Connecting with people you don’t know on LinkedIn can be an effective way to grow your professional network. However, sending connection requests to complete strangers will likely result in a low acceptance rate. The key is to be strategic about who you reach out to and personalize your requests so they provide value to the recipient.
Do Your Research
Before sending a connection request, learn more about the person by reviewing their LinkedIn profile. Look for shared connections, similarities in career paths, employers, interests, skills, etc. This will allow you to tailor your request and increase the chances they will accept.
For example, if you are both alumni of the same university, you could say something like: “I see we both graduated from University X. I’d love to connect with fellow alumni.”
Or if you have a shared connection, you could mention: “Jane Doe suggested I connect with you. I really admire the work you’ve done at Company Y.”
Personalize the Request
Generic connection requests are easy to ignore. But a personalized note shows you made the effort to understand who they are and why connecting would be mutually beneficial.
Explain why you want to connect, whether it’s to learn from their expertise, discuss industry trends, explore career opportunities, or collaborate on projects. Be clear on what value you can provide in return through your own network and experiences.
For example: “As a fellow graphic designer, I would love to connect and get your perspective on UX trends this year. I’m happy to share learnings from my work in e-commerce design in return.”
Keep it Short
Personalized does not mean long-winded. Be concise and get to the point quickly. Long connection requests come across as spammy and may not even be fully read.
Stick to 2-3 sentences max focused on the specific person and mutual benefits of connecting. You can always continue the conversation after they accept.
Follow Up Politely
If they do not respond after 1-2 weeks, it’s okay to follow up. But there’s no need to be overly persistent if they continue to ignore the request.
In your follow-up, politely share a bit more about yourself, reiterate why you want to connect, and suggest meeting over coffee or a quick phone call to get acquainted.
For example: “Hi Jane, just wanted to follow up on my connection request. I’m an accountant with 5+ years’ experience in the medical device industry. I’m really interested in learning more about your work at MedTech Corp. Would you be open to a quick coffee or phone chat to get connected?”
Connect in Other Ways First
If someone ignores your LinkedIn request, look for opportunities to connect with them through other channels like events, conferences, webinars, etc. Once you start engaging in person or online, they will be more open to connecting on LinkedIn after already getting to know you.
Offer an Introduction
If you have a mutual connection, leverage that relationship to get introduced before sending a cold request. This gives your request a “warm” touchpoint that drastically increases your chances of getting accepted.
Reach out to the mutual connection, share why you want to meet the other person, and ask if they’d be willing to facilitate an introduction. This gives social proof that you are a trusted contact worth connecting with.
Join Common Groups
Participate in LinkedIn Groups related to the person’s industry or interests. Engage in thoughtful discussions to establish yourself as an expert. Once you’ve actively contributed, it will feel more natural to connect 1:1 after already interacting in the group.
You can mention the group when sending your connection request: “I’ve really enjoyed your perspectives in the Digital Marketing group. I think we’d have great 1:1 discussions as well. I’d be excited to connect directly on LinkedIn.”
Follow Their Company
Following their employer’s LinkedIn company page demonstrates shared interests and knowledge of their industry. It also positions you as an engaged follower who they will be more inclined to network with.
You can reference this in your request: “I’ve been following updates from Company X to stay on top of the latest trends in manufacturing. Would love to connect and hear your perspective working there.”
Connect Around Shared Content
Comment on their posts, share their content, and like their activity. When they notice your name pop up frequently interacting with their feed, they will be more likely to connect.
Mention the specific content in your request: “Really enjoyed your post on blockchain in the agriculture industry – so insightful! I’d love to connect directly and continue the conversation.”
Join Their LinkedIn Group
If they manage a LinkedIn Group, join it to show common interests and get on their radar. Be an active participant by commenting on discussions. Once you’ve established yourself in the group, reference it in your connection request.
“As a member of your Internet of Things group, I’ve found the dialogue incredibly engaging. I think we’d have great 1:1 conversations as well and would be excited to connect.”
Connect at Events
Attend industry events, conferences, seminars, etc. where the person will be participating. Introduce yourself in person and forge a real-life connection. Following up with a LinkedIn request after meeting face-to-face gives you an advantage.
Remind them in your request where you met: “It was great chatting with you at the Mobile World Conference. Let’s continue the dialogue – I just sent you a LinkedIn request.”
Seek Warm Introductions
Ask mutual connections, colleagues, classmates, etc. if they can introduce you before sending your own request. Warm introductions massively increase your acceptance rate versus cold outreach.
Frame the introduction around your shared connection: “Jane suggested you’d be a great person for me to connect with. She thought we’d have overlap in our work on digital privacy laws…”
Personalize with Shared Experiences
Look for experiences you may have in common like attending the same school, working at the same companies, volunteering for the same causes, etc. Highlight these in your request.
For example: “I saw we both worked at Acme Co. back in 2018 – small world! I’d love to reconnect with a fellow alum…”
Spotlight Shared Connections
If you have 2nd degree connections in common, call them out to emphasize your shared network.
You can say: “I see we’re both connected with Michael Smith and Sarah Davis. It would be great to join our networks and connect directly as well.”
Mention Shared Interests
Highlight groups, hobbies, passions or causes you have in common based on their profile. This shows you took the time to understand their interests.
For instance: “Looks like we’re both actively involved with the Women in Finance Network. It would be great to connect with a fellow member.”
Follow Up After Interacting
If you begin engaging with their content by liking, commenting, sharing, etc., follow up with a connection request referencing your digital interactions.
“I’ve really enjoyed your recent posts on micro-learning. Let’s continue the conversation – I just sent you a connection request.”
Share Your Unique Value
Explain what unique perspectives, insights and value you can offer them if connected. Show what they can gain from accepting.
For example: “With my background in biomedical engineering, I could offer an interesting cross-functional viewpoint on healthcare innovations…”
Reference Any Prior Exchanges
If you’ve previously corresponded over email or social media, reference those past interactions in your request.
You can say: “I believe we recently discussed wearable device trends over email. Let’s continue the dialogue – I just sent you a LinkedIn request.”
Conclusion
Connecting on LinkedIn without prior familiarity takes strategizing, personalization and adding value. Do your homework, spotlight shared experiences, and showcase mutual benefits. With the right approach, you can build meaningful relationships even without an existing connection.
