Top 3 Reasons to Include a Personal Message With That LinkedIn Invitation
One of my biggest social media pet peeves is when people don’t include a personalized message with their LinkedIn connection requests. Now, I don’t necessarily expect a personalized message from my dad or the person who sits two feet away from me everyday (who I talk to more than I talk to my dad). I am talking about the people I have never met or people with whom I have had very minimal interaction.
I can’t say I’ve never sent a LinkedIn connection request without a personal message, but I believe those times can be counted on the fingers of my hands.
Here are my top three reasons why every LinkedIn connection request should include a personalized message.
I won’t classify you as a spammer
If I don’t know you, and if I cannot tell from your profile what we might have in common, chances are good that I won’t accept your request. I don’t want to take the risk of being spammed.
I will more than likely accept your request
Even if I can determine from your profile that we work within the same industry and are members of a common group, it’s nice when someone brings that information to my attention as they introduce themselves and request a connection. Something as simple as this can go a long way. “I’m a member of XX organization. I haven’t had the chance to meet you at an event yet, but I would like to connect on LinkedIn, and I hope we are able to meet in person soon.” If a person can articulate this, I’m far more likely to accept the request.
It’s quite likely that it will start a conversation
It’s nice when people give up some information that can start a discussion. Social media is about being “social” and building relationships, after all.
“I’m a student at Marquette University. I notice that you are an alumna and that we are both connected to Ms. X and Mr. Y. I would like to expand my network in the marketing and communications field and would like to add you as a connection.”
Imagine what kind of conversation that could start. I might reply to the request and ask about specific interests, other common acquaintances we might have and what else I might be able to do to help the individual grow his/her network and explore his/her interests.
If nothing else, please, at least address your potential connection by name!
What do you think? Do you get many personalized connection requests? How do you perceive them versus generic messages?
