With the bull employment market in full swing, many are looking for new jobs. Introverts are pressured into growing their network. Many of us turn to online avenues because it feels safer and less time consuming than in person networking. Introverts in particular, prefer this type of connection. For them online networking feels less intrusive.

So how do you connect with someone on LinkedIn that you don’t know?

Attitude and approach.

Before I continue, I must openly admit that I have rejected countless invites I’ve gotten on LinkedIn if it’s with the standard greeting, “Hi Elizabeth. I’d like to add you to my LinkedIn network.” Even with two books out, a third on the way, a radio show and clients around the world – unless I know you – I can’t let you in my little black book of business. I’m sorry, but I just can’t. Letting just anyone in would risk my network.

My LinkedIn is sacred to me. These are people. Real people. People that I’ve done business with for more than a decade.

Then…as life would have it…every once in a while, I get tested. I have to look over my rigid rules around my LinkedIn account when someone is sincere and asks for my help. In truth, I can’t turn them away. We are all connected. Happy to do my small part, especially if someone bothers to actually craft an email to me personally.

Let’s be honest.

Why do you really want to connect with someone on LinkedIn that you have never met before?

Clearly you want something from them.

Think about it.

Why?

It all boils down to one of two things:

1) build your contact base (or perception online)

2) you need their help in regards to career or want a job

Rarely it’s for any other reason. In fact, I spent the majority of my day with people running at me trying to get something from me.

What people don’t consider is if you build a LinkedIn account with 500 people you don’t know, when your time comes to ask a favor or network, you are unlikely to reach out to them. In realty, all you have accomplished is building a database full of numbers and not people. For me personally, my LinkedIn is set up in a way that at any time, anyone can ask me to network with one of my connections and I’d give the introduction. Without hesitation. Furthermore, everyone in my LinkedIn knows this about me and my business practices. Come and ask me, and I’d be happy to assist in any way.

Here is an example of one of the best blind LinkedIn emails that came to me.

Hey Elizabeth,

I hope this message finds you well.

I applied for a VP, Application Development position. I would love 15 minutes of your time to discuss my background and qualifications in greater detail. I’m hoping you know someone at that company and can help me network in. Do you know anyone there?

Thanks for reading my note. I’m sure you get a lot of mail. I look forward to following-up.

Thanks,

Guy who wrote me the note

Now…to be honest, I’m not liking the ‘Hey Elizabeth’ as it’s a bit informal for me and I don’t like be addressed by “Hey” in general. But the rest of the note has a tone of direct, friendly and asking for help.

I did help him. Despite that I am busy. Despite the fact that I see more than 200 client and executives a week in meetings and interviews, more than 800 a month and thousands in any given year. Despite that I start my day at 4:30 am and go until late at night.

I could have responded, “No, can’t help you.” or ignored the entire email.

There is absolutely nothing in it for me, either. No gain – financial or otherwise to motivate me to respond. Yet I did.

Why?

It was his attitude and approach that got my attention. His intention was clear.

Be honest. Be bold. Tell us what you need.

Bio:

Elizabeth Lions is an Author, Speaker and Consultant. Her private practice is in Dallas, Texas and specializes in career transition and leadership development. She is the author of two books, with a third on the way on the topic of women’s leadership. For more about her work please visit www.elizabethlions.com