The Dos and Don’ts of Sending Connection Requests on LinkedIn

On LinkedIn, the gold lies in the meaningful connections you build. Yet, creating those connections isn’t as simple as clicking "Connect" and waiting for magic to happen. It takes a blend of strategy, authenticity, and yes, a touch of good old-fashioned manners.

Let’s dive into some dos and don’ts of sending LinkedIn connection requests and explore how to nurture those connections once the digital handshake is complete.

Do Personalize Your Connection Requests (For those Premium accounts)

Imagine walking into a room full of strangers at a networking event and shouting, “Yo!” Would it spark meaningful conversations or earn you a few odd stares? On LinkedIn, the same principle applies.

When sending a connection request, always personalize your message. A simple note referencing how you know the person or why you'd like to connect can go a long way. It shows you’re intentional, thoughtful, and genuinely interested in building relationships.

For example: “Hi Shelagh, I noticed your recent post about scaling businesses sustainably— it resonated with me. I’d love to connect and learn more about your approach.”

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Don’t Be Generic

As a LinkedIn strategist, I’ve seen it all—like DMs that skip my name altogether. (Spoiler alert: My name isn’t “Hey.”)

Here’s a quick tip: If you wouldn’t skip pleasantries in an in-person conversation, don’t skip them online. Address the person by their name (ahem... you'll find it on their profile), and make your message count.

Note: Some LinkedIn users might be limited by the number of messages they can personalize due to platform constraints. If that’s the case, no problem—make up for it once your request is accepted.

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Do Send a Thank-You Message After Connecting

After someone accepts your request -acknowledge it. A simple thank-you message is enough to create a professional and meaningful exchange.

Here’s an example: “Hi Fifa, thank you for accepting my connection request. I'm looking forward to following your insights and staying connected. Wishing you a great week!”

Think of this as your virtual handshake—polite, brief, and personable. It’s also an opportunity to remind your new connection why you reached out in the first place.

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Don’t Jump Straight to the Pitch

We've all experienced it—the annoying immediate sales pitch. You accept a connection request, and soon your inbox is filled with unsolicited messages.

Folks! Connections should come before transactions. Build rapport first. Engage with your connection’s content, comment thoughtfully on their posts, or share resources that might be valuable to them.

When it’s time to bring up a business opportunity, it will feel natural rather than forced.

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Do Treat LinkedIn Like an In-Person Networking Event

Whenever you’re unsure how to interact on LinkedIn, ask yourself this: What would I do or say during an in-person meeting? Would you ignore someone’s name and jump straight to your sales pitch? Probably not.

Would you express gratitude after someone takes time to chat with you? Likely, yes.

LinkedIn is no different. The same principles of respect, curiosity, and authenticity apply.

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The Big Question: Are You Networking With Intention?

If you’re scrolling LinkedIn aimlessly or sending connection requests without a strategy, it’s time to pause and rethink your direction. Networking with intention means being clear about your goals, your audience, and how you can add value to your connections.

What’s holding you back from making meaningful connections? Lack of time? Uncertainty about what to say? Imposter syndrome? Or perhaps you're unsure how LinkedIn fits into your broader business strategy?

In my experience, many professionals underestimate the power of authentic LinkedIn connections. The platform isn’t just about pushing content or finding leads—it’s about building relationships that lead to opportunities, partnerships, and growth.

A scattered approach to networking rarely pays off. But when you engage with intention, the results can be transformational.

Your next step elevate your LinkedIn networking game? Start by implementing these simple dos and don’ts today. And if you need tailored guidance, let’s connect!

I help senior leaders and business owners like you leverage LinkedIn to build powerful networks and drive meaningful results.

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