Connecting with new people on LinkedIn can seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be! By following a few simple best practices, you can make meaningful connections that will help grow your professional network. In this article, we will explore the 4 key points to keep in mind when reaching out to new LinkedIn connections:
- Personalize your connection request
- Provide context for why you want to connect
- Highlight common ground
- Make the first move to initiate a conversation
Properly leveraging these 4 suggestions will ensure your LinkedIn outreach is warm, genuine and more likely to get accepted. Let’s explore each of these points in more detail.
Personalize your Connection Request
When reaching out to someone new on LinkedIn, it’s important to personalize your connection request rather than using LinkedIn’s default template message. Taking the time to write a unique note shows you value the individual and aren’t just blindly firing off connection requests in mass.
Some quick tips for personalizing connection requests:
- Address the person by name
- Mention how you discovered their profile
- Compliment something specific on their profile like an accomplishment, shared connection, etc
- Explain why you’d like to connect with them
Personalized messages can be as simple as:
“Hi [name], I came across your LinkedIn profile via the [group/college alumni network/mutual connection] and was very impressed by your experience in [field]. I’m currently working in [your field] at [your company] and would appreciate connecting with fellow professionals like yourself. I look forward to staying in touch!”
Taking this extra minute pays dividends by showing you respect the other person’s time and aren’t spamming your network.
Provide Context for Why You Want to Connect
When personalizing your outreach, be sure to provide context for why you want to connect. This helps the recipient understand your intent and motivations.
For example, are you hoping to:
- Collaborate on industry initiatives?
- Learn more about their career path and industry?
- Gain insights on a new role you’re considering?
- Discuss shared passions like volunteer work?
Providing this context gives the other person confidence accepting your request will offer mutual value in the relationship. Instead of vagueness, be clear on shared interests and potential areas for interaction.
Some examples include:
“As a fellow marketing professional in the Atlanta area, I would enjoy exchanging ideas and insights on the industry.”
“I noticed you have experience working with nonprofit XYZ. As a longtime supporter of their work, I’d love to connect and discuss ways we can collaborate to support the cause.”
The more details you can provide, the better. This contextual information helps the recipient understand exactly how and why connecting with you would benefit them.
Highlight Common Ground
Look for areas of common ground that you can highlight in your outreach to spark an instant connection.
Common areas might include:
- Working in the same industry or for the same company
- Attending the same school
- Being from the same hometown
- Volunteering for the same organization
- Being connected to the same people
Pointing out these shared experiences helps the person instantly relate to you on a more personal level.
For example:
“I see you also graduated from the University of Michigan in 2009. I was there at the same time earning my engineering degree. Would love to connect with a fellow Wolverine!”
Leveraging common ground establishes rapport and provides an easy starting point for future conversations. People are more likely to accept requests from those they share similarities with.
Make the First Move to Initiate a Conversation
Finally, don’t be afraid to make the first move and initiate a conversation after connecting on LinkedIn. Starting a dialogue shows you’re interested in actively networking, not just passively collecting connections.
There are a few easy ways to break the ice:
- Thank them for accepting your invite and reiterate your interest areas
- Share an interesting article or post you think they’d appreciate
- Comment or ask a question about their latest update
- Request to set up a call to learn more about their career path and industry insights
Making the effort starts the relationship off on the right foot and builds momentum for ongoing conversations. If you wait for them to reach out first, you may be waiting for a long time.
Key Takeaways
Connecting with new people on LinkedIn takes finesse, but pays dividends for your career by expanding your professional network. With the right strategy, you can establish quality relationships that provide value to both parties.
To recap, focus on the 4 keys of:
- Personalizing your initial outreach
- Providing context around your reasons for connecting
- Highlighting common ground and shared experiences
- Initiating the first conversation after connecting
Employing these methods will get your connection requests accepted and elevate your LinkedIn game. Just remember to focus on quality over quantity of connections, and nurture each relationship authentically.
Now get out there and start connecting! Your dream job, next big project or most impactful partnership could be just one new LinkedIn connection away.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to connect with strangers on LinkedIn?
The best practice is to personalize your connection request and provide context for why you want to connect. Highlight any common ground you share, like industry, school, connections, etc. Making a genuine effort focused on their interests rather than just your own goals will be received more positively.
How do you start a conversation with a new LinkedIn connection?
After connecting, don’t be afraid to initiate the first conversation. Thank them for accepting and mention your specific reasons for connecting. Share relevant articles or make comments on their posts. Requesting a quick call or virtual coffee chat is also a great way to get the dialogue started.
What should you not do when connecting on LinkedIn?
Avoid sending generic connection requests copy and pasted to large groups. Also don’t spam new contacts soliciting business or with self-promotional messaging right away before building rapport. Mass connection campaigns focused solely on driving up numbers rather than cultivating relationships are also ill-advised.
How many new LinkedIn connections per week is good?
There is no magic number for optimal weekly LinkedIn connections. The focus should be on quality over quantity. It’s better to have 20 new solid leads per month than 500 random connections you never engage with. Connect selectively with those who align strongly with your professional goals and interests.
Should you accept every LinkedIn connection request you receive?
No, it’s fine to judiciously decline connection requests when appropriate. For example, decline requests from those you have no common connections or interactions with, or that exhibit spammer behavior. But in general, widening your network judiciously can create new opportunities.
| Point | Summary |
|---|---|
| Personalize Connection Requests | Make each request unique by mentioning their profile, shared connections, and your reasons for connecting. |
| Provide Context | Explain exactly how connecting would mutually benefit you both. |
| Highlight Common Ground | Note any shared experiences like education, employers, interests, connections, etc. |
| Initiate Conversations | Proactively reach out after connecting to start building the relationship. |
Conclusion
Growing your LinkedIn network doesn’t have to be daunting. Concentrate on the quality of new connections over quantity. Personalize your outreach, provide context, highlight commonalities, and initiate conversations. By mastering these areas, you’ll be on your way to making meaningful LinkedIn connections that boost your career.
