You’re getting ready to make some LinkedIn connections and are about to press the connect button. Stop! First, think about who they are and why you are trying to connect with them.
Research shows that only 20% of those you send a default request to will accept it. Those aren’t great odds. But you can improve them by taking an extra minute to customize your request.
Today, I will share with you seven different customized requests you can use to create more meaningful LinkedIn connections.
Where are LinkedIn Connections?
First, let’s touch base on where you find LinkedIn connections – I wrote about how to do this several weeks ago so click here to see that. Basically, it’s up in the search bar, but read the article so you can learn about some of the powerful, hidden features of that search bar.
Once you find someone to connect with, click on the blue Connect button. That opens an invitation window. The tendency is to quickly select how you know them, then click Send Invitation at the bottom. But that box just above the button is your chance to tell someone WHY you want to connect with them. The WHY is pretty important to getting that connection.
Here’s a list of seven reasons WHY you would want to connect with someone and some possible language you could use to do it.
Job Hunting
“Hi Wendy, I’ve admired your dental practice in our community and if the opportunity ever came up I would love a shot at working there. Could we connect so you can check out my experience?”
Networking
“Hi Wendy, I see you are also a hygienist living nearby. I would love it if we could connect and possibly help each other out with job openings or other relevant topics of interest.”
Experience
“Hi Wendy, I am looking for someone who has experience with mobile dental hygiene practices and I see that you have one. Can we connect so I can learn more about this from you?”
Project
“Hi Wendy, I see you have done some dental hygiene missions to Haiti and I am really interested in doing that, too. Can we connect so I can learn more about it from you?”
Perspective
“Hi Wendy, in searching for dental hygienists who have transitioned to dental sales, I came across your profile. Can we connect? I have some questions about transitioning my own career into dental sales and thought you would have a good perspective.”
Respect
“Hi Wendy, I have always admired your ability to teach dental hygienists in your articles. You are always so clear and thoughtful in your approach, and I would love to stay connected so I can read more.”
Mentor
“Hi Wendy, I’ve recently been reading about the importance of mentorship in dental hygiene. I see you have been in the field for a while, and live in my area, so I would love to connect with you to learn how you have navigated the industry.”
Summary
Making LinkedIn connections is really simple, but you need to customize your approach with each individual. Customized requests communicate that you did something extra to reach out. It’s more meaningful and you are much more likely to get great results.
You may feel you don’t have much to offer a potential connection or that you don’t even need connections. But, you really do. Therefore, having a really good network of professional colleagues will help keep you employed and advance your career.
Bonus
Here’s a quick video tutorial on how to add a “View My Profile” button (badge) to the signature line of all the emails you send out. That will further engage anyone you contact to connect with you.
