Your LinkedIn Network – How to Invite People to Join You

 Is it me? Am I the only one who finds the standard invitation to join someone’s LinkedIn network somewhat abrupt and cold?  LinkedIn has made it quick and simple to send invitations to anyone and everyone.  You just go to your profile, search, find a name and click “Connect.”  Off goes a message that reads, “I’d like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn.”  How impersonal is that? Of course you have the option to add a personal message, but very few people do.

While I do have friends who invite me to join them on their network, I frequently receive invitations from people whom I don’t know and have never heard of.  Upon checking their profile, I can usually discover that these people have a product or service that they would like to promote.  Other times it is impossible to figure out the connection and the reason for the invitation.

It occurs to me that if you want to invite someone to join you, you need to word your invitation carefully and courteously. Here are my thoughts on how to send an invitation and respond to one.

• Always, always, always, personalize your message.
• If you don’t have a history with these people, explain why you want them to join you.
• Perhaps you should remind them of how you met.
• Reference an article or post they have written.
• Comment on something about their profile.
• Mention the mutual benefit of being connected.
• In short, take the time to explain your invitation.

Now, how do you respond to invitations from seemingly total strangers?

• Be forth coming and acknowledge the invitation.
• Ask how you are connected.
• If it doesn’t seem to be a good fit, send a courteous message when you decline the invitation. Leave a good impression.

Finally, when someone agrees to join you on LinkedIn, be sure to send a thank you reply.

It is not about how many connections you have. It is about how many meaningful connections you have. It is not a numbers game. It is what you do with the numbers that count.

Hire Lydia to work with your staff to improve customer service and employee relations through the use of those priceless and often over-looked soft skills called manners. Lydia is the “unstuffy” business etiquette expert who helps individuals and organizations add the polish that builds profits. We’re talking about your bottom line here.

Since 1996, countless people have benefited from her wisdom through keynotes, seminars and conference breakout sessions.  Her Southern charm and sense of humor have made her a sought-after speaker and consultant.

Based in Savannah, Georgia, Lydia is available for national, regional and local speaking and training engagements. She has suitcase; will travel.

Contact her via email at lydia@lydiaramsey.com or call 912-604-0080. Sign up for her free monthly newsletter and visit her website, lydiaramsey.com.