Connect on LinkedIn the Right Way
Eighteen easy tips to connect on LinkedIn the right way, so your requests feel warm and professional.
Add a kind note. Be real.
26 tips that really help
These ideas come from Never Eat Alone (Keith Ferrazzi), The Fine Art of the Follow-Up (Steve Gillman), Networking Like a Pro (Ivan Misner), and everyday practice. Pick one tip and try it today.
Why LinkedIn matters
LinkedIn keeps contacts visible and organised. A warm request turns an event meeting into a lasting link.
Connect.
Search by full name
Check the profile photo and job to be sure it is them. Avoid mistakes.
Check it.
Add a personal note
A short note with the event and a detail gets more acceptance than a blank request.
Add a note.
Keep the note under three lines
Short notes get read. Warmth is more important than length.
Keep short.
Send within two days
Fresh memory helps acceptance. Do it soon after the event.
Send soon.
Thank them when they accept
A thank you message begins the chat well. Keep it short.
Say thanks.
Engage with their posts
Like and comment on their posts kindly. It keeps you visible.
Engage.
Send a value message later
After a few weeks, share a helpful link. Giving first matters.
Share value.
Script: request note
Hi Maya, we met at the design meetup last week, I enjoyed our chat about painting. Say it warmly.
Use it.
Script: thank you
Thank you for connecting, Maya, it was lovely to meet you. Say it kindly.
Use it.
Script: value
I came across an article on design tools that might help you. Say it simply.
Use it.
Mistake: sending a blank request
Blank requests are easily ignored, so add a note.
Add a note.
Mistake: pitching right after connecting
A pitch feels pushy, so build the link.
Be patient.
Mistake: connecting with everyone
A huge list helps little, so connect with people you met.
Be selective.
Troubleshoot: when they do not accept
Do not worry, as many ignore requests. Try other ways later.
Let it go.
Troubleshoot: when you cannot find them
Ask the host or check the event page. Do not guess.
Ask the host.
Drill: send three requests this week
Send three personalised requests to people you met recently.
Send three.
Drill: write a request template
Write a short request template and edit the first line each time.
Write it.
Add a note with the event name
Mention the event in your request. It gets accepted more often.
Add the event.
Customise your profile link
Use a short custom link so it looks clean.
Set a link.
Send requests in small batches
Spread requests over days. It looks natural.
Spread them.
Follow their page first
A follow can come before a request. It feels gentle.
Follow first.
Example: the thank-you after accept
Thanks for connecting, Maya. I enjoyed our talk about teaching. I will send that book title.
Write one.
Example: the later nudge
Hi Alex, I saw your post on leadership and thought of our chat. How is the project?
Write one.
Mistake: sending the same message to all
People can tell. Change the first line.
Customise.
Troubleshoot: when someone has no profile
Ask the host for a way to reach them. Be polite.
Ask the host.
Easy things to say
When you are stuck, pick one of these. They work in many networking and career moments.
“Hi Maya, I enjoyed meeting you.”
“We met at the meetup.”
“I would love to stay in touch.”
“Thank you for connecting.”
“I will share an article soon.”
“Warm wishes.”
Your first week
One small action a day. Each day is only a little bigger than the last.
Find them
Check the profile
Write a note
Send the request
Say thanks
Message later
Engage
Further reading
- Never Eat Alone (Keith Ferrazzi)
- The Fine Art of the Follow-Up (Steve Gillman)
- Networking Like a Pro (Ivan Misner)
The tips above are written in our own words and are general guidance. The books are suggestions for further reading.
More lessons in “Following Up After Events”
Keep going. Small steps every day make a big change.
← Previous: Suggest a Coffee or a CallNext: Follow Up When They Do Not Reply →
- Follow Up Within Two Days
- Write Notes Before You Forget
- Sort Your New Contacts
- Write a Short, Warm Message
- Remind Them Where You Met
- Offer Something Useful
- Suggest a Coffee or a Call
- Connect on LinkedIn the Right Way
- Follow Up When They Do Not Reply
- Keep a Simple Tracking List
- Make Follow-Up a Weekly Habit
- Turn Contacts Into Allies
