Last week I set myself a goal to expand my LinkedIn network.
I had 921 LinkedIn connections, and in my mind I wanted to cross the 1000 mark over the next few months.
A week later, today, I am at 1002 connections.

It is easy to think: “Why would they want to connect with me?”, “they don’t know me etc.” and not reach out to people.
But really, why would people not want to connect with you?

LinkedIn is a professional network. Most people do not know their connections well. Often, they do not know them at all. You do not need to actually know the people you reach out to.

Tips for Success

What do people look for when you send them a connection request?
They look for some commonality (see examples below), a simple reason to why they should connect with you.
A personalized message can provide them with that simple why.
Make sure to click and open the person’s LinkedIn profile, click connect, and then personalize your message to them. Once you create a couple of quick templates it is easy to reach out to a lot of people.

Here are some examples of templates you can use in different situations:

• Mutual connections

Hi Jane,
I see that you are also connected with David Larson and Kate Mitchell, my colleagues at Mirage. I am interested in the work you do and would love to connect with you on LinkedIn too.

• Similar profession/experience/workplace

Hi Jane,
As a fellow marketing manager, I would like to connect with people in the same industry….
OR
I see that we have both had a similar career path. I would love to connect on LinkedIn and learn more about what you do.

• Previous colleague manager

Hi Jane,
It has been a while since we have been in touch. I enjoyed working with you at HRM and would love to connect again.

• Proximity of location: you are both from…

Hi Jane,
I am a fellow Lexington resident. I would love to connect with more people from our town…

• A family friend – add something personal

Hi Jane,
I have always enjoyed talking with you at our family gatherings. I would love to connect on LinkedIn too.

• Common groups you belong to

Hi Jane, I am also a member of the Start Up Group on LinkedIn. I enjoy reading your posts and share your interest in managing HR in startups. I would love to connect with you on LinkedIn too.

• Schools you both attended

Hi Jane,
We are both TAU alumnae. I loved my time at the school and am enjoying connecting with other alumnae.

• Experts in their field

Hi Miki,
I enjoy reading your articles on job search best practices. I followed the advice from your article: You submitted your resume, now what? Follow up! And immediately heard back about the position. Thank you! I would love to connect with you on LinkedIn too.

If you have more to add in, on their career, article they wrote, where you met etc, include it!
Remember you are building a relationship.
I do not recommend that you ask for something, beyond connecting, in this first interaction. Leave that for later.

In just a few days I added more than 80 connections to my LinkedIn network. I challenge you to do the same. If we are not yet connected, connect with me on LinkedIn now.

Do you need help improving your LinkedIn profile?
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