Write personalized LinkedIn connection requests that get accepted and start meaningful professional relationships
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# LinkedIn Connection Request Templates **YOUR CONTEXT:** B2B SaaS sales professional **TARGET:** Marketing Directors at mid-size companies **GOAL:** Build relationships for potential sales conversations --- ## CONNECTION CONTEXT: CONTENT ENGAGEMENT They liked or commented on your post, or you engaged with theirs. ### Template 1: They Engaged With Your Content ``` Hi [Name], saw you liked my post about [topic]. Always great to connect with fellow [industry] professionals who care about [specific thing]. Would love to have you in my network. ``` **Character Count:** 198 **Why This Works:** - References specific interaction - Finds common ground - Low-pressure, friendly tone - No pitch, just connection --- ### Template 2: You Engaged With Their Content ``` Hi [Name], really enjoyed your post on [topic] - especially the point about [specific insight]. Thought it would be great to connect and see more of your content. ``` **Character Count:** 168 **Why This Works:** - Shows you actually read their content - Specific detail proves authenticity - Compliment without being over the top - Clear reason to connect --- ### Template 3: Mutual Content Interest ``` Hi [Name], keep seeing your comments on [person/topic] posts. Clearly we are paying attention to the same things. Would be great to connect directly. ``` **Character Count:** 156 **Why This Works:** - Acknowledges shared interests - Implies you are both engaged in community - Natural reason to connect - Short and easy to accept --- ## CONNECTION CONTEXT: MUTUAL CONNECTIONS ### Template 4: Shared Connection ``` Hi [Name], saw we are both connected to [Mutual Connection]. I have been following your work in [industry/area] and would love to connect. ``` **Character Count:** 144 **Why This Works:** - Mutual connection = social proof - Shows you noticed their work - Simple, non-threatening - Easy yes --- ### Template 5: Referred By Someone ``` Hi [Name], [Mutual Connection] mentioned you are doing great work in [area]. Would love to connect - always looking to learn from people in [their specialty]. ``` **Character Count:** 169 **Why This Works:** - Name drop creates warmth - Positions them as expert - You are the learner (non-threatening) - Flattering without being excessive --- ## CONNECTION CONTEXT: EVENT OR CONFERENCE ### Template 6: Met At Event ``` Hi [Name], great meeting you at [Event] yesterday. Really enjoyed our chat about [topic]. Let us stay connected! ``` **Character Count:** 113 **Why This Works:** - Reminds them of meeting - Specific detail jogs memory - Warm, casual tone - Natural follow-up --- ### Template 7: Same Event, Did Not Meet ``` Hi [Name], saw you also attended [Event]. I really enjoyed [specific session/speaker]. Would love to connect with fellow attendees. ``` **Character Count:** 131 **Why This Works:** - Shared experience creates bond - Specific detail shows you were there - Common ground established - No pressure --- ### Template 8: Virtual Event/Webinar ``` Hi [Name], noticed we were both on the [Webinar/Event] call. Great content on [topic]. Would be great to connect with others who found it valuable. ``` **Character Count:** 154 **Why This Works:** - Virtual events still create connection points - Shared interest in topic - Implies you are both learners - Easy to accept --- ## CONNECTION CONTEXT: COLD OUTREACH ### Template 9: Industry Peer ``` Hi [Name], fellow [role/industry] professional here. I have been following [Company] growth in [area] - impressive work. Would love to connect and learn from each other. ``` **Character Count:** 176 **Why This Works:** - Establishes peer relationship - Specific observation about their company - Mutual learning framing - Professional but warm --- ### Template 10: Admire Their Work ``` Hi [Name], been following your journey at [Company] - especially [specific achievement or content]. Your approach to [topic] resonates. Would be great to connect. ``` **Character Count:** 172 **Why This Works:** - Shows you did research - Specific admiration point - Not generic flattery - Clear but soft ask --- ### Template 11: Same Role/Title ``` Hi [Name], always looking to connect with fellow [role titles]. I have been in [industry] for [X years] and love learning how others approach [common challenge]. ``` **Character Count:** 168 **Why This Works:** - Role-based connection - Shows experience - Learning mindset - Common challenge creates bond --- ## CONNECTION CONTEXT: POTENTIAL CLIENTS ### Template 12: Soft Sales Approach ``` Hi [Name], I help [target audience] with [outcome]. Saw [Company] is growing in [area] - would love to connect and share some insights that might be relevant. ``` **Character Count:** 168 **Why This Works:** - Clear value proposition - Shows you know their situation - Offers value, not pitch - Opens door without pushing --- ### Template 13: Content-Led Sales ``` Hi [Name], I write about [topic] for [audience]. Given your role at [Company], thought some of it might be useful. Would love to connect and share. ``` **Character Count:** 156 **Why This Works:** - Leads with value (content) - Relevant to their role - No hard sell - Natural reason to connect --- ### Template 14: Problem-Aware ``` Hi [Name], I noticed [Company] is [specific situation - hiring, launching, expanding]. I work with [similar companies] on [relevant challenge]. Happy to connect and share what I am seeing. ``` **Character Count:** 195 **Why This Works:** - Shows research (specific situation) - Relevant expertise - Offers insight, not pitch - Timely and relevant --- ## CONNECTION CONTEXT: JOB SEEKING ### Template 15: Recruiter Outreach ``` Hi [Name], I am exploring [role type] opportunities and saw you recruit for [industry/company type]. Would love to connect in case relevant roles come up. ``` **Character Count:** 162 **Why This Works:** - Clear intent (not hidden) - Specific about what you want - Respects their time - Opens future possibility --- ### Template 16: Hiring Manager ``` Hi [Name], I am very interested in [Company] and the work your team is doing in [area]. Currently exploring my next role in [function]. Would love to connect. ``` **Character Count:** 167 **Why This Works:** - Shows genuine company interest - Specific about their work - Clear about your situation - Professional and direct --- ### Template 17: Company Research ``` Hi [Name], researching [Company] as a potential next step in my career. Your perspective on the [team/culture/work] would be invaluable. Would you be open to connecting? ``` **Character Count:** 181 **Why This Works:** - Honest about intent - Asks for perspective (flattering) - Question format invites response - Respectful of their time --- ## WHAT NOT TO WRITE | Bad Request | Why It Fails | |-------------|-------------| | "I would like to add you to my professional network" | LinkedIn default, zero effort | | [No note at all] | Feels random, easy to ignore | | "Hi, I sell [product]. Let me know if interested" | Immediate pitch = immediate ignore | | "Dear Sir/Madam" | Impersonal, outdated | | [500 word life story] | Nobody reads this | | "You have an impressive profile" | Generic, meaningless | | "I have an exciting opportunity" | MLM/spam vibes | | "Can I pick your brain?" | Asks for time before relationship | --- ## CONNECTION REQUEST FORMULA ``` [Personalized opening - why you specifically] [Common ground or reason for connecting] [Soft close - no big ask] ``` **Always Include:** - Their name - ONE specific thing about them - Clear reason to connect - Friendly, professional tone **Always Avoid:** - Pitching in the request - Asking for time/calls - Generic flattery - Writing more than 300 characters --- ## PERSONALIZATION CHEAT SHEET Quick things to reference for personalization: | Element | Where to Find It | |---------|------------------| | Recent post they wrote | Their activity feed | | Recent post they liked | Their activity feed | | Company news | Their company page | | Mutual connections | LinkedIn sidebar | | Shared groups | Their profile | | Same alma mater | Their education | | Career transition | Their experience | | Content they create | Featured section | | Recent job change | Their headline | --- ## FOLLOW-UP STRATEGY ### After They Accept: **Wait 24-48 hours, then send:** ``` Thanks for connecting, [Name]! Looking forward to following your journey at [Company]. If there is ever anything I can help with in [your area], do not hesitate to reach out. ``` **Character Count:** 189 **Why This Works:** - Thanks them genuinely - References their company - Offers value first - Opens door without pushing --- ### Starting a Conversation: ``` Btw, I noticed [something specific - recent post, company news, shared interest]. Would love to hear your take on [related question]. ``` **Why This Works:** - Natural conversation starter - Shows ongoing interest - Easy to respond to - Not a pitch --- ## ACCEPTANCE RATE BENCHMARKS | Request Type | Expected Rate | |--------------|---------------| | No note (blank) | 15-25% | | Generic note | 25-35% | | Personalized note | 40-60% | | Mutual connection mentioned | 50-70% | | Recent interaction referenced | 60-80% | | Event/meeting follow-up | 70-90% | --- ## COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID | Mistake | Why It Fails | Fix | |---------|-------------|-----| | Pitching immediately | Feels transactional | Build relationship first | | Generic message | Shows no effort | Add ONE specific detail | | Too long | Nobody reads it | Keep under 300 characters | | Making it about you | They do not care yet | Focus on common ground | | No clear reason | Confusing, easy to ignore | State why you want to connect | | Desperate tone | Repels people | Be confident and casual | | Using templates verbatim | Feels robotic | Customize every message |
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