728 messages later . . . What it takes to get an InMail response

Over the last four weeks, I have been on the receiving end of 732 (and counting) LinkedIn messages. And while I read every message . . . I don't respond to all of them.?

Why?

Well, every message is not created equally. While some are crafted exceptionally well and warrant a response, many fall flat and end up in archives.?

LinkedIn is a powerful tool for advancing one's career, and networking, correctly, can turbocharge one's next step. So, how can you use LinkedIn messages to your advantage?

Here are the 5 things you can do to make sure your next LinkedIn message gets a response:

1. Be Professional.

LinkedIn is not WhatsApp. Sending a sole "Hi", "Heyyy", or "What's up?" is never appropriate. Ensure your first message reflects the best of you. That means having a formal salutation, introducing yourself, and being direct (but polite) with your questions.?

2. Do Your Due Diligence.

When reaching out to someone, make sure you have researched who they are, where they work, and what their organization does. While most of this is available in their LinkedIn profile, many people message without doing any due diligence. When it's clear the sender hasn't made an effort to learn about who they are reaching out to, the chances of a response are slim. A little research goes a long way.

3. Have a Clear, Reasonable Ask.

Reality check: no one is going to hand you a job just because you asked. And, no one is going to spend an hour finding jobs that fit your LinkedIn profile.

When you reach out to someone, understand they owe you nothing so your request and questions have to be reasonable. Remember, you are asking someone for a favor - don't make it a burden for them.

4. Check Your Spelling.

While poor grammar can be excused (English is not everyone's prime language), bad spelling cannot. With the advent of spellcheck, misspelled words suggest a lack of detail and carelessness. First impressions still matter so be sure your spelling is accurate (especially the name of the person you are messaging).??

5. Be Patient.

People have lives that don't revolve around LinkedIn - surprise! After you message someone, give them time to respond before following up (over and over again). While a reminder is nice, doing it too quickly can seem pushy and unprofessional. Wait a week before hitting send again.

May these tips make your next LinkedIn message a success!