Making new connections on LinkedIn can help expand your professional network and open up new opportunities. However, sending connection requests to strangers or acquaintances can feel awkward or intrusive. Using the right approach when reaching out to new connections helps ensure your requests are well-received. Here are some tips for gracefully introducing yourself to new LinkedIn connections:
Personalize Your Connection Request
When sending a connection request, avoid using LinkedIn’s default template message. Instead, write a personal note explaining who you are, where you know the person from, and why you’d like to connect. Reference any common connections, experiences, or interests you share to make the request feel more natural. Taking the time to personalize your request shows you value their time.
Remind Them Who You Are
If it’s been a while since you’ve interacted with the person, politely remind them how you know each other. Jog their memory by mentioning when and where you met or worked together. Simply saying something like, “It was great meeting you at last month’s industry event” helps give them context.
Be Clear On Your Purpose
State your reason for wanting to connect, whether it’s to share knowledge, learn from their experiences, collaborate, or build your professional community. Being upfront establishes you have a genuine interest in engaging with them. Avoid sounding like you’re trying to make a sales pitch.
Offer Value
Communicate what you bring to the table – such as expertise, resources, or connections – that would provide value to the other person. For example, “I enjoy your perspectives on customer engagement and thought we could share best practices.” Position the connection as a potential win-win.
Keep It Concise
Long connection requests come across as spammy or pushy. Boil your message down to 3-4 sentences highlighting who you are, where you met, and your interest in connecting. You can have a fuller discussion after they accept.
Follow Up Politely
If they don’t respond after a week or so, follow up stating you weren’t sure if they received your original note and are still interested in connecting. Avoid pestering them if they continue not to respond. They likely prefer not to connect at this time.
Best Practices For Introducing Yourself
Here are some best practices to craft effective LinkedIn connection requests:
Proofread For Typos & Errors
Double check for any typos, spelling errors, or inaccuracies that could reflect poorly on you. Having a polished, professional message shows you took time and care.
Avoid Overly Casual Language
While you want to be personable, avoid being too informal. Terms like “Hey” or “What’s up?” may not be appropriate for someone you don’t know well. Stick to “Hello” or “Dear” to be safe.
Show You Did Your Homework
Reference their work history, education, skills, interests, and groups to show you took time to understand their background and capabilities. This makes your request more meaningful.
Connect Professionally First
Focus initially on making a professional connection. Once you build a relationship, you can be more conversational and friendly. Don’t overstep bounds early on.
Respect Their Time
Keep your request focused and digestible at a glance. They likely get numerous messages daily. Make it easy for them to grasp why connecting would be worth their while.
Follow Up – But Don’t Harass
It’s fine to follow up if they haven’t responded in a week or so, but don’t bombard them with multiple messages. Assume “no response” means “not interested” after 1-2 follow-ups.
Personalize Invites To Connect
When inviting several new connections at once, customize each request with their name and don’t use a copied template. Mass messages look lazy.
Templates For LinkedIn Connection Requests
Here are some template messages you can adapt when reaching out to new LinkedIn connections:
Template 1: Reconnecting with an old colleague
Hi [Name],
It’s been a few years since we worked together at [Company], but I saw you recently joined [New Company] and wanted to reconnect. I’m currently working as a [Your Role] at [Your Company] and would love to stay in touch and exchange industry insights. Please let me know if you’d be open to connecting on LinkedIn.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Template 2: After meeting at an industry event
Hello [Name],
It was great to meet you at [Event Name] last week and chat about [Topic Discussed]. Based on our conversation, I think we could have some valuable conversations around [Shared Interest]. I’d like to stay in touch and continue learning from your experiences. Would you be open to connecting on LinkedIn?
I look forward to keeping the dialogue going.
[Your Name]
Template 3: Wanting to learn from their expertise
Dear [Name],
I came across your profile while researching industry leaders in [Field], and I’m thoroughly impressed with your background in [Expertise Area]. I’m hoping to learn from top professionals like yourself as I develop my skills in [Skillset]. Would you be open to connecting on LinkedIn? I’d welcome any wisdom you’re willing to share.
Thanks for considering,
[Your Name]
Sending Effective Connection Requests on Mobile
Many LinkedIn connection requests are sent and received on mobile devices. Here are some tips for smoothly introducing yourself through mobile:
Keep it Brief
Mobile screens are smaller, so get to the point faster. You generally want to keep mobile notes under 3-4 sentences.
Write Well
Typos and errors stand out more on small screens. Carefully proofread before sending from your phone.
Personalize Each One
Even on mobile, avoid copy-pasting generic messages. Take the time to customize your request.
Follow Up On Desktop
If they haven’t responded after a few days, follow up from a desktop if you can. It allows you to write a more detailed note.
Check Notification Settings
Make sure your notifications are turned on for connection requests. You don’t want to miss a response.
Watch Your Tone
Emoticons and shorthand (like “LOL”) often don’t translate well professionally on mobile. Stick to proper language.
Add a Personal Touch
If you have their phone number, consider preceding your LinkedIn request with a text or call to preface the ask. This can help.
Accepting & Responding to Connection Requests
So you’ve been proactive about sending thoughtful connection requests. But how should you respond when requests come your way? Here are some best practices:
Review Their Profile
Take time to understand their background before accepting. Make sure it’s someone you actually want to connect with.
Only Accept Thoughtful Requests
Ignore generic invites that say something like “I’d like to add you to my network.” There’s no context.
Reply With Equal Effort
If someone sends you a personalized request, extend the same effort in your reply. Thank them for the invite and share why you’d like to connect as well.
Connect With Your Purpose In Mind
Before accepting, think about why you want to connect and how you may engage with them. Don’t randomly grow your network.
It’s Okay to Politely Decline
If it’s someone you don’t want to connect with, you can ignore or decline the request. You don’t have to accept every invitation.
Add a Note
Rather than only accepting a request, add a friendly note to kick off the relationship. This starts the rapport building.
Thank Them
When accepting a request, express your gratitude and acknowledge the effort they put into their personalized note.
Don’t Feel Pressured
Don’t accept requests simply because you feel awkward declining them. Only connect with those you truly want to.
Nurturing Relationships With New Connections
Connecting is just the first step. To truly gain value from new connections, nurture and engage with them over time:
Like and Comment on Their Posts
Proactively interact with their content to keep your new connection top of mind. Share insights and perspectives.
Send Them Articles or Resources
If you come across something you think may benefit them or relate to their work, pass it along. It shows you care.
Endorse Their Skills
Take a minute to validate their expertise and capabilities by endorsing their skills. This strengthens their profile.
Invite Them to Follow Your Company Page
Encourage them to follow your company page to expose them to your brand and role. Offer to follow their company in return.
Make Introductions
Once there’s rapport, connect them with others in your network who have common interests or potential synergies.
Share Your Knowledge
Based on your conversations, offer insights, advice, or guidance that provides them with value. Position yourself as a trusted resource.
Request Informational Interviews
To continue learning about their career journey, request a virtual coffee or informational interview. This builds the relationship.
Avoiding Common LinkedIn Etiquette Mistakes
As you connect and engage with new contacts, keep these etiquette pointers in mind:
Don’t Overtly Sell
Resist launching into a sales pitch after connecting. Focus on building a relationship first.
Don’t Bombard With Messages
Let conversations happen organically. Don’t inundate new connections with constant outreach.
Be Authentic & Humble
Genuinely take interest in others and focus on giving more than getting. Don’t be self-promoting.
Respect Boundaries
If someone seems reluctant to connect or disengages, accept cues graciously, rather than pushing further.
Keep Your Profile Updated
Stale, outdated profiles reflect poorly on you. Stay on top of refreshing your content.
Watch Your Tone
Avoid overly formal or informal language until you know someone’s preferences and communication style.
Proofread Thoroughly
Typos or grammar issues in messages diminish your professionalism. Double check before sending.
Follow Through
If you commit to sending someone information or an article, follow through in a timely manner. Don’t leave them hanging.
Credit Others
If someone helps you out based on your connection, acknowledge them publicly and share the credit.
Common LinkedIn FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about growing your LinkedIn network:
How many LinkedIn connections should you have?
Quality is more important than quantity. Aim for around 500-600 1st degree connections that you genuinely interact with versus thousands of random contacts.
Is there a maximum number of LinkedIn connections?
No, there is no limit. However, it becomes unrealistic to actively engage and nurture thousands of connections. Cap your network at a reasonable amount.
Should you connect with LinkedIn contacts you don’t know?
Use discretion here. If it’s someone relevant that you would like to build a relationship with, connect and introduce yourself. But don’t accept requests blindly.
How do I decline a LinkedIn connection request?
You can either ignore the request or click the “Decline” option. You can also decline and send them a message politely explaining why, but this is optional.
Is it better to have 1st or 2nd degree LinkedIn connections?
1st degree connections are ideal, as you can directly communicate and cultivate these relationships. The larger your 1st degree network, the more access you have.
How do I remove a connection on LinkedIn?
On their profile, click “More” and then “Remove connection.” You can also block them if needed.
Conclusion
Growing your LinkedIn network strategically with meaningful connections takes time and effort. But it’s one of the highest-impact ways to open up new opportunities, insights, and access to the right people. Take a personalized, genuine approach to introduce yourself to new contacts. Then nurture those relationships by consistently providing value. With some finesse and the right etiquette, you can build an ever-expanding community of professional colleagues on LinkedIn.
