One of the most common frustrations I hear from Chairs is regarding the uncomfortable subject of inviting someone on LinkedIn to connect with them, or asking a member of their network for an introduction.
Jason Alba, who write the book, I'm on LinkedIn - Now What, has a blog supporting his book. In an article on his blog, Jason listed some "scripts" you might consider for direct introduction and asking for introductions through others. He shared what are good examples of introduction/invite requests, and some "hall-of-shame" examples.
Here's a couple from the Blog. I've used a few of these myself over the past year with a few minor modifications to be focused on my specific business or executive search recruiting.
>> I came to you in a round about way from a comment you made on BNET to Steve Tobak…
Very nice – this shows me what you read and who else you read… so I can somehow gauge what level of professional you are (or, where you are at professionally).
>> and so I am asking Jason Alba, who I admire and respect as well to introduce me to you!
I am sincerely flattered to have you put that sentence in, but this is a second degree connection of mine and I doubt Dan really knows who I am. I’m flattered but personally I’d recommend you keep this out until I have achieved fame :p
This is where it breaks down… so you are asking for an introduction from me, but what does that mean to Dan? How is he supposed to respond to this? It’s as if you are missing the last line… which would be something like:
I would like to [chat with you/email you/meet you for coffee/etc.]
What's your favorite introduction/invite request?
What's your number one script for asking for an introduction from someone in your network?
If you would like to read the full article by Jason Alba, click the link below:
Linkedin Introductions Request: Right and Wrong Way
Barry Deutsch
