How To Score 100% with Each LinkedIn Connection Request

1. THE MOST
EFFECTIVE WAYS
To Write The Perfect LinkedIn Invitation

2. Whether you’re new to LinkedIn or you’re an All Star Power user, if you intend to connect with new people on
LinkedIn make sure you come across like a professional – not a stalker or spammer. Here is How.
I know, that it is all too easy to use the generic “I’d like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn” template,
but beware for most LinkedIn users, it is actually an annoyance if not used right.
Imagine you’re at a professional event. You know, those cheese and nibbles meetups, when you spot someone across
the room. Oh! Is that the cool guy who writes these smart blogs about job hunting? You walk up to him, extend your
hand, and say (drum roll please):
“I’d like to add you to my professional network.”
Huh??? Did you really just say that? It does sound a bit weird, doesn’t it? No one would do such a thing in real life. So,
when you stop to think about it, why would you do such a strange thing on LinkedIn?
It’s not rocket science – it’s actually pretty simple.
Try this 7 simple steps if you want to connect with strangers and enhance your LinkedIn network.

3. STEP 1
Use a professional photo
Like it or not, impressions count and
your profile photo is the first thing a
person sees on your LinkedIn
invitation, so make it a good one. Don’t
do one of these lazy photo cropping
jobs where you cut yourself out of a
group photo. Need help? use this link
for simple and effective LinkedIn
profile photos.

4. STEP 2
Start with a
personalised
greeting
Begin your message
with a “Dear [name]” or
“Hi [name]” —
and make sure you’ve
spelled their name
correctly. Nothing
frustrates people more
than misuse of their
first or last name.

5. STEP 3
Be Honest about the
how you know them
Did you chat at a conference? Did
a friend recommend that the two
of you connect? Are you following
each other on Twitter? Remind
the person how s/he knows you
(or might know you) somewhere in
the message. Need some ideas?
Read this

6. STEP 4
Briefly explain
why you’d like
to connect
It’s really important to
explain why you want to
connect. If you fail to do
that, most LinkedIn users
will assume that you are just
out to increase your number
of connections and that
there isn’t anything
meaningful for them in the
proposed connection.

7. STEP 5
Ensure to explain
what you do
Always include one- or two-
sentences on what you do. Most
LinkedIn networkers want to
assist if you fit into their tribe.

8. STEP 6
Use
professional
and polite
parting words
It’s not who you know, it’s
who wants to know you,
so it’s always nice to
include a few kind
parting words about
their work, job
experience, or company.

9. STEP 7
Sign off on a
high note
As with everything in
our professional lives,
start and finish on a
high note.

10. Whether you’re trying to recruit someone, complimenting them on their work, or telling them
how much you enjoyed meeting them at that cheese and nibbles event, a personalised LinkedIn
message using the 7 above steps will help you to secure another valuable professional contact.
Keep it short and simple, don’t be a stalker and remember to hunt wisely!
Uli