Sending Connection Request (Generic)

Hi (First Name),

I read your profile with great interest and would love to connect with you here on Linkedin!

Regards,
(Your Name),

[Sample # 2]

Hi (First Name),

I’m looking to connect with more awesome people in the same industry and came across
your profile. I would love to have you in my network.

Regards,
(Your Name),

[Sample # 3]

Hi (First Name),

Stumbled across your profile through a group that we share, and wanted to reach out.

Perhaps we can help each other in business and new ventures? Let’s connect!

Kind Regards,
(Your Name),

[Sample # 4]

Dear Ron,

I’m also in the Society of Professional Journalists, and I’ve really enjoyed reading your posts.
The piece you shared a week or two ago about the future of data journalism was pretty
thought-provoking. I’d love to keep in touch and learn more about your work.

Best,

April

[Sample # 5]

Subject line 1: professional connection request

Subject line 2: invitation to connect (private message)

Hi (First Name),

I saw your profile on LinkedIn and just knew we had to connect!

I am an expert in corporate gifts for keeping employees and customers happy and engaged.
Would my services be any benefit to you and the projects you are working on?

Looking forward to chatting with you!

Talk soon,
[signature]

5 test scenarios for reaching out after Linkedin

acceptation.

Scenario 1: open ended question

Hi (NAME),

Thank you for accepting my invitation. I am curious to know if and how I can best add value
to make your job a little easier.
Is there anyone in my network that would be a good connection for you? Or is there any
subject that troubles you?

Maybe we could chat for 15 min after Xth September?

Just let me know the time zone you are in and I will propose some time slots.

Have an amazing day.

(Your Name)

Scenario 2: Just starting a conversation

Hi Xxxx,

Thank you for accepting my invitation. I was wondering if you could help me out for a
moment.
I help entrepreneurs to get more out of their business. That's why I am reaching out to
successful entrepreneurs to talk to.
Every conversation is an opportunity for both sides to learn. The benefit for me is to
understand what drives entrepreneurs and what they want and need.
I will give you my honest insight on your business. No engagement for you.

Maybe we could chat for 10 min after 10th September?

Just let me know the time zone you are in. I will propose some time slots.
I promise it will not be a sales pitch. We will talk about you and your business.

Have an amazing day.

(Your Name)

PS: If I can help you in any way, just let me know. Is there anyone in my network that would
be a good connection for you?
Or is there any subject that troubles you?

Scenario 3: Input for a new online program

Hi (First NAME),

Thank you for accepting my invitation.

You already noticed from my profile that I help organizations to get more out of their current
business. My experience is in strategic marketing, innovation and service renewal.
At this moment, I am setting up a new online coaching program on innovation and offer
renewal.
Every business is in search of new business ideas and how to implement them effectively.
To make sure I am on track I talk to entrepreneurs like yourself. No selling at this point!
This call will benefit you as we will talk only about your business and what you want and
need.
I will be honest with you and soundboard you with my experience.

Maybe we could chat for 15 min this week or next?

Just let me know the time zone you are in. I will propose some time slots.

Have an amazing day!

(Your Name)

Scenario 4: Just a very short message

Hi Xxxx,

Thank you for accepting my invitation. Seeing your profile I wanted to drop a quick message
with this question.
How are you doing in the business of XXX? What are the challenges in your industry in the
next year?
Have an amazing day.
(Your Name)

Scenario 5 : Interview for a report

Hi Xxxx,

Thank you for accepting my invitation.

At the moment, I’m writing a report about the drivers for success in entrepreneurship.
That's why I am reaching out to all kinds of entrepreneurs to interview.
It will take 20 minutes of your time and the last 5 minutes I will give you my honest feedback.
It is obvious you will get a copy of the final report.

As you and I have a busy schedule, I have set-up a calendar on ScheduleOnce. You can
pick the time that suits you the best in the coming days. And we’ll not lose time on trying to
fix a convenient time.
Here is the link: [Link]

Let me know if there is a problem.

Maybe we could chat for 20 min after 10th September?
Just let me know the time zone you are in. I will propose some time slots.

Have an amazing day.

(Your Name)

Hey {prospect}, by any chance do you know anyone who may need a {the service you are
providing}?

I feel like you’re the perfect person to approach about this.

So I’m taking my business into a new direction by expanding to also offer {the service you
are providing} and would love to do {something like a trial you can give} free consultation or
free checking or audit of company books or reports.

If interested you can grab a time here: calendly link

MESSAGE 1: CONNECTION REQUEST
GOAL: Get them to accept your connection request.
MISSION: Keep it simple; make it all about them and personalize and
whenever possible compliment them or their company!
ADD TO LEAD TRACKER: Message 1

EXAMPLE 1: COMMONALITY

Hi [NAME],

I noticed you went to [INSERT NAME OF SCHOOL]. As a fellow alum, I thought it

would be great to connect.

[YOUR FIRST NAME]

EXAMPLE 2: REFERENCE THEM OR THEIR COMPANY

Hi [NAME],

I’m really impressed with what you are doing with [COMPANY NAME] and thought it
would be great to connect.

[YOUR FIRST NAME]

EXAMPLE 3: SHOW INTEREST

If relevant, like and comment on their post, and then send this personalized
connection request.

Hi [NAME],

The post you did on [TOPIC] caught my attention. [SOMETHING THAT YOU LIKED
ABOUT IT OR THAT RESONATED WITH YOU]. It would be great to connect with
you here on LinkedIn.

[YOUR FIRST NAME]

EXAMPLE 4: COMPLIMENT THEM

Hi [NAME],

I’m super impressed with your [PROFILE, CAREER, CONTENT], [ESPECIALLY X

AND Y - ADD SOMETHING SPECIFIC THAT IMPRESSED YOU], and I would love
to connect with you here on LinkedIn.

[YOUR FIRST NAME]

MESSAGE 2: ENGAGE IN DIALOGUE AND

THANK THEM FOR CONNECTING
GOAL: Begin a dialogue by asking a question. Send soon after they
accept.
MISSION: Keep it short and non-invasive so they can answer your
question in 30 seconds or less.
ADD TO LEAD TRACKER: Message 2

EXAMPLE

Hi [NAME],

Thanks so much for connecting with me – I appreciate it.

[ASK A NON-INVASIVE QUESTION ABOUT SOMETHING IN THEIR PROFILE,

SOMETHING THEY POSTED ON LINKEDIN (ACTIVITY SECTION) OR
SOMETHING ABOUT THEIR BUSINESS/COMPANY TO MAKE IT REALLY
PERSONAL - AND THAT’S IT!]

[YOUR FIRST NAME]

EXAMPLES OF QUESTIONS:

Reference something they posted:

1. Those were great pictures you shared of the XYZ event last week. How did it
go?
 2. That post you did about leadership was great. It’s really interesting to watch
the shift in leadership styles over the last ten years or so. How do you see
leadership evolving with more and more remote workers?

Share something you have in common:

1. It’s great to connect with a fellow [UNIVERSITY] alum. [QUESTION ABOUT
CAMPUS, YEARS AT SCHOOL, ETC.]?

2. I see you used to be at [COMPANY NAME]. I was there too between [YEAR
TO YEAR]. How are you enjoying being self-employed?

3. I noticed you are a fellow [MEMBER OF X] . How long have you been a
member?

Find a topic when you have nothing in common and they don’t post often:

1. By the way, happy new year! Will you be getting away to escape the cold this
winter?

2. I just picked up a copy of your book [BOOK TITLE], and I can’t wait to dive in.
Do you have any new books or programs coming out soon?

3. I can’t believe it’s almost summer/winter/Christmas. Will you be taking some

time off?

Congratulate them on a recent event, e.g., they are mentioned in the news or
changed jobs recently:

1. Congratulations on [SOMETHING MENTIONED IN THE NEWS]! That’s really

exciting! [ADD A SHORT RELEVANT QUESTION]?

2. I saw the article that [MENTIONED YOU/YOUR COMPANY]. Congrats!

Where do you find the time to [INSERT SOMETHING RELEVANT]?

IMPORTANT NOTE:

When they respond to your question, keep it very light with a short and polite
response so they don’t feel you are pestering them. However, if they enquire about
your services, feel free to move towards scheduling a call sooner. Here is an
example of a short and polite response:
You asked… Congratulations on being mentioned in that Forbes article! That’s
really exciting! I hope you have seen some good exposure from it for your business?

They responded… I have, thank you.

Your next response… That’s great to hear! Again, I appreciate you connecting
[NAME]. Have a great day.

THAT’S IT. YOUR GOAL IS TO BEGIN A LIGHT DIALOGUE – NOT

TO INUNDATE THEM WITH SMALL TALK.

MESSAGE 3: BUILD RELATIONSHIP BY

ADDING VALUE
GOAL: Add value usually with a content resource. Send approximately
one week later. NOTE: If they responded to your last message, ensure
this message is the right fit, and adjust it if necessary.
MISSION: Keep it short, and make sure it’s highly tailored to them,
relevant and of value.
ADD TO LEAD TRACKER: Message 3

EXAMPLE 1

Hi [NAME],

I hope your week is going well.

I speak with a lot of [THEIR ROLE] like you, and most of them tell me they [INSERT
PROBLEM].

I have a resource you may be interested in, which many [TYPE OF BUSINESS]
have found really useful: “[NAME OF RESOURCE]”.

[BENEFIT STATEMENT]

Would you like me to send this your way?

[YOUR FIRST NAME]

Completed Example:
Hi [NAME],

I hope your week is going well.

I speak with a lot of veterinarians like yourself, and many of them are overworked,
spread far too thin just keeping up with clinical work, and don't have time to deal with
all the financial aspects of their business.

I created a financial tracker/checklist to help veterinarians manage expenses and

cash flow.

Among the many financial issues that can arise, it can be very stressful managing
cash flow and expenses, paying off student debt and of course dealing with the
IRS. :(

Would you like me to send this tracker/checklist your way?

[YOUR FIRST NAME]

EXAMPLE 2

Hi [NAME],

I hope your week is off to a good start.

[FRAME TOP OF MIND PROBLEM, FAILURE THEY FEAR OR SUCCESS THEY

SEEK]?

The reason I ask is I just put together a [RESOURCE TYPE] of the [CONTENT
TOPIC/CONTENT NAME] to [INSERT PROBLEM OR OPPORTUNITY].

[INSERT ADDITIONAL BENEFIT STATEMENT].

I’d be happy to share this [RESOURCE TYPE] with you. Would you like me to send it
over?

[YOUR FIRST NAME]

Completed Example:

Hi [NAME],
I hope your week is going well.

It can be incredibly overwhelming as a veterinarian to know how much money you

should be paying yourself and how much money you need to pay your taxes each
year.

The reason I mention this I just put together a financial tracker/checklist for
veterinarians to understand how much they should be paying themselves and how
much they need to be saving for tax time.

I’d be happy to share this resource with you. Would you like me to send it over?

[YOUR FIRST NAME]

FOLLOW UP WHETHER THEY SAY YES OR NO OR THEY DON’T

RESPOND

THEY SAY YES:

If they say yes, follow up with this message AFTER THEY RESPOND. One week
later, continue with the next message unless a dialogue begins before then.
Attaching a PDF to the LinkedIn message is preferred over sending a link.

Hi [NAME],

I’ve attached it for you.

Let me know if you have any questions about it.

[YOUR FIRST NAME]

THEY SAY NO:

Send the message below, and remove as a prospect if you’ve deemed them as not
worth following up with again. If you still believe there is a possibility of them being a
viable prospect, continue to Message 4 a week later.

No problem, [NAME]. Have a great day!

[YOUR FIRST NAME]

NO RESPONSE:
If they didn’t respond, wait one week, and send the next message.
MESSAGE 4: CONVERT TO OFFLINE
CONVERSATION
GOAL: Book a call. NOTE: Gauge response from the last message
before sending this to ensure this message is the right fit. Adjust the
message if necessary. Send one week or so after the last message.
MISSION: Give them a reason to say yes to booking a phone call with
you. They need to be clear on “what’s in it for them” and feel it’s a good
use of their time.
ADD TO LEAD TRACKER: Message 4

EXAMPLE 1

Hi [NAME],

I was working with another [TITLE/INDUSTRY] recently that [STATE PROBLEM OR

DESIRED RESULT].

I think [INSERT INSIGHT] could be helpful for [YOU/COMPANY NAME] if [DESIRED

RESULT/FAILURE THEY FEAR].

I’d be happy to jump on a quick call with you and share [PROCESSES/
METHODS/INSIGHTS] to [ACHIEVE DESIRED RESULT AND/OR AVOID
PROBLEM].

How about we schedule a 5-minute call and see if it makes sense to lock in a longer
conversation after that?

When can you squeeze in a quick chat?

[YOUR FIRST NAME]

EXAMPLE 2

Hi [NAME],

[PERSONALIZE THE FIRST SENTENCE IF RELEVANT BASED ON LAST

COMMUNICATION.]

One of my favorite clients is also a [TITLE THEY GO BY] and I was able to really
help them [RESULTS YOU PROVIDED OR HELPED THEM ACHIEVE].
I’m sure you can relate to this, as an example [EXAMPLE OF PROBLEM].

I was wondering if I could be of service to you in any way, would you be up for
scheduling a short conversation in the next week?

[YOUR FIRST NAME]

Completed Example:

Hi [NAME],

I hope you found the financial tracker/checklist helpful!

One of my favorite clients is also a marketer and I was able to really help her get her
bookkeeping organized, reduce her expenses and get out of debt.

I’m sure you can relate to this, as an example she was paying for way too many
marketing tools and apps.

I was wondering if I could be of service to you in any way, would you be up for
scheduling a short conversation in the next week?

[YOUR FIRST NAME]