Lesson 14 is about the different types of messages you might send to invite a potential prospect to connect with you on LinkedIn.
I’ll be using some of the messages that I send to connect with potential clients and executives on the executive searches we conduct.
First, let me say that I am not a strong advocate of using “inmails” that LinkedIn provides to send unsolicited emails/introductions. That said, I understand that a Chair in Denver, David Arvin, has had much success sending inmails using the following message:
“I am currently evaluating prospects for a Denver-area CEO peer advisory group. Can I buy you a cup of coffee?”
I do a "tongue-in-cheek" version of David's email when sending an invitation request:
"I was impressed by your background for ________. Can I buy you a "virtual cup of coffee?" I get some great responses by putting a little humor into the request.
Here are a few other ones that I use:
“You popped up on my list of people you might know recommendations on LinkedIn. I’d like to invite you to my professional network on LinkedIn.”
“LinkedIn is continually telling me that you and I should know each other. I would be honored if you would consider being part of my professional network on LinkedIn.”
Some that are specific to recruiting, but you might adapt for your role as a Chair:
“I am a Retained Executive Recruiter specializing in the construction area. I have an assignment in the Los Angeles area for a construction executive for which I would like to discuss and network with you.
In addition, I’d like to invite you to join my professional network on LinkedIn.”
“I just sent you an email and thought I would follow-up here on LinkedIn. I would like to discuss our search assignment with you. In the meantime, I’d like to extend an invitation to you to join my professional network on LinkedIn.”
“I came across your profile on LinkedIn and was impressed with your background. I would like to spend a moment or two on the phone with you sharing the specifics of this assignment. Would you have a couple of minutes to talk about the opportunity in the next few days.”
“I see that we both share a common connection through X. I would like to extend an invitation to you to join my network of other CEOs/Executives in the X area.”
“We share a common interest in the X group. I would like to extend an invitation to connect and network with you. Please accept my invitation to join my professional network of other CEOs/Presidents on LinkedIn.”
I think you will have your best luck sending connection invites and introductions when there is a strong mutual connection between the two of you OR you’re part of the same group on LinkedIn.
Think: Why would this CEO or President want to be connected to you? What’s in it for them?
What have you found that works best for sending invitations or introductions on LinkedIn to connect with others?
Lesson 14 Action Steps
Send Connection Invites to CEOs/Presidents – at least 10 in the next few days
Lesson 14 Discussion Topics
Have you sent any connection invites yet?
What’s been your success/failure rate?
What’s worked well and what’s been a dismal failure?
What “lessons” have you taken away from sending invites to connect?
