Say No to the Default on LinkedIn

Today’s topic in the #31DaysofLinkedIn is about making connections, namely, avoiding the use of the default messaging in the connection request. “I’d like to add you to my professional network.” No joke. That is why we are here!n

Separate yourself from mistakes on LinkedIn connections

It only takes a minute or three to craft a personal message about why you would like to connect with someone on LinkedIn. Just as you would in real life, IRL, take the time to do so. Here are some options:

• Remind them how you know each other in the real world

• Mention that you live/work in the same neighborhood

• Comment you both work in the same field or went to the same school

• Refer to a common connection or acquaintance in your invitation

Since 2003, when LinkedIn launched, people have grown wary and leery of connection invitations using the rote pre-typed language. Many have made the decision to refuse to connect with invitees who continue to use it. What can you do to separate yourself from the hundreds, dozens, ones of invitations, that people are getting that you’re trying to connect with, on a weekly basis? This goes back to one of our other messaging campaigns here at The Rocket Group, LAUNCH. In our “What’s Your Story” piece we talk about how if you don’t tell your story, someone else will. Well, if you don’t take the time to tell someone in an invitation why their connection is important for them to make, they will make up their own story and preconceived notion about you and most likely ignore you.

Think about how you would introduce yourself to someone new, or aspire to know better, at any other type of networking event and act the same way on LinkedIn. You’ll be way more successful. People get a lot of invitations on LinkedIn. People don’t accept them as openly as they used to. You might want to consider all of this, when you’re making your LinkedIn invitation request, your connection request.

Say no to the default and have a better time on LinkedIn. Keep those questions coming. Keep those comments coming. Keep that interaction coming. If we haven’t met yet on LinkedIn, send me a personal invitation. Don’t send me the default, I’ll reject your default invitation. Send me a personal invitation that you saw this video, and that you listened to what we had to say here. Thanks a lot.

The #31DaysOfLinkedIn Posts from @RocketGroup

#31DaysOfLinkedIn – Introduction and Recap

A Look at LinkedIn Endorsements and Recommendations

Add Project Details to Your LinkedIn

Advertising on LinkedIn

Building Relationships on LinkedIn

Comparing LinkedIn Audiences to Other Social Platforms through @GaryVee

Educate, Inform, and Entertain Yourself with LinkedIn Groups

Job Seeking on LinkedIn

Kids, LinkedIn is for Professional Stuff

LinkedIn Premium: How Do They Work?

LinkedIn Pulse on LinkedIn

LinkedIn: Connect with the Right People, the Right Way

Manage Your LinkedIn Activities

Optimize Your LinkedIn Headline

Pay Attention on LinkedIn

Professionally Mingling on LinkedIn

Recruiting and Hiring on LinkedIn

Say No to the Default on LinkedIn

Setting a Schedule for LinkedIn Activity

Share (Professional) Stuff on LinkedIn

Sharing and Getting Shared on LinkedIn

Sharing Content on LinkedIn Effectively

Should LinkedIn Be Fun?

Spread Out Your LinkedIn Posts

Taking LinkedIn to the Real World

To Pay or Not to Pay for LinkedIn

Use the LinkedIn Daily

Want to Get Found on LinkedIn?

What We Learned During #31DaysOfLinkedIn

Who Viewed My LinkedIn Profile?

Your LinkedIn Likes/Dislikes/Challenges