Starting a professional message on LinkedIn can seem daunting, especially when reaching out to connect with someone for the first time. However, there are some simple tips you can follow to craft an effective opening message that makes a great first impression.
Why Starting Right Matters
Your opening message on LinkedIn sets the tone for the conversation. You want to come across as professional, polite, and purposeful. A thoughtful introduction makes the recipient more inclined to accept your connection request or continue the dialogue. On the other hand, a sloppy or overly sales-y first note can immediately turn off the recipient or get your message ignored entirely.
Remember, first impressions matter just as much online as they do in person. The opening message is your chance to put your best foot forward and show the recipient that you are a thoughtful, professional contact worth their time and attention.
Do Your Homework
Before reaching out to connect with someone on LinkedIn, it’s important to briefly review their profile. Look for things you have in common, like shared connections, employers, schools, interests, volunteer work, or groups. Try to find some common ground that you can mention in your opening message to establish an immediate rapport.
For example, if you see you both volunteer with the same organization, you could say something like:
“I noticed we both volunteer with [Organization]. I’ve been involved with their [Event/Program] for the past few years – it’s been so rewarding to work with them! I would enjoy connecting with fellow volunteers on LinkedIn.”
Doing your homework shows you are serious about establishing a meaningful connection, not just spamming people with generic invites.
Personalize the Message
One of the worst things you can do is send the exact same opening message to every person you try to connect with. Mass messages come across as impersonal and thoughtless. Instead, customize each first note to show the recipient why you want to connect specifically with them.
Mention common ground you identified while reviewing their profile. Refer to their current position, past experiences, education, skills, or interests that stood out to you. Let them know why you think connecting with them specifically could be beneficial.
Here are some examples of personalized opening messages:
- Hi John, I saw you worked at [Company] – I actually started my career there too! Would love to connect with a fellow alum.
- Hi Mary, Your experience as [Position] at [Company] really impressed me. I’m interested in learning more about that field – would you be open to connecting on LinkedIn?
- Hi Tom, I noticed you’re involved with [Association] – as a [Industry] professional I find their events really valuable too. I’d enjoy connecting on LinkedIn with other members.
Taking the time to personalize your request demonstrates your sincerity in wanting to connect with that person specifically, not just grow your network randomly.
Keep It Concise
When reaching out cold to connect on LinkedIn, your message does not need to be overly long. You want to be brief and to the point in your introduction.
Your opening message should be about 2-3 sentences max. Introduce yourself, mention your common ground, and explain why you want to connect. Then wrap up by asking if they would be open to connecting.
Being too wordy can make your message seem rambling or unfocused. Don’t make the recipient have to wade through dense paragraphs just to understand why you want to connect. A focused, concise message shows consideration for the recipient’s time.
Proofread Carefully
Before hitting send, always proofread your opening message for any errors or typos. Small mistakes can undermine the professionalism you want to establish. You also want to avoid any autocorrect fails that inadvertently change the meaning.
Additionally, double check that you addressed the recipient properly and spelled their name correctly. Misspelling a name or using the wrong title looks careless and can immediately rub the person the wrong way.
Taking the time to proofread demonstrates your attention to detail and respect for the recipient. A thoughtful, polished introduction will be better received than one marred by silly errors.
Set a Positive Tone
In your opening message, use a positive, polite tone. Avoid sounding demanding or entitled to the person’s attention. Don’t assume they will definitely accept your request.
Here are some tips to set the right tone:
- Say “Would you be open to connecting on LinkedIn?” rather than simply asking to connect.
- Use words like please/thank you to be courteous.
- Keep it casual and friendly while still professional.
- Mention looking forward to hearing from them.
- Use exclamation points sparingly to avoid seeming overly enthusiastic.
Projecting a positive, respectful tone will make the recipient more inclined to respond, even if they choose not to connect. It leaves the door open for future conversations.
Close With Next Steps
Wrap up your opening note by mentioning next steps for potentially connecting on LinkedIn. Here are some good options to close your message:
- “I’d enjoy the chance to connect with you on LinkedIn. Looking forward to hearing from you!”
- “Let me know if you’re interested in connecting on LinkedIn. I hope to hear from you soon.”
- “Please let me know if you might be open to connecting. I’m excited at the prospect of staying in touch on here.”
Closing with a call to action gives the recipient a sense of what you are hoping will happen next. It also shows that the ball is in their court to take the next step, so avoids seeming pushy.
Following Up Politely
If you still have not received a response after 1-2 weeks, consider a follow up message. However, tread carefully to avoid pestering someone who may not be interested in connecting. Here are some tips for polite following up:
- Double check if they received your original connect request.
- Mention you’re checking in because you haven’t heard back.
- Keep it brief – just 1-2 quick sentences.
- Use a positive, casual tone as in your first message.
- Don’t repeatedly message them if they continue not to respond.
Here is a sample follow up message:
“Hi [Name], just wanted to check in and make sure you received my earlier invite to connect on LinkedIn. Please feel free to reach out if you’re interested in staying in touch on here. Hope you’re having a great week!”
Avoid demanding or guilt-tripping language – that will ensure they do not respond. You need to respect if they choose not to connect, and not keep pestering them about it.
Adapting Your Approach
Keep in mind that the tips above are mainly for reaching out to connect with people you do not know well or at all. They help make a polite first impression when introducing yourself on LinkedIn.
If you already have an established relationship with the recipient, you can take a more casual, personal tone in your opening message. The same principles still apply in terms of being professional, concise, friendly, and making it clear why you want to connect.
Here are some examples of opening messages when reaching out to existing contacts:
- “John, I can’t believe we haven’t connected on LinkedIn yet! Let’s fix that.”
- “Hi Mary, I wanted to reach out and connect with you here so we can stay up to date easily.”
- “Hey Tom, I’m trying to expand my LinkedIn network – connecting with colleagues like yourself could be really beneficial for both of us.”
The introduction can be more casual and straightforward when writing to existing connections. But you still want to be professional and clearly explain your reasons for connecting on LinkedIn.
Don’t Make These Mistakes
To wrap up, here are some common mistakes to avoid when starting a professional message on LinkedIn:
- Using a boring generic opener like “I’d like to add you to my professional network.”
- Making it all about you without mentioning their experiences or interests.
- Using a template message and not personalizing each note.
- Attaching your resume or writing long paragraphs about your background.
- Using overly formal or stilted language.
- Asking to “pick their brain” or immediately asking for favors.
- Not proofreading and sending a sloppy note with errors.
- Demanding or seeming entitled to their response and connection.
- Pestering them with follow up messages if they don’t respond.
Avoiding these missteps will go a long way in making a great first impression with your opening message!
Conclusion
Making the effort to craft a thoughtful opening message is well worth it to effectively start a new connection on LinkedIn. By personalizing your note, doing your homework, and using a polite and professional tone, you can show respect for the recipient’s time. Avoid common mistakes like generic language or pestering follow-ups. With the right approach, your opening message can leave a great first impression and lead to fruitful professional relationships.