In the fast-paced world of professional networking, LinkedIn has emerged as the go-to platform for career-minded individuals. With over 800 million members worldwide, this digital hub offers unparalleled opportunities.
You can connect with industry peers, potential employers, and valuable business contacts. However, the key to unlocking these opportunities lies in your ability to craft compelling LinkedIn connection requests.
Not everyone knows what to say in a LinkedIn connection request. It destroys their chance to make a proper introduction, explain their reasons for connecting, and draw the recipient’s interest.
Let’s learn what people look for in a connection request and how you can write a reasonable connection request that connects.
Quality Over Quantity
While the temptation to amass a large number of LinkedIn connections may be strong, it’s crucial to prioritize quality over quantity. A network filled with genuine, engaged connections is far more valuable than a collection of random profiles.
Take the time to carefully curate your LinkedIn network, focusing on individuals who share your professional interests, industry expertise, or personal values. This approach will not only increase the chance of your connection requests being accepted but also foster more meaningful relationships.
Remember, the quality of a connection request depends on your context. You must show that you care. And writing the connection request is just the first step. Follow up, engage with your new connections, and continually acquire active LinkedIn connections to expand your professional network.
Benefits of Customizing Connection Requests
Personalizing your LinkedIn connection requests offers several key benefits:
1. Increased Acceptance Rates
Tailoring each request shows you’ve taken the time to review the recipient’s profile. This extra effort leaves a positive impression and boosts the likelihood of your request being accepted.
2. Attracting More Followers
When you customize requests to high-profile individuals and they accept, their followers may notice and follow you too. Engaging with their content can expose you to their large audience, helping you achieve affordable LinkedIn follower growth.
3. Stronger Relationships
Personalizing requests and highlighting common ground sets a great foundation for building genuine professional relationships. These connections are more likely to think of you for opportunities that align with your goals and expertise.
4. Enhanced Personal Brand
Taking the time to craft thoughtful, customized connection requests reflects well on your personal brand. It shows you’re a conscientious professional who values making authentic connections.
What To Say In A LinkedIn Connection Request
Now that we’ve explored the significance of building a strong professional network on LinkedIn, let’s delve into the art of crafting effective connection requests.
Keep It Concise and Captivating
As mentioned earlier, LinkedIn connection requests are limited to 300 characters – a constraint that may seem daunting at first. However, this word count can work to your advantage if you know how to use it effectively.
The key is to be concise and to the point. Start with a friendly greeting, such as “Hello [First Name]” or “Hi there.” Then, briefly introduce yourself and explain why you’re reaching out.
Perhaps you share a common connection, industry, or alma mater. Or maybe you’re inspired by their recent accomplishments or thought-provoking content.
Avoid lengthy explanations or rambling narratives. Remember, the recipient is likely inundated with connection requests, so you need to make a strong impression in a few short sentences.
Finding Common Ground
One of the most effective strategies for LinkedIn connection requests is to find a common thread that you can highlight. This helps establish an immediate sense of rapport and demonstrates that you’ve done your research.
As you review the recipient’s profile, look for shared interests, experiences, or affiliations. Perhaps you both attended the same university, worked at a previous employer, or are members of a professional organization.
Additionally, if you’ve engaged with the person’s content on LinkedIn – for example, by commenting on a post or sharing their article – reference that interaction. This shows that you’re an active participant in the LinkedIn community and are genuinely interested in their work.
Maintaining a Professional, Yet Personable Tone
While LinkedIn is a professional network, your connection request message shouldn’t sound overly formal or robotic. Instead, aim for a tone that is friendly, conversational, and inviting.
Avoid using stilted language or corporate jargon. Instead, write as if you’re having a casual conversation with a colleague. Use simple, easy-to-understand vocabulary, and inject a touch of personality into your message.
At the same time, be mindful of maintaining a level of professionalism. Steer clear of overly casual language, emojis, or anything that could be perceived as unprofessional. The goal is to strike a balance between being personable and upholding the standards of a business network.
Leveraging Mutual Connections
If you share a mutual connection with the person you’re reaching out to, be sure to mention that in your LinkedIn connection request. This instantly adds credibility to your message and increases the likelihood of your request being accepted.
When referencing a mutual connection, provide a brief explanation of how you know this person and why you believe they would recommend connecting. This not only strengthens your introduction but also suggests that you’re part of a trusted professional network.
Highlighting Shared Experiences or Interests
In addition to mutual connections, look for other areas of commonality that you can highlight in your LinkedIn connection request. This could include:
- Attending The Same University Or Alma Mater
- Working In The Same Industry Or Field
- Participating In The Same Professional Organizations Or Industry Events
- Sharing A Passion For A Particular Hobby Or Interest
By drawing attention to these shared experiences or interests, you’re creating a personal connection that goes beyond the typical transactional nature of a connection request.
Following Up and Nurturing the Connection
Once your LinkedIn connection request is accepted, don’t let the relationship freeze. Follow up with a friendly message, thanking the person for connecting and suggesting a next step, such as a virtual coffee chat or a discussion about a shared interest.
Continuing the conversation and demonstrating your genuine interest in the other person’s work and experiences will help solidify the connection and pave the way for future collaborations or opportunities.
Tracking Connection Request Acceptance Rates
One of the most straightforward metrics to monitor is your connection request acceptance rate. Keep a close eye on the percentage of requests that are accepted versus ignored or declined.
If you notice a dip in your acceptance rate, take the time to review your connection request messages and identify areas for improvement. By analyzing your successes and failures, you can refine your strategy and optimize your connection requests for better results.
Conclusion
Knowing what to say in a LinkedIn connection request is an essential skill in today’s professional landscape. By keeping your message concise, finding common ground, and maintaining a personable tone, you can increase your chances of building meaningful connections.
With a strategic approach to LinkedIn networking, you can transform your connection requests into powerful tools for career advancement, business growth, and professional fulfillment.
