Don't send connection requests to strangers on LinkedIn!

Yes, you read it correctly! And here is the story.

Last week, I was in Abu Dhabi, working on a very interesting training project with the Thomson Reuters Foundation team and trainers. The project involved training 50+ journalists and content creators from across the Arab region under the Young Arab Media Leaders initiative.

All the participants were super active and highly engaged in my session on "personal branding and social media.". After that, I got lots of questions, side discussions, and conversations, and I noticed one common factor!

Many people assumed that sending a connection request to a recruiter or HR manager would get them the job!

Also, on another note, I hear the same comments from different people who want to generate leads. They just send their "potential customers" random connection requests!

Why do you think this will work?

Sending a connection request over LinkedIn to someone who does not know you personally is just landing from the moon into their homes! The acceptance rate of such "out of the blue" connection requests will not be more than 5-10 percent max!

Here is how to make it work in three steps!

1?? Step one: Your profile

It is obvious that whenever you send anyone you do not know a connection request on LinkedIn, the first step is for him/her to check your LinkedIn profile. Is it professional? Complete and Catchy? Do they see a clear benefit in accepting your connection request?

If not, then this is your step one: Go build it!

2?? Step two: Your approach

Instead of sending an "out-of-the-blue connection request", it is much better to follow those people on your hit list. Keep an eye on their content. Whenever they post something on Linkedin, engage with their content regularly. Do this by adding high-quality comments to their posts. This is a strong appearance for you on their radars.

Do that at least 3-5 times over a few days. "Then," send them a connection request. Now they know you and your comments, which means they know (a little bit) about you, your thoughts, and your skills! Now the acceptance rate for your connection request is more than 70% (depending also on the power of your profile, as mentioned above!)

3?? Step three: Your gratitude

When they accept your connection request, "please," do not send them your CV or pitch them your product/service.

Just send them an authentic and real thank you message, thats it! Nothing more, nothing less!

Keep commenting on their posts, and then you can send them a DM as a continuation of your comment on their posts! This is a genuine way to initiate a genuine conversation!

Finally, you can ask them if they would like to know more about your skills (CV) or products/services.

Can you see the difference between the two approaches?

Final thoughts: do you want to step ahead?

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