When sending a connection request on LinkedIn, it’s important to include a personalized message explaining who you are and why you want to connect. A thoughtfully crafted message can go a long way in getting your request accepted. Here are some tips for writing effective LinkedIn connection request messages:
Introduce Yourself
Start your message by briefly introducing yourself. Share your name, title, and company so the recipient knows who you are. For example: “Hi, I’m John Smith, a sales manager at ABC Company.” This establishes your identity and credentials upfront.
Explain Why You Want to Connect
After introducing yourself, explain how you know the person or why you want to connect. Did you meet them at a conference? Have you interacted on social media? Are you looking to network with professionals in their industry? Articulate your purpose clearly and concisely. For instance: “I saw on your profile that you work in pharmaceutical sales. I’m also in sales and would love to connect with other professionals in the field.” This context helps them understand your motivations.
Highlight Shared Connections (If Relevant)
If you have any mutual connections, mention them by name. This immediately establishes trust and familiarity. You could say something like: “Jane Smith, who I believe you used to work with at Company X, suggested I connect with you.” Namedropping shared contacts makes the request more credible.
Be Specific About How Connecting Could Benefit Them
Instead of only emphasizing how connecting would help you, explain how it could potentially benefit the recipient as well. Perhaps you can offer industry insights or contacts from your network. Outline tangible ways linking up could be mutually advantageous. This makes it more compelling for them to accept.
Keep It Short and Personable
Avoid overly formal or lengthy messages. Get straight to the point using a friendly, conversational tone. While businesslike, you want to sound human. Additionally, respect their time by being succinct – keep your message to 3-4 brief sentences. Lengthy notes can feel overbearing.
Proofread Before Sending
Give your message a quick proofread to check for any errors or typos before hitting send. This shows you value their time and took care in crafting your note. Sloppy messages with glaring mistakes can leave a bad impression.
Customize for Each Connection
Personalize your message for each person rather than blasting the same generic text repeatedly. Adapt it based on how you know them and what you can offer. Taking the time to customize and tailor your ask makes it more meaningful.
Follow Up After Connecting
Once connected, follow up to start the relationship off right. Send them a message thanking them for accepting and asking if you can set up a call or meet for coffee. This helps transition the digital connection into real-world networking.
Focus on Providing Value
Craft your message in terms of how you can add value rather than what you want to get. No one wants to feel like they’re being used. Emphasize mutual benefit and support over one-sided asks.
Be Authentic and Sincere
Your message should come across as authentic, not canned or gimmicky. Be transparent about your intentions and speak to them like a real person. Sincerity goes a long way in relationship-building.
In summary, effective LinkedIn connection request messages express who you are, articulate shared connections or interests, convey how connecting benefits both parties, and do so in a personalized, thoughtful manner. A warm, transparent note tailored to the recipient is more likely to get accepted and start relationships off on the right foot.
Examples of Good Connection Request Messages
To see these tips in action, here are some examples of solid connection requests:
- “Hi Jane, I’m Mike Thompson, one of the sales managers at XYZ Corp. I see we’re both in pharmaceutical sales and were at last year’s national conference. I’d love to connect so we can share best practices.”
- “Hello Ms. Garcia, this is Sarah Chang from ABC Company. We haven’t met but I noted that you and John Smith are connections, and he thought we should link up. I’d be grateful to join your network and learn from your real estate expertise.”
- “Hi Paul, I’m Emma Wilson, a marketing associate here at 123 Industries. I came across your profile and was very impressed with your digital marketing experience. I’d love to connect and perhaps we could meet up to discuss industry trends and opportunities someday.”
- “Good morning! I’m James Lee, founder of Startup Enterprises. Our companies are both in the tech space, so I wanted to introduce myself. I think we could have some great conversations about innovation and leadership. I look forward to connecting!”
These examples introduce the sender, explain the reason for connecting, and convey potential mutual benefit. They are warm yet professional. This thoughtful approach gets connections started on a positive note.
Incorporating these elements into your own LinkedIn messages can help ensure your requests get accepted and lead to fruitful networking relationships.
What to Avoid in Connection Request Messages
While thoughtful, customized messages work best, there are some common pitfalls to avoid:
- Too casual or unprofessional language
- Vague explanations about who you are
- Not explaining how you know them or why you want to connect
- Making it all about what you want from them
- Long-winded notes
- Canned, generic messages copied and pasted
- Asking for too much too soon (like a job)
- Mistakes and typos
- Using a pushy or demanding tone
These types of messages often get ignored or rejected. Take the time to make each request personal, thoughtful, and clearly articulated.
Tips for Following Up After Connecting
Avoid leaving new connections hanging after they accept your request. To start strong:
- Thank them for connecting and reference your initial message
- Suggest meeting for coffee or a quick video call
- Offer to introduce them to others in your network
- Share an article or other content relevant to their interests
- Make plans to keep in touch on a regular basis
Proactively engaging after connecting makes the relationship feel more meaningful, rather than just clicking “Accept” and moving on. Follow-up helps convert digital contacts into substantive professional bonds.
Key Takeaways
An effective LinkedIn connection request message should:
- Introduce you and your credentials
- Explain how you know them or why you want to connect
- Note any shared connections or interests
- Highlight potential mutual benefits
- Use a warm, sincere, personalized tone
- Be relatively brief but thoughtful
- Inspire them to want to engage after accepting
Crafting messages in this manner, avoiding generic spam, and proactively following up shows respect for recipients’ time. It enables connections that can blossom into substantive professional relationships and opportunities.
