Sending a thank you message to a new LinkedIn connection is a great way to show appreciation and help build the relationship. However, with so many options, it can be tricky to know the best way to craft an effective LinkedIn thank you note. Using the right tone and language can make a lasting positive impression on your new connection. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the key elements to include in your LinkedIn thank you message, provide thank you message templates and examples, and offer tips to make your note stand out. With the strategies provided here, you will be able to craft the perfect LinkedIn thank you that makes your new contact feel valued while advancing the relationship.
Why Send a Thank You Message on LinkedIn?
Here are some of the key reasons why sending a thank you message on LinkedIn after connecting with someone new is worth taking the time to do:
– Shows appreciation and strengthens the relationship – A thank you note demonstrates that you value the new connection and are grateful they accepted your invite. This helps cement the relationship on a positive note.
– Creates goodwill – Expressing gratitude costs nothing but creates significant goodwill between you and your new connection. It increases the chances they will help you down the line.
– Makes you memorable – Sending a customized thank you message makes you stand out from others who just connect and move on. It makes you more memorable to your new contact.
– Opens the door for future conversations – A thank you note opens the door for future back-and-forth communication between you and your connection. It gets the relationship started on a warm tone.
– Takes little time – While impactful, a thank you message is very low lift to send. The two minutes it takes to craft is worth the goodwill built with your new connection.
– Utilizes LinkedIn capabilities – Sending Direct Messages on LinkedIn utilizes the purpose of the platform’s communication capabilities. It helps bring your connections to life.
Overall, the relatively small amount of time it takes to say thanks on LinkedIn after connecting goes a long way. It is well worth adding the practice of sending thank you messages to your regular relationship building activities.
Key Elements to Include
When crafting your ideal LinkedIn thank you message, there are a few key elements to include:
Personalization
Personalizing your message with details specific to the person makes it so much more meaningful than a generic note. Mention things like:
– Where you met or connected
– Interests you have in common
– Specific things you appreciate about them
Using personal details shows you care about them as an individual, not just a contact.
Gratitude
Express sincere gratitude for them agreeing to connect with phrases like:
– Thank you for connecting with me on LinkedIn
– I really appreciate you accepting my invitation
– I’m so grateful we’re now connected on here
Let them know their willingness to connect is valued.
Next Steps
Give a specific next step they can take if interested, like:
– Let me know if you’re open to hopping on a quick video call next week
– I’d love to learn more about X part of your background
– Please feel free to reach out if I can ever be of help to you
This gives them context on ways to engage moving forward.
Well Wishes
End on a warm, positive note wishing them well like:
– Wishing you all the best
– I hope you have a great rest of your week!
– Looking forward to staying in touch
This shows you are rooting for their success and interested in an ongoing relationship.
LinkedIn Thank You Message Templates
When crafting your own LinkedIn thank you note, it can be helpful to start from a template to ensure you hit on all the right elements. Here are some thank you message templates you can customize:
Basic Template
Hi [name],
Thank you so much for connecting with me on LinkedIn! I really appreciate you accepting my invitation and I’m so excited for us to stay in touch.
[Include 1-2 sentences of personalization like where you met, interests you have in common, or what you admire about them.]
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you think I could ever be of help. I’d be happy to chat more about [area of common interest or background].
Wishing you all the best!
Best,
[Your name]
After Meeting at Event Template
Hi [name],
It was such a pleasure meeting you at [event name] last week. Thank you for taking the time to connect with me here on LinkedIn!
[Include 1-2 sentences personalizing based on your conversation at the event.]
I’d love to stay in touch and hear more about your work with [company name] – please feel free to reach out anytime. Maybe we could even grab coffee in the next few weeks if you’re open to that.
Thanks again for connecting, and I hope our paths cross again soon!
Best,
[Your name]
After Being Introduced Template
Hi [name],
[Mutual connection’s name] was kind enough to introduce us and I’m so glad we’re now connected on LinkedIn. It was great learning about your background in [industry] and your experience at [company].
[Include 1 sentence noting something specific you appreciate about their experience or expertise.]
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you think I could ever return the favor and make an introduction for you. I’d be happy to help in any way I can.
Wishing you continued success!
Best,
[Your name]
LinkedIn Thank You Message Examples
To make your thank you notes even easier to write, here are some real-life examples of great LinkedIn thank you messages:
Example 1
Hi Maria,
Thanks so much for connecting with me here on LinkedIn! It was such a pleasure chatting at the Women in Business Networking Night last week.
I really enjoyed hearing about your experience launching the mentorship program at your firm. It’s a really impressive accomplishment, and I think it says so much about your leadership abilities.
Let’s definitely keep in touch, and perhaps we could grab coffee in the next few weeks if you have time. I’d love to hear more about your career journey.
Thanks again, and have a great rest of your week!
Best,
Sandra
Example 2
Hi Isaac,
Michelle Brown passed along your info and I’m so glad we’re now connected! Thanks for accepting my invitation.
With your background in digital marketing and experience at Comet Marketing, I’m sure you have a ton of insights to share. I’d love to learn more about how you helped Comet increase their social media engagement over the last year.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you’d ever like to hop on a quick video call. I’m always looking to learn from seasoned professionals like yourself.
Wishing you all the best!
Regards,
Max
Example 3
Hi Samantha,
It was wonderful to meet you at yesterday’s industry conference! Thanks so much for taking the time to connect with me here on LinkedIn.
Based on our conversation about transitioning into product management roles, I can tell you have a really strategic approach and valuable cross-functional experience. Those are exactly the types of traits top tech companies need on their PM teams today.
Please keep me in mind if you think of any ways I could potentially help with your job search. I’d be happy to introduce you to folks in my network or do anything else to help you land the right opportunity.
Wishing you the best of luck, and let’s stay in touch!
Thank you,
Lee
Tips for the Best LinkedIn Thank You Notes
To ensure your LinkedIn thank you messages make the biggest impact, incorporate these simple tips:
– Send promptly – Try to send your note within 24 hours of connecting to maximize the context.
– Keep it brief – A few concise paragraphs is ideal. You want them to actually read your message.
– Use a warm tone – Come across as friendly, authentic, and conversational. This strengthens the rapport.
– Make it mobile-friendly – Assume they will read your message on their phone. Use line breaks and bullet points.
– Follow up – If they engage with your note, continue the conversation. Nurture the relationship.
– Customize each one – Even if you have a lot of connections to thank, avoid just copying and pasting a generic message.
– Proofread carefully – Double check for any errors before sending. You want to make a great impression.
– Consider sending a video message – If appropriate for the relationship, a brief video message can add a nice personal touch.
Common LinkedIn Thank You Message Mistakes to Avoid
While crafting your LinkedIn thank you note, be sure to steer clear of these common mistakes:
– Using overly formal language – Stay away from stilted, overly formal wording. Keep things friendly and relatable.
– Making it too long – A giant block of text is overwhelming. Keep it short, sweet, and scannable.
– Getting too salesy – This is a gesture of appreciation, not a sales pitch. Keep the focus on thanking them, not promoting yourself.
– Sounding insincere – Fake or overly gushing language reads as insincere. Express genuine gratitude in your own voice.
– Sending too quickly – Firing off a thank you immediately can seem rushed. Take a few minutes to customize and proofread it.
– Being too vague – Get specific with personal details and next steps so they know real thought was put into the message.
– Forgetting to follow up – If they engage with your note, keep the conversation going. Don’t let it end after one message.
– Using informal language – Avoid abbreviations, slang, or emojis. Keep the tone professional even if friendly.
– Copying and pasting – Personalize each note based on your specific connection with that person. Generic notes come across as spam.
By avoiding these missteps, you’ll ensure your thank you message makes the right impression on your new connections.
Conclusion
Sending a thank you message via LinkedIn after connecting with someone new is a simple yet powerful relationship-building tactic. A customized note shows genuine appreciation and strengthens your ties like nothing else can. Invest just a few minutes crafting something warm, personal, and thoughtful. It will go incredibly far in cementing your new connection on a positive note and setting the stage for an ongoing mutually beneficial relationship.