Sending a LinkedIn invitation to a colleague requires care and thought. The goal is to expand your professional network while maintaining positive relationships. When reaching out to someone you know professionally, customize your invitation with details to make it more personal. Explain why you want to connect on LinkedIn and how it can benefit you both. Share interests and goals to develop your existing work relationship. With sincerity and professionalism, you can write an effective LinkedIn invitation that colleagues will appreciate.
Clarify Your Relationship
In your message, establish the context of your existing professional relationship. Remind your colleague who you are and where you know each other from. For example, “We worked together at [Company] back in [Year].” Or, “We met at the [Industry Conference] in [City].” Providing this background helps the recipient remember you and understand why you want to connect.
If it has been awhile since you interacted, mention when and where you last spoke. For instance, “It’s been a few years since we presented together at the [Conference] in [Year]. I hope you’ve been doing well!” This shows you remember their contributions and valued working with them previously.
For newer colleagues, explain how long you’ve been working together or what projects you’ve collaborated on. Demonstrating you recall how your professional relationship began makes your request more thoughtful.
Share Your Goals for Connecting
State your specific reasons for wanting to connect on LinkedIn. Are you looking to strengthen your professional network? Hoping to collaborate in the future? Explain how connecting can benefit you both.
For example, “I’m focused on expanding my professional network this year, and I think we could both benefit from connecting.” Or, “I really enjoyed working with you on [Project]. I’d love to stay in touch in case we ever get a chance to collaborate again.”
Being transparent about your motivations makes your request seem more sincere. It also allows the recipient to evaluate if linking profiles aligns with their own goals.
Highlight Shared Interests and Values
When appropriate, note professional interests, skills, or values you have in common. This shows the recipient you respect their expertise and appreciate what they bring to the industry.
For instance, “I see you specialize in [Skill], an area I’m quite interested in as well.” Or, “Your involvement with [Organization] is inspiring. I’m passionate about their mission too.”
Commenting on mutual passions helps strengthen your existing bond. It also identifies topics for future conversations that can nurture the relationship.
Compliment Their Work
If possible, pay your colleague a genuine compliment about their work. Reference a recent achievement or something you admire about their approach. But keep it professional rather than personal.
For example, “I thought your presentation at [Event] was insightful. You clearly know the industry incredibly well.” Or, “I was so impressed reading about your role leading [Project]. It’s an accomplishment to be proud of.”
A bit of flattery shows you respect their contributions. But focus on professional capabilities versus personal traits to avoid misinterpretation.
Suggest Ways to Collaborate
Propose specific ways connecting on LinkedIn could lead to future collaborations. Recommend groups to join, ideas to explore, or topics to discuss. This shows the value you see in linking profiles.
For instance, “There are some great [Industry] groups I think you’d enjoy on LinkedIn. Perhaps we could discuss recent trends and innovations.” Or, “I’d love to connect and continue exchanging ideas on [Topic] that interest us both.”
Painting a picture of how your profiles can complement each other makes the request more compelling and forward-looking.
Express Enthusiasm
Share your excitement about connecting with positive language. An enthusiastic tone helps convey sincerity and makes it harder to refuse.
For example, “I’d be thrilled to connect on LinkedIn and continue our professional friendship.” Or, “I’m excited at the thought of catching up and learning more about your latest projects.”
When reaching out to someone you already know, don’t be afraid to use warm, affable language. It strengthens existing bonds when done tactfully.
Reference Next Steps
Close your message by mentioning potential next steps after connecting. Give the recipient something to look forward to beyond just linking profiles.
For instance, “After we connect, I’d love to introduce you to a few colleagues working on [Initiative].” Or, “Once we’re linked on LinkedIn, I’ll send that article we discussed about [Topic].”
Providing a call to action makes your request feel like a beginning rather than an end. It shows optimism about developing the relationship further.
Extend Offline Contact Options
Offer additional ways to get in touch outside of LinkedIn. Providing other contact methods makes you seem open and approachable.
For example, “I’d also love to catch up over coffee sometime! Feel free to reach me at [phone number] or [email address].” Or, “After we connect here, let’s also connect on [Other Platform] at [username].”
Giving various contact options relieves pressure to communicate solely through LinkedIn. It shows you’re genuinely interested in maintaining the relationship.
Thank Them
Close your message by thanking your colleague for considering your invitation. Expressing gratitude leaves the interaction on a polite, positive note.
For instance, “Thanks in advance for considering my invitation! I appreciate you taking the time.” Or, “I hope we can stay in touch more easily through LinkedIn. Thank you for your consideration.”
A simple acknowledgment reminds the recipient you value their time and attention. It increases the chances your request receives due consideration.
Proofread Carefully
Before sending your message, proofread thoroughly for typos or unclear phrasing. You want polished writing free of errors.
Reading your message aloud often catches mistakes your eyes may gloss over. You can also input text into a tool like Grammarly that checks for issues.
With a professional tone and error-free writing, your message will make the best possible impression.
Remain Patient
After sending your invitation, be patient if you don’t receive an immediate response. Your colleague may be busy or need time to consider the request.
Follow up only after an appropriate waiting period – usually at least 1-2 weeks. Avoid pestering them if you still don’t get a reply.
Continue nurturing your professional relationship through face-to-face interactions. With persistence and care, you can potentially connect on LinkedIn down the road.