Common LinkedIn Prospecting Fails

Have you ever sent a LinkedIn message and cringed in embarrassment afterward? You’re not alone! It can be awkward and difficult to know what to say when reaching out to someone, but it doesn’t have to be. To help you make the right impression, this article will give you some key tips to avoid common LinkedIn message fails.

Here’s a key LinkedIn Prospecting Messaging Tip. From knowing when to use an introduction to crafting an impactful message, you’ll learn the key strategies to ensure your message is well received and appreciated. So, let’s get started and learn how to communicate effectively and confidently on LinkedIn!

LinkedIn Messaging: People Reaching Out To People

LinkedIn Messaging is a powerful tool for connecting with professionals, but it’s important to remember that you are reaching out to real people. Treat your message as if you were meeting them in person. Would you say the same thing in person as you are here?

Being genuine and respectful in your approach will go a long way in establishing a positive impression. Remember, LinkedIn is all about building relationships, so focus on making a connection rather than just sending a generic message. By approaching your outreach with sincerity and consideration, you can increase your chances of receiving a positive response.

Would you say this to someone you’re sat next to on a bus?

When sending a LinkedIn message, it’s essential to think about the context in which you are reaching out to someone. Imagine if you were sitting next to them on a bus, would you say the same thing? If the answer is no, then it’s probably not appropriate for a LinkedIn message either.

I’ve edited messages we’ve recently received as though you just heard them when you sat next to someone on a bus:

“I noticed we have similar interests, let’s chat”
“I hope to add value to your journey today”
“Hi, I’m not a bot – lol 😊”

Remember, the goal is to establish a genuine connection, so avoid using generic or impersonal messages. Instead, tailor your message to the individual and show that you have taken the time to understand their background and interests. By approaching your outreach in a thoughtful and respectful manner, you can increase the likelihood of a positive response.

Personalisation goes a long way, except when it doesn’t

When it comes to reaching out to someone on LinkedIn, personalisation can be a powerful tool. It shows that you have taken the time to research and understand the individual, and it can make your message stand out from the generic ones.

However, there is a fine line between personalisation and crossing into the realm of weirdo behaviour. While it’s important to reference relevant details from the person’s profile or background, be mindful of going too far.

Here’s a key LinkedIn Prospecting Messaging Tip. It sometimes seems like a good idea to include company name, industry or job title, but it often comes across as clunky. Avoid mentioning things that may be too personal or unrelated to your intended message

. Remember, the goal is to create a genuine connection, not make the other person feel uncomfortable. So, while personalisation can go a long way in LinkedIn messaging, make sure to find the right balance.

LinkedIn Prospecting: Always have a clear purpose for your message

Here’s a key LinkedIn Prospecting Messaging Tip. When reaching out to someone on LinkedIn, it’s important to have a clear purpose for your message. What do you hope to achieve or convey through this interaction? Are you seeking advice, networking opportunities, or simply wanting to connect with someone in your industry? Clearly stating your intentions from the beginning can help both parties understand the purpose of the conversation and ensure a more productive exchange. By being direct and transparent about your intentions, you show professionalism and respect for the other person’s time. Remember, a message without a clear purpose can easily get lost or ignored, so make sure to always have a clear goal in mind.

End with a call-to-action that caters for levels of interest

As you wrap up your LinkedIn message, it’s important to end with a strong call-to-action that caters to the levels of interest of the recipient. Consider offering different options for them to engage further based on their level of interest. For those who are highly interested, invite them to schedule a call or meeting to discuss potential collaboration or networking opportunities. For those who may be less interested or unsure, offer to provide more information or resources that may pique their curiosity. By tailoring your call-to-action to the recipient’s interest level, you show that you respect their time and are willing to accommodate their needs.