Breaking the Ice using LinkedIn Messages

We know that sending LinkedIn Messages with a prospect on LinkedIn can sometimes feel like walking on thin ice. One wrong move and you could lose the opportunity altogether.


But fear not, because we’ve got you covered. In this post, we’ll explore the art of breaking the ice using LinkedIn Messages and share some valuable tips for achieving success on this powerful platform. Whether you’re new to using LinkedIn Messages or looking to up your game, this guide is perfect for you.

So why not grab a cup of tea and join us as we dive into the world of LinkedIn success. Don’t let the fear of rejection hold you back any longer – let’s make those connections and secure those meetings!

Taking the Direct Approach


This one’s all about respecting their time. When it comes to breaking the ice on LinkedIn, sometimes a direct approach is the most effective.

What’s the idea behind this approach? Start by introducing yourself and explaining why you’re reaching out. Super personal, super concise, meaningful.

Pretty simple right? This is generally the safest route to go and one we take with one-on-one LinkedIn Messages.

How do you do this well? Be clear about your purpose and what you hope to achieve from the conversation. Personalise your message by mentioning something specific about why you’re reaching out now, as opposed to any other time.

Keep your message concise and to the point, focusing on how you can provide value and solve a problem for the client. Remember, being direct shows confidence and can grab the attention of busy decision-makers. So go ahead, be bold, and make that first move.

Showing Gratitude in LinkedIn Messages


Everyone loves being thanked! Building relationships is key, and showing gratitude is a powerful way to start or strengthen those relationships. When breaking the ice on LinkedIn, expressing gratitude can go a long way in making a positive impression.

Start by acknowledging and appreciating the potential client’s achievements or expertise. Thank them for their time and consideration, and express genuine interest in their work. By showing gratitude, you demonstrate that you value their contributions and are invested in their success.

That being said, this needs to be genuine. Here’s examples of what works and doesn’t work;

What generally works

  • I wanted to congratulate you on [your recent charity fundraise]
  • I wanted to congratulate you on your recent promotion
  • I’m reaching out to thank you for your reply to my post the other day

What doesn’t work

Here are some direct quotes we’ve received recently which we can use to highlight what doesn’t work;


“You’re very impressive, with all the things you do” – Easily comes across as false flattery.


“I checked out your profile and I couldn’t help but notice your passion and the fantastic work you’re up to!” – A direct quote which came across as vague and clearly unresearched.


“I came across your profile and was impressed by your work at parkrow.marketing | LinkedIn Marketing.” – Clearly using a bot as our whole company page title appeared in the message, which makes the whole gratitude approach appear false.

If it’s genuine, do it! If you can’t think of a genuine compliment, go with the direct approach. A genuine gesture can help to establish trust and set the foundation for a meaningful business relationship. So, don’t forget to sprinkle a little gratitude into your LinkedIn Messages.

I Thought This May Be Of Use To You


When starting a conversation with a potential client on LinkedIn, it’s important to provide value right from the beginning. One effective way to break the ice is by sharing useful resources or insights that could benefit the client.

For example, if you come across an article or study that relates to their industry or challenges they might be facing, don’t hesitate to share it with them. This shows that you’re genuinely interested in helping them succeed and positions you as a valuable resource.

Generally, this is a pretty safe option go with, but it can be tricky to get leads if poorly planned. The actual effectiveness of this comes from the value it adds. It’s not about whether you think it’s valuable, its about whether they think it’s valuable. It all comes down to why you’re actually sending this resource to a particular person.

By offering something of genuine value to an individual upfront, you’re more likely to capture their attention and start a meaningful conversation. So keep an eye out for relevant content and share it with potential clients to make a great first impression.

Taking the Quirky Route in LinkedIn Messages


When it comes to breaking the ice on LinkedIn, sometimes taking a quirky approach can be a breath of fresh air. This can be a pretty dicey one so tread lightly!

Instead of sending a traditional, formal message, try injecting a bit of personality into your outreach. Consider using humour, a clever play on words, or a relatable anecdote to grab the potential client’s attention.

Done well, this approach shows that you’re not afraid to be different and can help you stand out from the crowd.

However, be mindful of striking the right balance between being quirky and maintaining professionalism. You want to be memorable, but not at the expense of being taken seriously. So go ahead, think outside the box, and let your personality shine through in your LinkedIn messages.

Crafting Effective InMail Messages to Break the Ice


When it comes to breaking the ice using LinkedIn Messages, crafting effective InMail messages is crucial. These messages serve as your initial point of contact and can make or break your chances of starting a meaningful conversation with a potential client. If in doubt, take the direct and personal approach. But if you can think of a lovely compliment, useful resource or good joke, give it a go!

To craft an effective InMail message, it’s important to keep it personalised and relevant to the recipient. Show that you’ve done your research by referencing their industry, challenges, or recent accomplishments. Keep the message concise and focused on how you can add value to their business. Remember, the goal is to capture their attention and spark their interest, so make sure your InMail message stands out from the rest.