Starting a networking conversation on LinkedIn can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be! With over 560 million members on LinkedIn, there are ample opportunities to connect and build relationships. The key is knowing how to craft an initial outreach message that provides value, sparks interest, and gets a conversation going. Here are some tips on how to start a networking conversation that leads to meaningful connections.
Do Your Research
Before reaching out, learn about the person and what interests or motivates them. Read their profile thoroughly and look for shared connections, groups, or interests you may have in common. This will allow you to personalize your message and show you took the time to understand who they are. You can highlight common ground as a way to initiate a natural conversation. Having context about someone’s background makes a big difference compared to a generic message.
Craft a Unique Subject Line
You only have a few seconds to capture someone’s attention, so avoid generic subject lines like “Connecting on LinkedIn.” Instead, reference something specific about their experience or interests. For example: “Fellow [University Name] Alum Seeking Career Advice” or “Admired Your Presentation at [Conference].” This level of personalization and relevance is more likely to get your message opened.
Keep It Short
When reaching out cold on LinkedIn, brevity is key. Respect the other person’s time by keeping your initial message to 3-4 sentences maximum. Introduce yourself, explain why you’d like to connect, and end with a question or call to action to continue the dialogue. You can dive deeper into conversation once they respond, but restraint early on is advised.
Offer Value
Instead of asking for something right away, think about how you can provide value to the other person. Are you sharing an interesting article about their company or industry? Making an insightful observation about their career path? Providing a recommendation for a service or contact that could help them? When you lead with value, people are much more open to networking.
Find Common Ground
Look for shared experiences, associations, or interests you can bond over. Maybe you went to the same school, worked at rival companies, or volunteer for the same non-profit. Find something that establishes common ground and rapport. This provides a basis for a real conversation vs. a transactional request. Pick something meaningful to have an authentic starting point.
Ask Open-Ended Questions
Close your initial outreach by asking open-ended questions versus yes/no questions. This gives the recipient an easy path to continue the dialogue. For example: “I’d love to hear about your experience working at [Company X]. What was most rewarding about your time there?” Open-ended questions require thoughtful responses and show your sincere interest in learning more.
Follow Up Professionally
If you don’t get a response within a week, follow up. Send a short message reiterating your interest in connecting and asking if they received your original note. However, don’t stalk or harass someone who isn’t interested. Two follow-ups spaced a week apart is appropriate. If there’s still no response, move on gracefully.
Start Slowly
When learning how to network on LinkedIn, start slowly. Try reaching out to 5-10 people at a time and build up gradually as you get comfortable. Target those with whom you have the strongest common bond and perceived value to offer. As you gain experience, networking will start to feel natural.
Be Authentic
Networking works best when you are authentic about your interests in meeting someone. Don’t try to fake your way into building a relationship. Be clear about your intent and earnest in making the first move. Even if the person can’t help directly, they will appreciate genuine outreach.
It’s a Small World
Remember that many people on LinkedIn are connected through mutual associations and experiences, even if not directly. Assume you have shared connections who can vouch for you both. Being mindful and professional at all times preserves your reputation.
Don’t Take Rejection Personally
Understand that not everyone will be receptive to networking outreach for myriad reasons. It’s not a reflection on you. Keep trying new connections aligned to your goals. With persistence and care, you can build a meaningful network over time.
Provide Updates
After connecting, keep your new network updated on your latest projects, milestones, and accomplishments. This maintains the relationship and seeds opportunities for future dialogue. Be careful not to over-share or sound boastful.
Share Knowledge Generously
Post and comment frequently to establish yourself as a thoughtful leader in your field. Share links to helpful resources, insights from events, strategic observations, etc. Position yourself as a go-to source of information.
Give Praise Authentically
Comment with praise when you genuinely admire someone’s work or achievements. But avoid flattery that could come across as insincere. Also, endorse skills for connections where you have first-hand experience of their capabilities.
Request Introductions Thoughtfully
When asking for an introduction, explain how you already have context on the person and their initiatives. Share why the connection would be mutually beneficial. Avoid asking for introductions “cold” out of nowhere.
Say Thank You
Express gratitude when people engage. A simple thank you goes a long way in keeping your network active. Show appreciation for replies, comments, shares, introductions, or time given to you.
Give Back
Look for opportunities to give before you ask or get from your network. Share ideas to help others in your field. Make introductions between contacts that can help one another. Give before you get.
Be Consistent
You won’t build an effective network with shallow outreach every once in awhile. Commit to consistency in nurturing your connections. Checking in regularly leads to stronger bonds over time.
Keep an Open Mind
Don’t pre-judge who may or may not be worth connecting with online. You never know where a relationship may lead. Connect broadly and give each relationship a chance to blossom.
Make Use of Tools
Take advantage of LinkedIn tools like InMail and anonymous browsing to research and reach out to targets more effectively. Use automated reminders and templates to be efficient.
Expand Your Network
Get creative in finding new connections. Join groups related to your field. Follow companies you admire. Engage with influencers in your space. Attend online events to connect globally.
Don’t Be Pushy
Avoid aggressive outreach about business opportunities, job openings, etc. Be patient in developing relationships before asking for significant favors. Let dialogues unfold organically.
Personalize Invitations
When inviting someone to connect, include a tailored message versus relying on LinkedIn’s generic copy. Share why you’d value connecting based on their unique background.
Make Introductions
Proactively introduce members of your network to each other for mutual benefit. Enable new partnerships and knowledge sharing. A close-knit network introduces itself.
Don’t Blast Messages
Resist the urge to spam your entire network with a recycled message. Target communications thoughtfully to those with whom you have an established relationship and clear relevance.
Share Expertise Generously
Establish your credibility by freely sharing insights and best practices when commenting. Avoid promoting yourself constantly. Focus on being helpful.
Research Thoroughly First
Before reaching out cold, learn as much as possible about a person’s background from their profile and public information. This enables personalized, contextual first messages.
Recommend Connections
Suggest new connections through LinkedIn that would benefit people in your network based on their goals. This level of proactive help is appreciated.
Align on Preferred Communication
When moving an online connection into a conversation, ask about preferred contact methods. Don’t assume LinkedIn messaging is best. Ask if they prefer email, text, phone, etc.
Create Strong Profiles
Build comprehensive, keyword-rich profiles highlighting your value proposition for others. This gives people context on who you are upfront before connecting.
Don’t Overshare
While sharing personal updates and passion projects can build authenticity, be wary of oversharing or posting unprofessionally. Keep boundary between personal and professional.
Recommend Good Content
Share, comment on, and recommend articles, books, videos, podcasts etc. you find valuable about industry topics. Position yourself as a curator of knowledge.
Show You Care
Networking should be about building relationships, not transactions. Get to know people, their needs, goals, pains. Offer help and insight. The rest will follow.
Follow Up
After initial outreach or meetings, follow up with new contacts to share relevant ideas and continue the conversation. Don’t let promising connections go cold.
Give Help Unconditionally
The best networkers contribute meaningfully without expecting anything immediate in return. Foster goodwill through generosity. Reciprocity will emerge over time.
Don’t Hide Behind Technology
While LinkedIn provides data about connections, realize there are real people behind each profile. Network thoughtfully, respectfully and professionally.
Join Industry Groups
Groups focused on your occupation or niche allow you to connect with like-minded professionals facing similar challenges. Share advice and build relationships.
Make Networking a Habit
Consistency compounds results. Set aside regular time each week for networking outreach, messaging, and profile updates. Turn it into a habit, not a chore.
Conclusion
Starting a conversation on LinkedIn takes effort, but pays dividends in expanding your professional network meaningfully over time. Do your research, personalize invitations, provide value, find common ground, ask thoughtful questions, and consistently nurture connections. With a patient, authentic approach focused on mutual benefit, you can build strong relationships.