Ready to launch a LinkedIn Introduction Example? This is probably the moment that you have been waiting on all year long. What the heck do you tell someone when you want to connect? It is like asking your spouse out on a date all over again, except for much different intentions.
That is why I thought we might want to discuss this as an add-on to social networking etiquette conversation we had at the beginning of the year.
LinkedIn Introduction Example
Going Through A LinkedIn Introduction Example
As you can see from the basic LinkedIn message above this is not a helpful introduction to send to a valued prospect.
So, what exactly do you want to include in your LinkedIn Introduction Example? I generally recommend you include the following:
- Start off with the person’s name. As the great late Dale Carnegie used to say, “There is nothing sweeter than one’s name”. Hello Bob, Sarah, etc.
- Tell people how you know them. Guess what happens when you assume? Oh yes I went with that horrible joke, but the fact remains that you have to tell people how you know them. I get text message all the time from people I know, but without a point of reference I do not know who they are from their phone number. It is is the same thing on LinkedIn.
- Have a mini call to action. Let’s meet for coffee, talk on the phone, email back and forth. Always make the first connection with someone on LinkedIn an appointment or way for them to learn more. LinkedIn is very service oriented, so come from a place of servitude with that first call.
With these ideas in mind you are off to the races with your handy LinkedIn Introduction Example to guide you to the right connections.
This is such a helpful example. Lot’s of times I want to ‘personalize’ the invitation and I love your mini ‘call to action’ idea.
Debbie
Debbie,
Thanks! A call to action is really necessary with LinkedIn messages. Otherwise, you just have a list of contacts.
Andy
Hey Thank you Andy for the practical and valuable advice about making contacts on LinkedIn. We all appreciate a little courtesy when being approached to make a friendship. To add a bit of personal contact it is also nice to establish some common interest between you and the one you want to be your new friend. It does take a bit more time to look over their profile to find out something about them.
Have a great one!
Lynn
Lynn,
I agree with you that common interest information is great! That is why I generally tell people what groups we have in common. Forms a bond with someone you want to know.
Andy
Andy,
LinkedIn is a very powerful medium for establishing and nurturing relationships. There are a number of different approaches for creating these relationships, some work better than others.
In my experiences, establishing credibility is a good way to connect with others. This credibility comes from other connections when asking for introductions or finding any common ground or things in common.
A call to action or plan for the connection is key as you stated. Whether it be coffee, lunch or a call, make sure to confirm another interact to continue to build the relationship.
Great Tips!
Dewane,
You definitely need credibility in order to get the most out of LinkedIn. Otherwise, you will never be able to achieve any level of success. That is why you have to have the right introduction.
Andy
I actually have had difficult times in adding friends in LinkedIn. I used to join in any groups with like-minded individuals and make friends with them first. Once the relationship build, I ask them to accept my request.
Kevin,
It seems like you definitely have the right idea for connecting with people on LinkedIn!
Andy
I have not tapped in to the power of LinkedIn yet. I joined a couple of years ago, and have a fair number of contacts, but I’m at a loss as to what to do with it. I like your idea of beginning a relationship with the person via a mini call to action.
Willena Flewelling
Willena,
Let me know if you need some additional help with LinkedIn?
Andy
I’ve been playing with Linkedin for a while and adding connecting is something that be adding on my strategy.. Thanks for this tips. 🙂
Valerie,
LinkedIn connections are vital to most professional businesses strategy.
Andy