Messaging someone on LinkedIn who is not already in your network can be a great way to make a new connection, but it’s important to approach it carefully. Here are some tips for effective outreach to potential new LinkedIn connections:
Keep it professional
The key is maintaining a professional, courteous tone in your message. Avoid language that is overly salesy or promotional. You are simply looking to open a polite dialogue, not pitch your product or service unsolicited. A good rule of thumb is to introduce yourself and explain why you would value connecting, focusing on common interests, shared connections, or complementary businesses/roles.
Personalize the message
A generic out-of-the-blue message may come across as spammy. When possible, personalize the message by referencing someone’s role, company, interests, or other details from their profile. This shows you took the time to review their background before reaching out. Simply adding their name at the top goes a long way towards personalization as well.
Keep it short and sweet
Long-winded messages are more likely to get ignored. Get straight to the point in just a few sentences: Introduce yourself, briefly explain why you’d like to connect, and include a specific ask like requesting a connection. Resist the urge to talk extensively about yourself or give a lengthy pitch.
Offer value
Think about how requesting a connection could benefit the other person. Highlight shared interests, complementary businesses, potential referrals, or anything else that presents a mutual value-add. This makes it more enticing for them to accept your invitation. Perhaps mention a professional group you are both part of or a cause you both care about.
Reference common connections
Mentioning any shared connections can give your outreach more context. For example: “We both work in the XYZ industry and are connected to Jane Doe” or “Bob Smith suggested I reach out”. This network connection gives you more credibility.
Follow up judiciously
If you don’t receive a response after about a week, it’s appropriate to follow up expressing continued interest in connecting. But avoid pestering someone who shows no interest after an initial outreach and follow-up note. Move on and focus your efforts elsewhere.
Use LinkedIn features to your advantage
Look for relevant LinkedIn Groups you can join to connect with the person. You can then message them through the Group platform which gives more context. LinkedIn’s advanced search filters and saved searches also help you identify prospects based on shared interests, employers, locations and other criteria.
Connect in real life too
Try to connect offline in addition to an online ask. Attend industry events, conferences, and seminars where you may encounter the person. Introduce yourself and bring up your message explaining why you’d like to connect on LinkedIn.
Start small and local
If you are hesitant about cold contacting, build up gradually. Start by messaging professionals in your city and industry. This gives you common ground to reference. As you get comfortable, expand your outreach circles.
Customize connection requests
When sending an actual connection invitation, customize the boilerplate language to reinforce why you would like to connect. This shows additional effort beyond just clicking the “Connect” button.
Provide recommendations
One great way to initiate new connections is offering to write recommendations for people you have worked with indirectly, like vendors or colleagues in partner organizations. This thoughtful gesture can start an engaging dialogue.
Share content thoughtfully
Commenting on and sharing someone’s posts shows you are engaged. But only share content truly relevant to them to avoid looking spammy. Comment with more than just “great post!” – add thoughtful remarks that show you read it.
Seek warm introductions
An introduction from a mutual connection gives you a built-in reason to reach out. This adds credibility and increases the chances your message will get a response. Network within your network to find contacts who can make intros.
Follow up after events
If you meet someone at a live networking event, follow up with a connect request on LinkedIn referencing your conversation. Quickly reinforcing the real-life connection strengthens the relationship.
Make your profile connection-worthy
Make sure your own LinkedIn profile is up-to-date and professional-looking before reaching out. This gives people more context on who you are. Show you invest in your personal brand before asking to connect.
Build rapport slowly
Successful relationship-building takes time. Avoid asking for too much too soon from a new connection. Build the relationship gradually by nurturing the connection through thoughtful content sharing and engaging comments over time.
Add value from the start
When requesting a new connection, think about how you can add value for the other person from the very beginning. This could be making an introduction, posting a recommendation, or sharing an interesting article.
Align with their interests
Study the person’s profile carefully and identify overlap with your own interests and goals. Then clearly communicate how connecting could be mutually beneficial based on those shared interests and motivations.
Put yourself in their shoes
Approach new outreach on LinkedIn from the other person’s perspective. Make sure your message is respectful of their time and focused on their potential needs and interests rather than just your own.
In summary, making new connections on LinkedIn takes finesse. Do your homework, personalize your approach, add value, and build the relationship gradually over time through consistent, thoughtful engagement. With the right polite and patient approach, you can expand your network exponentially.