How to: 10 Templates to Respond to Awkward LinkedIn Messages

Have you ever opened LinkedIn to find you've received those awkwardly phrased or "Hi, thanks for connecting." messages that leave you scratching your head, wondering how to reply without sounding like a robot. You're not alone.

Navigating the waters of LinkedIn communication can sometimes feel like deciphering an ancient script. But fear not! Whether it's ultra-formal jargon, overly enthusiastic sales pitches, or just plain odd questions, there’s a way to handle them all.

In this newsletter, we’ll dive into the art of responding to those stiff, awkward, or just plain weird messages on LinkedIn. I'll share some response templates that will help you maintain your cool, keep your replies professional yet personable. Let's get started!

1. The Overly Formal Message

Context: You receive a message that's loaded with formalities, making it feel distant or overly stiff.

Template: "Hi [Name], Thanks for reaching out with such professionalism! I appreciate the formal tone, but feel free to keep it casual with me. I’d love to hear more about [specific topic or question they mentioned]. Let’s keep the conversation going!"

2. The Vague Networker

Context: Someone sends a generic networking request without specifying why they want to connect.

Template: "Hello [Name], Thanks for connecting! I'm always looking to expand my network with meaningful connections. Could you share a bit about what you’re working on and how you think we might collaborate or help each other?"

3. The Hard Seller

Context: A new connection immediately tries to sell you something.

Template: "Hi [Name], I’m glad you thought of me for this. While I'm not looking for new solutions/products right now, maybe we can find a different way to collaborate in the future once I get to know you more!"

(or, to be honest, just remove as a connection if they aren't interesting in actually connecting with you!)

4. The Irrelevant Interaction

Context: A message that seems completely unrelated to your interests or past interactions.

Template: "Hi [Name], That’s quite an interesting message! I'm curious about how you came across my profile and what led you to reach out with this particular topic. Looking forward to your thoughts!"

5. The Awkward Compliment

Context: A compliment that feels a bit too personal or just oddly phrased.

Template: "Hello [Name], Thank you for the kind words! It’s always nice to receive positive feedback. What specific part of my work or post resonated with you?"

6. The Career Asker

Context: Someone asks for career advice or a job but in a way that feels presumptuous or demanding.

Template: "Hi [Name], It’s great to see you’re taking initiative in your career! I’m currently swamped, but I recommend checking out [a resource, link, or general advice]."

(This is also known in psychology in the "no and" approach, where you are saying no, but also pointing them in a helpful direction)

7. The Ambiguous Job Inquiry

Context: Someone reaches out to inquire about job opportunities at your company without specifying their interests or qualifications.

Template: "Hi [Name], Thanks for your interest in opportunities at [Your Company]! To help guide you better, could you share what specific roles or areas you’re interested in? Meanwhile, feel free to check our careers page for the latest openings. Looking forward to helping you find the right fit!"

8. The Random Request for Feedback

Context: A LinkedIn contact you barely know asks for detailed feedback on their work or project.

Template: "Hello [Name], It’s great to see you're eager for feedback! While I'm not deeply familiar with [specific field/project], I’d suggest reaching out to someone with targeted expertise in that area."

9. The Cryptic Collaboration Proposal

Context: You receive a vague proposal for collaboration without clear details or objectives.

Template: "Hi [Name], Thanks for considering me for a potential collaboration. I'm intrigued, but could you share more details about what you have in mind? Understanding the scope and goals would help me see how best we could potentially work together."

10. The Misdirected Message

Context: You receive a message clearly intended for someone else or using the wrong name (awwwwwwkward!).

Template: "Hi [Name], I think there might have been a mix-up as I’m not familiar with [the wrong name]. If there’s something specific you think I can help with, please let me know!"

Navigating your LinkedIn inbox can sometimes feel like sifting through a mixed bag—you'll find genuine attempts to connect, sprinkled with a few spammy pitches and head scratching comments. But remember, each message is an opportunity to reflect your personal brand and handle interactions with grace.

So the next time you click on that message icon and encounter something less than ideal, take it in stride. Take a deep breath, craft a thoughtful reply, or decide if it’s best just to let it go. Happy networking!

Until next time...

Love and coffee,

Mick

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