What To Know
- “I’m a [your role] at [your company] and I’ve been following your work on [area of interest] for some time.
- Do you want them to schedule a call, connect on another platform, or simply acknowledge your message.
- If you don’t hear back within a week, feel free to send a polite follow-up message.
LinkedIn is a powerful platform for networking and building professional relationships. It’s a place where you can connect with industry leaders, potential employers, and other professionals in your field. However, simply connecting with someone isn’t enough. To truly leverage LinkedIn for your career goals, you need to know how to write effective messages that get noticed and generate meaningful conversations.
Understanding the Purpose of Your Message
Before you start crafting your message, it’s crucial to understand why you’re reaching out. Are you seeking professional advice, exploring career opportunities, or simply wanting to connect and learn more about their work? Having a clear purpose will help you tailor your message and make it more impactful.
The first few lines of your message are critical. They’re your chance to grab the recipient’s attention and pique their interest. Avoid generic greetings like “Hi” or “Hello.” Instead, personalize your introduction by referencing something specific about their profile, their work, or a shared connection.
For example, you could write:
> “Hi [Name], I came across your recent article on [topic] and found it incredibly insightful. I’m particularly interested in your perspective on [specific point].”
Highlight Your Value Proposition
Don’t just tell the recipient who you are; demonstrate why they should care. What value can you bring to the table? This could be your expertise, your experience, your insights, or your desire to learn from them.
For example, you could write:
> “I’m a [your role] at [your company] and I’ve been following your work on [area of interest] for some time. I’m particularly interested in [specific aspect of their work] and would love to learn more about your experience in this area.”
Keep it Concise and Focused
LinkedIn messages are not the place for long, rambling narratives. Keep your message concise and to the point. Focus on the key information you want to convey and avoid unnecessary details.
Show Genuine Interest and Respect
Always remember that the recipient is a busy professional. Show respect for their time by being brief and to the point. Avoid being overly promotional or self-serving. Instead, focus on what you can offer them and what you can learn from them.
End with a Clear Call to Action
What do you want the recipient to do after reading your message? Do you want them to schedule a call, connect on another platform, or simply acknowledge your message? Make your call to action clear and specific.
For example, you could write:
> “Would you be open to a brief phone call to discuss [topic] further?”
Proofread and Polish
Before sending your message, take a moment to proofread it carefully. Check for any typos, grammatical errors, and awkward phrasing. A well-written and polished message will make a good impression.
The Power of Follow-Up
Don’t expect a response immediately. Give the recipient some time to read your message and respond. If you don’t hear back within a week, feel free to send a polite follow-up message.
Beyond the Message: Building Relationships
Sending a message is just the first step. To build meaningful relationships on LinkedIn, you need to engage with people’s content, participate in discussions, and stay connected. Follow the people you connect with, comment on their posts, and share their content with your network.
The Art of Saying Thank You
Always take the time to thank someone for their time and consideration, whether or not they respond to your message. This shows that you value their time and that you’re genuinely interested in building a relationship.
Crafting the Perfect LinkedIn Message: A Formula for Success
Here’s a simple formula to help you craft effective LinkedIn messages:
1. Start with a personalized introduction. Reference something specific about their profile, their work, or a shared connection.
2. Highlight your value proposition. Explain how you can benefit them or how you can contribute to their work.
3. Keep it concise and focused. Avoid long, rambling narratives.
4. Show genuine interest and respect. Value their time and focus on what you can offer them.
5. End with a clear call to action. What do you want them to do next?
6. Proofread and polish. Ensure your message is free of errors.
7. Follow up politely. Send a follow-up message if you don’t hear back.
Final Thoughts: Beyond the “Send” Button
Remember, LinkedIn is a platform for building relationships. The messages you send are just one part of the equation. To truly leverage LinkedIn for your career goals, you need to be active, engaged, and authentic. Focus on building genuine connections, sharing valuable insights, and contributing to the community.
Information You Need to Know
Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when writing to someone on LinkedIn?
A: Avoid generic greetings, overly promotional messages, and neglecting to proofread. Also, avoid sending unsolicited sales pitches or requests for favors without building a relationship first.
Q: How can I personalize my LinkedIn messages?
A: Reference something specific about their profile, their work, or a shared connection. You can also mention a recent article they published, a project they’re working on, or a skill they’ve highlighted.
Q: How can I write a message that stands out from the crowd?
A: Focus on your value proposition and what you can offer the recipient. Highlight your unique skills, experience, or insights. Be genuine, enthusiastic, and show that you’ve taken the time to research them and their work.
Q: What if someone doesn’t respond to my message?
A: Don’t take it personally. They may be busy, they may not be interested, or they may simply have missed your message. You can send a polite follow-up message, but don’t be pushy or persistent.
Q: How often should I reach out to people on LinkedIn?
A: There’s no magic number, but it’s important to be strategic and avoid overwhelming people. Focus on building genuine connections and engaging with their content. You can reach out to someone once or twice a month, but always be respectful of their time and space.
