Sending a connection request on LinkedIn to a high-profile person like a CEO can be intimidating. However, it’s a great way to expand your network and open up potential opportunities. Here’s how to craft an effective connection request message to a CEO on LinkedIn.
Do Your Research on the CEO and Company
Before reaching out, learn about the CEO, their background, interests, and priorities. Also research the company they lead. This shows you took time to understand who they are and what their business does.
Look at their LinkedIn profile, company website, news articles, public statements, and social media. Get insight into their personality, passions, and vision. Understand their goals for the company and identify shared interests or experiences you can reference.
Personalize the Message
A generic message will likely be ignored. Personalize your request by:
- Mentioning specifically why you want to connect with this CEO in particular.
- Referencing their background, interests, company, industry, location, alma mater, etc. to show you did your research.
- Explaining why you admire or are inspired by them.
Show you took time to understand who they are and why connecting would be mutually beneficial beyond just expanding your network.
Keep it Short
CEOs are busy, so keep your message concise. Two to three short paragraphs is ideal. Get to the point quickly and avoid overly formal or lengthy text.
Offer Value
Saying how the CEO could help you should only be a small part of your message. Focus more on how you can provide value to them. Offer relevant skills, experiences, insights, ideas, or connections that could benefit them or their company.
Ask for a Small Specific Request
Rather than a broad ask like “pick your brain,” make a smaller, specific request they can easily fulfill like:
- 15-minute phone call to get their advice on a specific issue
- In-person coffee chat when they’re in your city
- Intro to someone in their network who could help with a particular need
This gives them an easy way to engage while also limiting their time commitment.
Use a Professional but Friendly Tone
Be polite and formal but also warm and human. Don’t use overly casual language, but avoid sounding robotic. Briefly mention shared experiences, interests, or connections to establish rapport.
Proofread Thoroughly
Grammatical or spelling errors will get your message rejected. Proofread several times and have someone else review it too. Refine it until it’s clear and polished.
Follow Up Politely
Don’t take it personally if they don’t respond. Follow up once after 1-2 weeks restating your interest in connecting. Accept if they decline or ignore you and move on gracefully.
Sample LinkedIn Connection Request to a CEO
Here is an example message you can adapt:
Dear [CEO Name],
I wanted to request connecting with you on LinkedIn. I greatly admire how you led [Company] to [achievements like rapid growth, industry awards, etc.]. Given your background in [detail like engineering, marketing, etc], I can see how you focused the company on [core strength like innovative design, customer experience, etc.].
I noticed on your profile that you’re passionate about [interest like technology, philanthropy, etc.]. I share your passion and have been involved with [relevant experience].
I would love the opportunity to connect and potentially chat sometime about [specific topic, idea, or question]. I’m confident I could provide some valuable insights specifically on [area of expertise relevant to their company].
Let me know if you might have time for a brief 15-30 minute call in the next few weeks. If not, I understand you have a busy schedule as a CEO. Regardless, I would be honored to join your professional network on LinkedIn.
Best Regards,
[Your Name]
Tips for Following Up
If you don’t get a response after 1-2 weeks, consider sending a polite follow-up:
Dear [CEO Name],
I wanted to follow up on my earlier connection request. I know your time is valuable as a CEO running [Company], so I understand if you can’t connect right now.
That said, I remain very interested in your perspective on [topic relevant to them]. Please let me know if you’d reconsider my request or might have a few minutes to chat in the future.
Either way, I hope you have continued success leading [Company] and wish you the best.
Best,
[Your Name]
Next Steps If They Accept Your Request
If they accept, send a thank you message and follow through on any offer you made, like:
- Scheduling the call, coffee, or informational interview you suggested
- Making the introduction you offered to someone in your network
- Sending relevant articles, links, or ideas you said you would share
By following through, you start the relationship off right by showing you keep your word. But don’t over-contact them or make excessive requests. Nurture the connection through periodic relevant, valuable communications over the long-term.
With a thoughtful, personalized request focused on mutual benefit, you can connect with a CEO on LinkedIn. Just be patient, graceful if they decline, and appreciative if they accept to grow the relationship successfully.