate your interest in speaking further. Short, friendly messages work best to kickoff a new LinkedIn connection.
Here is a handy template to follow when approaching someone new on LinkedIn:
LinkedIn Connection Request Template
Hi [Name],
Hope you’re doing well! I noticed we’re both members of [group name] and have [shared connection]. I’ve been following [company name] and am impressed with your work on [initiative, product launch, project].
I’m currently working in [your industry/role] and am interested in learning more about [topic of interest based on their background]. Would you have 20 minutes in the next few weeks for a quick virtual coffee chat?
I’d welcome the chance to connect and hear your perspective on [industry trends, their career path, specific expertise]. Please let me know if you’re open to scheduling a brief intro call.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Key Tips for Approaching Someone on LinkedIn
– Personalize the request based on shared connections, groups, experience.
– Express a specific reason you want to connect.
– Keep the initial ask small, like a 20 minute call.
– Follow up promptly if they accept to schedule a chat.
– Focus on building the relationship first before asking for help.
– Be clear on how connecting could benefit both parties.
– Remain professional but approachable in tone.
– Only connect with those you genuinely want to build rapport with.
– Don’t make it all about what they can do for you. Offer value too.
Maximize Your LinkedIn Profile
Before reaching out to new connections, make sure your own LinkedIn profile is optimized to make a great first impression.
– Use a professional headshot photo.
– Craft a succinct, engaging headline.
– Showcase current position and 2-3 previous roles.
– Share education, certifications, volunteer work.
– Highlight relevant skills and areas of expertise.
– Obtain recommendations from managers, colleagues, clients.
– Join industry-related groups and follow influential companies/thought leaders in your field.
– Share positive contributions like articles, presentations, projects.
– Describe each position’s contributions, achievements, and learnings.
– Use keywords that will be picked up in recruiter searches.
– Link to your website, portfolio samples, or other relevant profiles.
– Engage consistently by liking, commenting, posting, and sharing.
Profile Tips Summary
Have a professional photo |
Write an engaging headline |
Showcase current and past positions |
List education and certifications |
Highlight relevant skills and expertise |
Obtain recommendations |
Join industry groups |
Share projects and articles |
Detail achievements and learnings |
Use keywords for discoverability |
Link to external profiles |
Engage regularly with content |
A robust, eye-catching LinkedIn profile makes you look credible, establishes your professional brand, and gives people reasons to want to connect.
Who to Approach on LinkedIn
LinkedIn opens up networking possibilities with an incredible range of professionals. But who makes for the best connections? Consider reaching out to:
– Contacts at companies you want to work for
– Leaders in your target industry
– Former colleagues and bosses
– Customers, clients, vendors in your network
– Peers who have similar roles at other organizations
– Influencers publishing insights relevant to your work
– Recruiters and hiring managers
– Groups of other professionals like new grads
– Extended contacts of your connections (“3rd degree” and above)
– Alumni from your university or programs
– People you meet at events, conferences, trade shows
You can also make new contacts by engaging with content from influential profiles. Like, comment on, share, and send messages to start conversations centered around ideas and interests.
Who to Approach Summary Table
Industry leaders |
Former colleagues |
Clients & vendors |
Peers at other companies |
Relevant influencers |
Recruiters and hiring managers |
Groups of fellow professionals |
3rd+ degree connections |
University alumni |
Event and conference attendees |
Following Up After Connecting
Don’t let a new LinkedIn connection fizzle out after connecting. Continue nurturing it by:
– Scheduling time to chat if appropriate. Even 15-20 minutes can establish rapport.
– Sending periodic messages to build the relationship. Share relevant articles, ideas, congratulations, or introductions.
– Commenting on their posts and company page updates to stay engaged.
– Exploring how you might be able to collaborate or help one another.
– Seeing if they’d be open to an in-person meeting if geographically close.
– Connecting them to others in your network who have common interests.
– Expressing thanks again for their time and insights.
– Continuing to like and interact with their content.
– Following up if you discussed specific ways to work together or help each other out.
Don’t let promising new connections fade away. Consistent nurturing is key to developing strong professional relationships on LinkedIn.
Avoiding Common LinkedIn Mistakes
Steer clear of these frequent mistakes that can hurt your LinkedIn networking:
– Requesting to connect right away before establishing common ground
– Using default connection requests or overly salesy language
– Asking for too much too fast: “Pick their brain”, free consulting, etc.
– Messaging excessively; let conversations happen organically
– Hard selling or promoting your business/offerings too aggressively
– Making it all about what they can do for you rather than mutual benefit
– Coming across as spammy or using auto-generated content
– Oversharing personal details or unprofessional content
– Lack of personalization and specific reasons for connecting
– Vague follow up after connecting; let conversations drop
– Insincere flattery or obvious brown-nosing
– Contacting those with no logical reasons to connect
The best approach is genuine, personalized, and professional. Focus on relationship-building versus quick gains.
LinkedIn Mistakes Summary Table
Requesting to connect too fast |
Using default invites |
Asking for too much help |
Messaging too frequently |
Aggressive self-promotion |
All one-sided asks |
Spammy or automated outreach |
Oversharing unprofessional details |
No personalization |
Letting new connections fade |
Insincere flattery |
Contacting irrelevant connections |
Growing Your Network Authentically
Expand your LinkedIn network steadily over time by:
– Starting with shared connections who can introduce you.
– Engaging genuinely with content before connecting.
– Personalizing every request with specific context.
– Building rapport through dialogue and helping others.
– Having patience; meaningful relationships take time.
– Keeping up with new connections and contacts.
– Following up on conversations and promises.
– Offering to make introductions between your connections.
– Recommending relevant opportunities to your network.
– Posting and sharing content your network would value.
– Congratulating contacts on work anniversaries, promotions, new jobs.
– Appreciating those who help you grow and progress.
– Exploring collaborative projects that leverage both sides’ strengths.
– Getting involved and reading/posting in relevant groups.
– Thanking new connections for accepting your invite.
– Continually expanding your horizons and network.
Conclusion
Approaching people on LinkedIn the right way can lead to game-changing relationships and opportunities. Focus on commonalities, be personalized and patient, follow up consistently, and nurture real rapport over time. Avoid shortcuts and insincerity. Most importantly, remember the people behind the profiles. Value their humanity and help them along the way too. If you can master this, your LinkedIn network will thrive.