How to Send LinkedIn Invitations that Get Accepted (in Less time than you think)

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Last week I showed you how to find highly qualified leads on LinkedIn in 70 Seconds. If you missed that article, you can find it here.

Let's talk about how to send personalized invitations that get responses but don't consume all your time.

There’s nothing sexy about a generic LinkedIn invitation to connect.

It’s not going to help you stand out from the competition, and its chances of being accepted aren’t so hot.

In fact, it will likely languish in someone’s inbox with all the other generic invitations... or get dismissed.

As a small business owner, I love LinkedIn because it makes finding and connecting with qualified clients fast and easy.?

Over the years, I’ve learned how to increase the likelihood that someone will accept my invitation by following a few simple rules:

1. Always personalize your invitations. There’s nothing compelling about the generic message: “I’d like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn.”?
2. Never send an invitation unless you’re on a member's profile page. If you hit "connect" from any other place, LinkedIn automatically sends the generic message.?
3. Always tell people why you want to connect. Everything moves at warp speed these days, but if you want the other person to respond, give them a reason to do so.

If you’re currently sending generic invitations, read on to learn how to send personalized invitations on a desktop computer or mobile device and how to do so quickly.

How to Send Personalized Invitations on a Desktop Computer

1.??????Navigate to the member’s profile.

2.?????Click “Connect.”

3.?????A pop-up will ask if you want to include a note.

4.?????Select “Add a note.”

5.?????Enter a 300-character or less note (including white spaces).

6.????Click “Send.”

How to Send a Personalized Invitation on a Desktop Computer when a Member Has Creator Mode.

1.??????Navigate to the member’s profile.

2.?????Click on “More."

3.?????Select “Connect” in the drop-down menu.

4.?????A pop-up window will ask if you want to include a note.

5.?????Enter a 300-character or less note (including white spaces).

6.????Click “Send.

How to Send a Personalized Message on a Mobile Device.

1.??????Navigate to the member’s profile?

2.?????Click the three dots to the right of the “Message” button.

3.?????Select “Personalize Invite.”

7.??????Enter a 300-character or less note (including white spaces).

4.?????Click “Send Invitation.”

How to Send Personalized Invitations in a Few Minutes a Day

Personalized invitations take a little more time than the generic option, but you can create templates to make the job easier and faster. I encourage my clients to keep them in a desktop folder where they can be easily accessed.?

As with most things on LinkedIn, quality trumps quantity. If your goal is to generate leads and opportunities, build relationships based on mutual respect, and make sales without being pushy, phony, or manipulative – You must start with personalized invitations.

The three templates below will save you time, but you’ll still need to personalize them to maximize their effectiveness and kick relationships off to a good start.?

Someone you met at an event

People you’ve met at networking events or conferences, online or off, are “warm leads.” Be sure to send your invitation while they still remember you... and your conversation.?

Hi Pat,?

It was great meeting you at the TAA conference. I enjoyed our talk about the future of online education. Your new product offers great promise, and I can see implications for our sales training programs. Let’s connect on LinkedIn and keep abreast of new developments. Thanks.

Someone who attended your school?

Alums are likely?to accept your invitation. After all, you share one of the most meaningful (good or bad) experiences of your lives.?

Hi Pat,?

I ran across your profile in the FSU alumni group – Go Noles! We both graduated from the counseling program, and we both work with small business owners, although we have different specialties. We might be able to do some referrals. Interested? Let’s connect.

Someone with whom you share connections

The best way to increase your network is by introductions from your 1st-degree connections. When that isn’t feasible, you can mention your shared connections or the name of one connection to open the door.?

Hi Pat,

I just ran across your profile and noticed that we have 47 connections in common. I’m surprised we haven’t met yet! I’d?like to connect with you to learn if I have resources that would help you achieve your goals on LinkedIn. Thanks!?

Here's the bottom line...

Take the time to personalize your connection requests. Tweak the three examples above to create your own customized LinkedIn invitations.

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