Moving a conversation from LinkedIn to email can be useful for several reasons. Email allows for more privacy, easier tracking of conversations, and more control over when you respond. However, it also requires getting the other person’s direct contact information. There are a few different approaches you can take to move a LinkedIn conversation to email smoothly and professionally.
Why Move a Conversation to Email?
Here are some of the main advantages of moving a discussion from LinkedIn messaging to email:
– Email is more private. LinkedIn conversations can be seen by anyone in your network. Email offers a one-on-one interaction.
– Email conversations are easier to track. LinkedIn messages can get lost in the platform’s interface. Email provides a threaded view.
– You can respond on your own time. LinkedIn expects quick replies. Email allows you to respond when it’s convenient.
– No character limits. LinkedIn messages have restrictions. Email lets you write longer, more detailed messages.
– You can attach files and images. Adding attachments in LinkedIn is limited. Email makes sharing documents and media easy.
– It’s more personal. LinkedIn feels professional. Email has a more casual, friendly tone.
So in many cases, continuing a discussion via email makes sense. But how do you make that transition smoothly?
Ask Permission to Move the Conversation
The first step is to directly ask the other person if they’d be willing to continue the conversation over email.
A simple message like “I’m enjoying our conversation. Would you be open to moving it to email so we can discuss further?” is usually well received.
Give them a clear reason why you’d like to switch communication channels. Referring to any of the advantages above, like having more room for detailed discussions, can help them understand your intent.
Make it clear that you still value connecting on LinkedIn, but think email may work better for ongoing correspondence. With their permission, you can move the conversation seamlessly.
Share Your Email Address
After getting the green light to move your dialogue to email, the next step is sharing contact information.
One option is sending your email address directly through LinkedIn messaging.
Say something like: “My email is [email protected] if you’d like to continue our conversation there.”
Check that they received your email address correctly by having them confirm it back to you. This avoids any miscommunication.
An alternative is to send your email address through LinkedIn’s “Send Contact Info” feature.
Click the More actions button in your conversation. Choose Send Contact Info. Select the email address you want to share.
This will pass your email on securely and let you verify they received it.
Move the Conversation History
Now that you’re connected by email, you’ll want to move your existing conversation history. This keeps the continuity rather than starting all over again.
The easiest way is to use LinkedIn’s export message feature.
In your messages, click on the conversation thread you want to export. Look for the download icon in the upper right. Click it to export the conversation as a PDF.
You can also copy and paste message content directly into a new email. Just be sure to explain what you’re doing so they understand the context.
Importing your conversation helps pick up where you left off, without losing previous discussions.
Start Your Email Thread
With your email address exchanged and message history transferred, you’re ready to start a new email thread.
Reference your LinkedIn conversation in the first email to provide context. Include any relevant attachments or images that are better suited for email.
Use a descriptive subject line like “Continuing our LinkedIn conversation” so they can easily find your message.
Thank them for agreeing to move your discussion and reiterate why you think email is the right medium.
Now you can carry on with the great conversation you were having on LinkedIn, but with broader options through direct email.
Keep It Professional
When moving conversations to email, remember to keep the same professional tone you would on LinkedIn. After all, this is still a conversation that started in a business, networking context.
Avoid over-casual language and make sure any personal details you share are appropriate for a professional relationship. Don’t say anything you wouldn’t be comfortable with them repeating.
It can be tempting to relax more over email, but maintain similar boundaries as you would on LinkedIn itself. This keeps the conversation productive and focused.
Transition Back to LinkedIn
Moving a conversation to email doesn’t have to be permanent. Once your goal for switching communication channels is fulfilled, consider transitioning back to LinkedIn messaging.
For example, if you wanted to have a detailed discussion about an upcoming conference you’re both attending, email may have provided the flexibility needed.
But once the logistics are figured out, reconnect on LinkedIn messaging to stay visible in each other’s networks.
When transitioning back, recap any key points, action items or conclusions from your email chat. This catches them up on what they may have missed while you were off-platform.
Connect in Person
Email conversations can also lead to in-person meetings and events. If there’s opportunity to connect face-to-face, use email to make arrangements.
Maybe you’re both attending the same industry conference. Set up a coffee meeting to continue your discussions live.
If you’re local to each other, schedule a shared activity like a class, lecture or volunteer event.
Making email plans for an in-person connection turns online networking into real-world relationships.
Set Expectations
When moving conversations to email, set clear expectations up front to avoid miscommunications.
If you foresee needing extended, frequent discussions, let them know you may not be able to respond immediately but will get back to them within a certain timeframe.
Give guidance on what topics are appropriate and any you want to avoid. Set frequency guidelines, like checking email twice a week for ongoing conversations.
Managing expectations from the start prevents issues like delayed replies or unwanted messages.
Use BCC for Group Discussions
If you want to move a group discussion from LinkedIn to email, use BCC (blind courtesy copy) to protect everyone’s privacy.
For example, if you met several new connections at an event and want to continue conversing as a group, email may work better.
Start a new email thread and BCC all their addresses, rather than listing them openly in the To or CC fields. This keeps their emails private from the broader group.
BCC also prevents lengthy “reply all” chains that can inundate people’s inboxes. Keep the conversation focused.
Stay Organized
One challenge with moving professional conversations to email is keeping your various threads organized. Here are some tips:
– Create a separate folder or label in your email account for LinkedIn connections. Apply this label as you start new threads.
– Include the person’s name and company in email subject lines, like “John Smith – ACME Co. Conference Follow Up.”
– If conversations grow lengthy, summarize key points in new messages to simplify history.
– Turn on conversation threading in your email settings so related messages stay grouped.
– Check in occasionally on LinkedIn. Look at profiles and recent activity to jog your memory before responding to an older email.
Staying organized from the start prevents losing track of important business relationships.
Avoid Oversharing
Resist the temptation to overshare personal details when moving conversations to email. Remember, this relationship originated in a professional context.
Avoid sharing private information about your health, family, or non-work activities unless directly relevant to the discussion.
Don’t use an informal email chat as a chance to vent frustration about colleagues or clients. Keep the tone positive.
Consider if anything you write is sensitive enough that you’d be concerned if it got forwarded or went public. If so, it’s best to avoid.
The casual nature of email can lead to lowered inhibitions. But professional standards still apply. Keep your private life separate.
Wrap Up Linking Conversations
Transitioning conversations from LinkedIn to email has many advantages, but also risks if not handled thoughtfully. Here are some best practices:
– Ask permission before moving to email and explain your reasons why. Don’t assume.
– Share contact information securely through LinkedIn features or confirm addresses.
– Transfer over relevant message history so conversations continue seamlessly.
– Set clear boundaries and expectations for professional conduct.
– Use BCC and organization methods for group discussions.
– Periodically transition conversations back to LinkedIn when appropriate.
With care taken to make the switch smoothly, email provides a more flexible channel for meaningful professional networking.
Key Takeaways
– Ask connections first before moving a LinkedIn conversation to email. Don’t assume they’re comfortable switching channels.
– Export your message history and paste it into your first email to continue the conversation seamlessly.
– Use BCC for group email discussions to maintain privacy and avoid excessive reply alls.
– Keep the same professional standards for conversations started on LinkedIn. Don’t treat email as permission to overshare personal details.
– Stay organized using labels, descriptive subject lines and summaries to avoid losing track of connections.
– Periodically transition conversations back to LinkedIn messaging when the reason for switching platforms no longer applies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it appropriate to ask to continue a LinkedIn conversation over email?
It is generally appropriate as long as you politely ask permission first and explain your reason, such as wanting to have more detailed discussions. Make clear you still value their LinkedIn connection.
How do I share my email address with a LinkedIn connection?
You can send your email address through LinkedIn messaging. For added security, use LinkedIn’s Send Contact Info feature which shares your email through a verified channel.
Is there an easy way to move a LinkedIn conversation history to email?
Yes, LinkedIn has an export message feature that lets you download conversations as PDFs. You can also copy and paste message text into a new email body.
What’s the best way to conduct group conversations over email that started on LinkedIn?
Use the BCC line when emailing the group to keep everyone’s address private. BCC also prevents excessive reply alls.
Should I communicate differently over email versus on LinkedIn?
You should maintain the same professional standards. Don’t treat email as an excuse to use casual language or share personal details unless directly relevant.
Conclusion
Moving conversations from LinkedIn to email opens up new possibilities for more detailed, productive discussions with your connections. With care taken to make the transition smoothly and continuing respectful professional conduct, email provides a more flexible channel for valuable networking. Just be sure to periodically transition relevant discussions back to LinkedIn to stay visible in your industry community. With some thoughtfulness, you can have the best of both worlds.
