Connecting with new people on LinkedIn can be an exciting opportunity to network and build relationships. However, it can also be intimidating to know how to start the conversation and provide value to your new connection right away. In this article, we’ll explore some tips on how to craft an effective introductory message when connecting with someone new on LinkedIn.
Keep it Brief but Personalized
When reaching out to a new connection on LinkedIn, you want to keep your initial message brief but personalized. Generic messages like “Hi, I’d love to connect!” often get ignored. Instead, reference something you have in common or explain why you wanted to connect in the first place. Here are some examples of brief but personalized intro messages:
- Hi [name], I see we’re both alumni of [university]. I’d love to connect with fellow [mascot]!
- Hi [name], I noticed you work at [company]. I’m looking to learn more about the industry – would you be open to chatting?
- Hi [name], I came across your profile and was impressed by your experience in [field]. I’m hoping to connect and learn more about your career path.
Keep your intro message to 2-3 sentences maximum. You want to provide enough context to start a conversation, but avoid bombarding them with a lengthy note right off the bat.
Highlight Common Ground
Try to establish common ground in your introductory message. This could be working in the same industry, going to the same school, belonging to similar groups, or having mutual connections. Pointing out commonalities makes the other person more likely to accept and respond to your invitation to connect. For example:
- Hi [name], I see you also work at [company] – I’m on the [team] team. Looking forward to connecting!
- Hi [name], I noticed we’re both members of the [association] professional group. Seems we have similar interests in [industry].
- [Mutual connection] suggested I connect with you. Great to meet another [industry] professional in the area!
A little research into the person’s profile to uncover shared backgrounds or connections goes a long way in personalizing your request and getting the conversation started.
Explain Why You Want to Connect
Rather than generically asking to connect, explain why you want to establish the relationship. Share what value you think could come from connecting or how you might be able to help each other. For example:
- Hi [name], I’m very interested in learning more about your work at [company]. I hope we can connect and that I might be able to offer [skillset] insights to support your team.
- Hi [name], I’m looking to break into [industry] and would love to learn from your experience at [company]. Hoping we can connect and chat about your career journey.
- Hi [name], I really admire the work [company] is doing in [field]. I lead [similar initiative] at my company and would enjoy exchanging ideas.
Articulating why you want to connect makes your outreach seem more meaningful and less random. It also gives the other person an easy way to respond and continue the dialogue.
Ask Open-Ended Questions
Including open-ended questions in your introductory message encourages the other person to respond and keeps the conversation going. Some examples include:
- What do you enjoy most about working at [company]?
- How did you get started in the [industry] field? Any advice for someone looking to follow a similar path?
- What trends are you most excited about in the [industry] space right now?
- What does your day-to-day look like in your [job title] role? What are the most valuable skills for success?
- Are there any professional groups, resources or events you’d recommend for networking in [city]?
Asking thoughtful questions shows you are genuinely interested in learning more about the person, their experiences, and building a relationship.
Offer to Help
Consider offering your assistance or expertise to the new connection. Some examples include:
- I have experience in [field] – would be great to chat if I can ever be of help answering questions!
- I noticed [area of interest]. I have some great resources/contacts in that space – please feel free to reach out if you would like an introduction.
- Let me know if you would ever like to bounce around ideas on [shared interest]. Happy to provide my perspective!
When you generously offer help, you present yourself as someone who wants to provide value, not just take value, from the relationship. This makes the other person more inclined to reciprocate.
Follow Up
If they accept your invitation to connect, great! But don’t stop there. Follow up again with a message after you are connected, ideally within a week. Here are some examples of good follow-up messages:
- Hi [name], thanks for connecting! I enjoyed learning more about your background at [company]. Let me know if you’d ever like to hop on a quick call to discuss [industry trends, career advice etc].
- Great to connect [name]! I’ll be on the lookout for opportunities where we might be able to collaborate. Please keep me in mind as well if you come across anything relevant to [shared interest].
- [Name], so glad we connected! I’m excited to stay in touch and learn more about your work. In the meantime, please feel free to reach out if I can ever be a useful resource for you!
Following up shows you are committed to building an ongoing relationship, not just expanding your connections list. It also gives you another opportunity to start a natural dialogue.
Avoid Hard Selling
While you may eventually exchange business opportunities or partner on client projects with a new connection, avoid pitching your services or asking for introductions right away. For example, avoid messages like:
- “Would you be open to introducing me to the head of sales?”
- “Does your company use [software]? We offer an amazing tool that could really help!”
- “Let’s set up a meeting to discuss how we can work together.”
Coming on too strong with an obvious sales or referral agenda is off-putting, especially for someone you just connected with. Build a relationship first before promoting your business.
Stay Positive
Even if the other person takes a while to respond or doesn’t seem very engaging, stay positive in your messaging. For example, if they never write back after connecting, you could follow-up again saying:
- “I know things can get busy and messages slip through the cracks. No worries at all! Just wanted to follow up and see if you’d like to connect on [request].”
Being understanding, patient and not taking it personally if someone is slow or unresponsive sets the right tone. The relationship may take time to build.
Proofread
Before hitting send, always proofread your message for typos, grammar issues or unclear phrasing. You want your message to make a positive first impression that encourages the other person to respond, not reflecting carelessness or confusion.
Some tips for proofreading LinkedIn messages include:
- Read your message aloud to catch any errors
- Check that you used the correct name/company details for personalization
- Look for proper spelling, punctuation, and capitalization
- Review your message from the recipient’s perspective
- Keep it short, clear and concise to minimize mistakes
Taking the time to proofread shows you value your new connection and the potential relationship.
Sample Messages
Here are some complete sample introductory messages to connect with and build relationships with new LinkedIn connections:
Sample 1:
Hi Amy,
My name is Sarah and I also graduated from the University of Michigan Go Blue! I noticed we’re both based in Chicago now working in marketing roles. I would enjoy connecting with a fellow Wolverine in the area! Let me know if you’re open to grabbing coffee sometime to swap stories about our UMich days.
Best,
Sarah
Sample 2:
Hi Tom,
This is Michael Smith. John Doe suggested I reach out and connect with you. I lead the digital analytics team here at Acme Co. and noticed you have a robust analytics background yourself. Would you be open to connecting? I think we could have some great conversations on leveraging data in e-commerce. Looking forward to chatting!
Best,
Michael
Sample 3:
Hi Julie,
My name is James and I came across your profile after joining the Women in Tech LinkedIn group. As someone who is also passionate about expanding diversity and inclusion in the tech field, I would love to connect if you’re open to it.
I have experience developing mentorship programs and networking events, and I’m currently looking to join a fast-growing startup. Let me know if you would ever like to exchange ideas on promoting equality and inclusion in the workplace. I think we could have an interesting discussion!
Best,
James
Templates
Here are a few template examples you can use as a starting point when messaging new LinkedIn connections:
Basic Introduction Template:
Hi [name],
It’s [your name] from [company/location]. [Explain how you discovered their profile.] [Point out any common ground or connections.] [Express why you want to connect on LinkedIn.]
I look forward to connecting!
Best,
[Your name]
Career Advice Template:
Hi [name],
[Your name] here. I came across your profile and was very impressed by your experience as [job title] at [company]. I’m currently exploring a similar career path in [field] and would love any insights you’re willing to share!
I’d be happy to connect on LinkedIn so we can stay in touch. Please let me know if you would ever have time for a quick phone call to hear about your career journey. Thanks in advance!
Best,
[Your name]
Collaboration Proposal Template:
Hi [name],
My name is [your name] – I work at [company] helping clients with [skillset]. I noticed you are involved with [project/initiative] which aligns very closely with my experience.
I would love to connect and discuss whether there might be an opportunity for us to collaborate. I could see us providing a lot of value by [ways you can help].
Let me know if you’d be open to scheduling a call to kick around some ideas!
Best,
[Your name]
Do’s and Don’ts
Here are some key do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when messaging new LinkedIn connections:
Do:
- Personalize your message with specific details
- Keep it brief but genuine
- Highlight common ground
- Explain why you want to connect
- Ask open-ended questions
- Follow up after connecting
- Stay positive
- Proofread carefully
Don’t:
- Use generic messages
- Write excessively long notes
- Hard sell or promote unsolicited
- Make demands or ask for favors
- Follow up too persistently
- Have typos or grammatical errors
Conclusion
Connecting with new people on LinkedIn takes some strategy but is an extremely valuable networking opportunity. The key is personalizing your introductory message while highlighting commonalities, expressing your rationale for connecting, and encouraging further dialogue. Avoid generic outreach and be patient in developing the relationship over time. With the right approach, you can build meaningful LinkedIn connections that support your career growth and expand your professional network.