How to get a response when requesting a connection on LinkedIn

There is an art in sending a message to a stranger that you want to connect with and if you don’t know how, sending connection invites is a waste of everyone’s time. There are speakers, books, and articles on this art and if you read enough you will either get confused on what you should or should not do, or you will find the commonality of all the written words you read.

“Ask for what you want!” If you don’t, we have no reason to connect or why you want to connect with us. Here are a few guidelines to include in your connection request messages:

• What is your purpose?

• I was referred to you by…

• I saw your website and would like to know more about what you do

• I saw your LinkedIn profile and I would like to introduce myself to you and share what I do, to hear about you, and see if it is a smart connection

• MORE, MORE, MORE-but you get the idea.

People do not read minds. Regardless of what you believe or hear, we don’t know unless you tell us. Be direct, nice and have a purpose on why you would like to connect with that person.

My rule of thumb and what I write back to everyone who wants to connect with me.

“Thank you for reaching out and wanting to connect with me. Your background intrigues me. My rule on LinkedIn, always have a conversation first before accepting. I like to know my connections and I want my connections to know me. So, if you are interested, please hit up my calendar for a time we can talk. Again, thank you for reaching out and I look forward to speaking with you soon. —Jennifer” Then for ease, I include the link where they can schedule time with me: www.calendly.com/jennifer-mastor

Sometimes when it is easy, go along with it.

Good luck, and I will report back to you all to tell you how many people reached out to me.