Networking and Marketing Made Simple Never Automate These 2 Things on LinkedIn
LinkedIn is a platform for building real, authentic relationships.
While automation can save time, there are two things you should never automate if you want to stand out and make genuine connections.
Here’s the truth:
If you don’t know the person, skip the note and just hit “Send.”
A blank request often feels more natural than a generic or overly formal note.
However, if you’re going to add a note, make sure it’s in one of these situations:
- You know the person in real life.
- You were referred to connect with them by someone else.
- You met them at a networking event, or online event, read their book, or listened to their podcast.
In these cases, your note should briefly reference your connection point and why you’re reaching out.
Keep it short, personal, and relevant.
When reaching out to someone on LinkedIn, ditch the templates and focus on building rapport. Here’s a simple structure to follow:
- Start with a relaxed opener: Begin with something conversational and warm.
- Create a bridge of commonality: Mention something that connects you, like shared interests, experiences, or mutual connections.
- End with a specific call to action: Be clear about what you’re asking for, such as setting a time to connect or exploring mutual opportunities.
For example, instead of diving into a pitch, try something like:
"Hi [Name], I noticed we both [commonality]. I’d love to connect and hear your thoughts on [topic]. When would be a good time to chat?"
Personalized messaging shows you care about the relationship, not just the transaction.
By staying authentic and human with your connection requests and messages, you’ll stand out and build stronger, more meaningful relationships on LinkedIn.
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