When reaching out to connect with someone on LinkedIn, it’s important to take the time to write a personalized invitation. A generic invitation is likely to be ignored or rejected. The invitation should establish a clear reason for connecting and provide value to the recipient. Here are some tips for writing an effective LinkedIn connection invitation:
Do Your Research
Before sending an invite, research the person and their background. Read their profile and look for shared connections, education, interests etc. Find something unique you can reference to establish common ground and explain why you want to connect.
Personalize the Message
Avoid generic invitations like “I’d like to add you to my network.” Take the time to write a sentence or two explaining who you are, why you want to connect, and what value you can offer. Reference specifics from their profile or background to show you took the time to get to know them.
Keep it Short
Get right to the point in 1-2 sentences. People are busy and more likely to read shorter messages. Lead with an introduction and clear reason for connecting. Elaborate if you have the space, but avoid long-winded messages.
Highlight Common Connections
If you share a contact, mention that person when reaching out. It establishes credibility and gives the recipient more context. Say something like “We’re both connected with Bob Smith and I wanted to reach out…”
Focus on Value
Explain how connecting could be mutually beneficial. Offer to share insights, make an introduction, or exchange expertise. Focus on what value you can provide, not just what you want to gain.
Proofread Carefully
Typos or grammatical errors give a bad impression. Always proofread messages before sending. Make sure names are spelled correctly and the message is clear.
Follow Up Politely
If they don’t respond right away, follow up. Wait at least 2 weeks before following up. Then politely reiterate who you are and why you want to connect. But don’t be pushy or invasive.
Accept Rejection Gracefully
If they decline your invitation, graciously accept their decision. Don’t take it personally or make them feel guilty. And never send another request after being rejected.
Customize Your Message
Adapt your invitation for the specific person and situation. The message will be different when reaching out to a close contact vs someone you don’t know well. Adjust the tone and details accordingly.
Proofread Your Profile
Before connecting, make sure your profile is up-to-date. The person will take a look, so put your best foot forward. Update your photo, title, experience etc. to make a good first impression.
Follow up After Connecting
Don’t just connect and move on. After connecting, follow up with a message. Thank them for accepting and offer to help or share an article. Look for ways to start the relationship off strong.
Avoid Aggressive Sales Pitches
Never use an invitation solely as a sales pitch. It comes across as insincere and manipulative. Establish a connection first, then look for appropriate ways to discuss business organically.
Respect Their Time
Be cognizant that the person is busy. Keep your message short and don’t ask for too much up front. Offer value, then build the relationship gradually over time.
Proofread for Errors
One mistake can undermine your message. In addition to typos, double check that you have the right name, company, and title. Verify the message makes sense before hitting send.
Follow Up in a Timely Manner
Don’t follow up months after connecting. Strike while the iron is hot. Follow up within a week or two with value focused on their needs and interests.
Don’t Take it Personally
If someone ignores your request, don’t assume it’s personal. They get a lot of messages or might have an inactive account. Try other ways of getting introduced if you can.
Avoid Pushy Follow Ups
If someone doesn’t respond after a follow up or two, let it go. Flooding them with messages will just turn them off. Move on and focus your efforts where they’ll be better received.
Make Your Intentions Clear
Be transparent in your invitation about your reasons for connecting. Don’t say you want to “talk” or “pick their brain”. Explain exactly why you want to connect and what about.
Keep Trying
Don’t get discouraged if your invitations are ignored occasionally. Connecting takes persistence. Learn from non-responses and keep refining your approach.
By taking the time to write a thoughtful, personalized invitation, you’ll stand out and increase the chances of the person accepting. Avoid copy/paste messages, be clear in your intentions, and focus on offering value. With a genuine, well-crafted invitation, you can start building meaningful relationships on LinkedIn.