Messaging someone you don’t know on LinkedIn can seem daunting, but it’s an effective way to make connections and grow your professional network. The key is to craft thoughtful, personalized messages that provide value to the recipient. Here are some tips for messaging LinkedIn connections you haven’t met before:
1. Check their profile and find common ground
Before reaching out, thoroughly review the person’s LinkedIn profile. Look for shared connections, similar work experience, overlapping education, groups in common, or other points of similarity. Highlight these in your opening message to establish rapport.
2. Personalize your message
A generic “Hey, let’s connect!” likely won’t get a response. Personalize your note by referring to their work history, education, shared connections, or interests. Make it clear you took the time to get to know them before messaging.
3. Have a purpose for connecting
State upfront why you want to connect. Perhaps you share similar career goals, are interested in their industry, or were referred by a mutual connection. Provide context around why you are reaching out without expectations.
4. Offer value
The best way to form relationships is to give before you get. Offer advice, make recommendations, send articles, or introduce them to contacts. Provide value without expecting anything in return.
5. Ask open-ended questions
Pose thoughtful questions that spark dialogue and demonstrate your interest in their experiences. Ask about current projects, how they built expertise in their field, or challenges they’ve overcome.
6. Keep it short
Get right to the point in your initial message. Aim for no more than 3-5 sentences. You want to intrigue them enough to view your profile and continue the dialogue.
7. Follow up
Don’t take it personally if your message goes unanswered. Follow up in a week if you haven’t heard back. Reiterate why you want to connect and what you have to offer the relationship.
8. Connect then converse
Rather than asking immediately if they would like to chat, send a connection request with your note. Once accepted, continue the conversation and suggest a call, coffee, or meeting.
9. Focus on quality over quantity
Mass messaging LinkedIn contacts you don’t know comes across as spammy. Carefully target a small number of recipients for personalized outreach.
10. Don’t make it a sales pitch
Unless you have an existing relationship, avoid pitching your product or service without permission.Focus on informational discussions rather than promotional messaging.
11. Be transparent and genuine
Be clear who you are, your motivations for connecting, and why you respect their work. Authenticity goes a long way in forging new relationships.
12. Connect around content
Comment on their posts, share their content, and reference articles they have written. This shows your shared interests and provides a natural opening.
13. Look at Groups
Join Groups they are in and engage with their discussions. Connect around common Group interests before private messaging.
14. Connect in real life
Attend industry events, seminars, and conferences they are speaking at. Introduce yourself in person and continue the relationship on LinkedIn.
15. Don’t overthink it
Keep your outreach casual and don’t obsess over the perfect message. As long as you are genuine, most recipients will appreciate you taking the initiative.
Messaging unfamiliar connections on LinkedIn takes tact, but it’s worth the effort. By personalizing your approach, sharing value, asking engaging questions, and being transparent, you can form mutually beneficial new relationships.
LinkedIn is based on real connections, so focus on quality over quantity. With the right strategy, messaging beyond your existing network can lead to exciting opportunities to grow your knowledge, career, and community.
Tips for crafting the initial message
The opening message sets the tone for the rest of your communications. Here are some formulas to follow:
- Hi [Name], [personalized compliment]. [Common ground]. I noticed [something specific about their experience] and would love to [connect with them because X]. What’s the best way to get in touch?
- [Name], I really enjoyed [article/post] you published on [topic]. As someone working in [your field], I would be interested in connecting with you to [discuss this further/learn more about your work]. Are you open to chatting sometime?
- [Name], Your profile and experience in [field] stood out to me. I’m looking to [learn more about/network in] this industry. If you’re open to it, I’d love to connect and [pick your brain/take you to coffee] sometime.
- Hi [Name], I hope this note finds you well! We have [connection] in common. I came across your profile and would value the opportunity to connect and [learn more about your professional experience/discuss industry trends]. Would you have some time next week for a quick coffee or call?
Following up if they don’t respond
If your initial outreach goes unanswered, follow up. Here are some tips:
- Wait about 1 week before following up.
- Resend your original message so they don’t have to search for it.
- Add a line explaining you are following up and are still interested in connecting.
- Consider changing the subject line to reflect this is a follow up.
- Don’t take it personally if they do not respond again. They likely receive many messages.
Sample follow-up messages include:
- Hi [Name], I wanted to follow up on the below message to see if you would be open to [connecting/meeting for coffee]. I’m still very interested in [learning more about your professional experience in this field/discussing industry trends], so please let me know if you have availability in the coming weeks.
- [Name], circling back on my earlier note below. I know how busy work can get, so apologies if this got buried in your inbox. I’m still hoping we can [connect/meet up] to [discuss your work, my background, industry trends, etc.]. If you have any time on your calendar next month, please let me know!
- Hello [Name], Checking in here in case my previous message got lost in the shuffle. I completely understand if you’re unavailable, but I’m still very interested in [connecting with you/picking your brain] sometime. Let me know if any of this would be of interest, and if so, when you might have time for a quick [call/coffee]. Thanks!
Responding if they accept your request
If they accept your connection request, send a follow up message:
- Thank them for connecting and reiterate your interest in learning about their experience.
- Suggest meeting for coffee, talking on the phone, or video chatting.
- Offer to help them in any way you can as they pursue new opportunities.
- Share an article, resource, or introduction that provides value.
- Ask thoughtful, open-ended questions about their background and interests.
- Express your desire to stay in touch and expand your professional network.
Sample responses include:
- Hi [Name], Thank you again for accepting my invitation to connect on LinkedIn. I’m looking forward to learning more about your experiences with [company, industry, role]. Please feel free to reach out if I can ever be a helpful resource for you. Let’s stay in touch!
- [Name], Great to connect with you here on LinkedIn. I’d love to hear more about your background in [field] whenever you have time. I’m happy to chat by phone or meet for coffee if you’re open to it. In the meantime, please don’t hesitate to reach out if you think I may be able to assist with [relevant area].
- Thanks for connecting, [Name]! I sincerely appreciate you taking the time. I’d love to get your insight on [discussion topic] whenever it fits into your schedule. Please let me know if there is ever any way I can help support you in your work. Looking forward to staying in touch here on LinkedIn.
Expanding the relationship
To develop an ongoing connection:
- Comment on their posts and share their content to show interest.
- Congratulate them on new jobs, achievements, and milestones.
- Send occasional messages to nurture the relationship.
- Connect in real life at industry events, conferences, and seminars.
- Introduce them to contacts who have common interests.
- Share ideas, articles, and resources relevant to their work.
- Offer advice and support related to their field.
- Propose collaborating or exchanging services if mutually beneficial.
With consistent, thoughtful engagement over time, you can build meaningful professional relationships on LinkedIn, even with people you have never met in person.
Do’s and Don’ts
Here are some best practices to keep in mind when messaging unfamiliar LinkedIn connections:
DO:
- Personalize every message.
- Review profiles before reaching out.
- Have a clear purpose for connecting.
- Highlight common ground.
- Keep initial notes short.
DON’T:
- Use generic templates.
- Send the exact same message to everyone.
- Make it all about yourself.
- Use salesy pitches.
- Overthink the outreach.
Messaging Etiquette
Here are some LinkedIn messaging best practices:
- Address people by name.
- Use a warm, conversational tone.
- Be clear who you are and why you’re reaching out.
- Respect their time by being succinct.
- Don’t take non-responses personally.
- Follow up once if you don’t hear back.
- Send thoughtful, individualized notes.
- Make requests rather than demands.
- Show how conversing would be mutually beneficial.
- Abide by common courtesy and professionalism.
With the right approach, messaging unfamiliar LinkedIn connections can lead to fruitful networking opportunities. The key is personalization, providing value, and respecting people’s time. Maintain these etiquette tips, and your outreach efforts will be better received.
