by Owen Wood 5 minute read

LinkedIn Connection Tips

Break The Ice & Secure Leads Using LinkedIn Connection Tips. Help your team generate more leads using Linkedin with these actionable tips. Making a memorable first impression on LinkedIn can make the difference between establishing a valuable connection and being ignored. So, how can you craft a killer first message on LinkedIn that not only catches the attention but also sparks a meaningful connection? Let’s delve in with our LinkedIn Connection Tips.

The Importance Of Your First Message

Think of your first message on LinkedIn as the pivotal opening act in a theatre production. It’s your first chance to pique interest, to capture attention and most importantly, to set the scene for a fruitful interaction.

This message acts as your personal ambassador, the first impression maker, if you will. It’s the harbinger of your professional persona, offering a snapshot of who you are and what you bring to the table.

Just as an uninspired opening act could lead to a disinterested audience, a lacklustre message on LinkedIn can be the proverbial nail in the coffin of a potential relationship. It’s much like turning up to a black-tie affair in jeans and trainers; you’re likely to be overlooked or worse, remembered for all the wrong reasons.

On the other hand, a compelling first message, one that stands out amidst the flood of generic introductions, can be a game changer. It can open doors to deeper conversations and, dare we say it, pave the way for promising business opportunities. It’s like a breath of fresh air at a networking event, that person who captivates the room, leading to riveting dialogues and exchanges.

So, it’s imperative that you comprehend the gravity of this initial message and utilise this opportunity to the fullest. A brilliantly crafted first message can, quite literally, set the stage for your professional relationship on LinkedIn.

Should I send a message with my connection request?

It’s a question that often arises: should you accompany your connection request with a message? The simple answer is, it depends!

A connection message can set the tone and make clear what you’d like to talk about. As such, when someone receives a request from you, they have the message and they can decide whether to accept or not. This works really well when you have a really clear offering for that specific person e.g.

“Hi [Name], your colleague [Colleague’s Name] asked me to message you as she mentioned that you were currently looking for a new supplier of [Service]. Clients typically receive [XXX% ROI] from working with us. I’d love to send you more info?”

A well-crafted message with your connection request can be the equivalent of a firm handshake and warm smile at a networking event. It’s that personal touch that elevates a simple connection request to an engaging introduction. As you can see, you’ve done a lot of groundwork here before the connection and so this will be a really easy decision on whether to connect with you.

If you need more of a chance to build the relationship with them, then it might be worth not actually sending a personalised message with connection.

Keep it short. Like really short.

Here’s the most useful of the LinkedIn Connection Tips. In the world of instant messaging and fast-paced communications, brevity is not just a virtue, it’s an absolute necessity. When crafting your first message on LinkedIn, bear in mind that you’re not penning a novel. You’re seeking to introduce yourself and express interest in a concise, compelling manner.

So, what’s the perfect length for a first message? There’s no hard and fast rule, but as a guide, aim for three to five sentences. Be direct, succinct and to the point. A well-articulated short message is like a quick yet firm handshake – it conveys intent and respect for the recipient’s time.

Open with an engaging line, something that grabs attention or sparks curiosity. It might be a shared connection, a mutual interest or a recent accomplishment they’ve posted. This isn’t the place for an exhaustive list of your achievements or a detailed business proposal.

Remember, it’s okay to leave them wanting more. The goal is to pique their interest and prompt a response. Don’t fret about including every single detail about yourself or your intentions. An intriguing first message is much like a tantalising movie trailer. It’s the exciting preview that incites interest and makes the audience want to see the full feature.

So, in your pursuit of creating that memorable first impression, be sure to keep it short, sharp and impactful. Because when it comes to first messages on LinkedIn, less is definitely more.

Write (or Speak) it out. It needs to sound like something you’d say.

A vital aspect often overlooked in crafting your first LinkedIn message is authenticity. Your message should sound unmistakably you, reflecting your personality and style of communication. If it reads like an automated template or a rehearsed sales pitch, it’s likely to be dismissed as just that.

Imagine you are at a networking event. You wouldn’t approach a potential connection with a premeditated monologue, would you? Of course not! You’d strike up a conversation, adjusting your tone and topics to match the flow of the dialogue. Treat your LinkedIn message the same way. Write it in a conversational tone, as if you were speaking directly to the person.

If you’re having difficulty getting your words to flow naturally, try speaking your message out loud first. This will help you ensure your message sounds like something you’d say in a real-life professional conversation. It helps in catching any awkward phrases or overly formal language that may creep into your written message.

Also, don’t be afraid to let a bit of your personality shine through. A sprinkle of humour, a dash of creativity, or a hint of passion can go a long way in creating a memorable first message. Remember, while LinkedIn is a professional networking platform, it is also a social space. Don’t let the formalities squeeze out the human touch.

Stay true to your communication style and you’re sure to craft a first message that not only resonates with your intended connection but also leaves a lasting impression. After all, people connect with people, not with perfectly crafted corporate scripts.

Follow Up If Necessary

Whilst it’s exciting to see a response pop up in your LinkedIn inbox, don’t lose heart if you’re met with silence. With an influx of messages and the whirlwind of professional commitments, your connection request could easily have been overlooked.

If a week or so passes with no reply, it’s time to gently nudge your prospective connection with a courteous follow-up message. Be sure to keep the tone light, reminding them briefly of your original message and reaffirming your desire to connect. However, it’s vital to avoid coming across as too insistent or desperate; remember, your goal is to establish a valuable professional relationship, not to push someone into responding out of obligation. By demonstrating understanding and patience, you’re showcasing your professionalism, potentially paving the way for a fruitful future connection.

So, whilst it’s natural to hope for immediate responses, remember, good things often come to those who wait – and who follow up tactfully.