With the new year ahead of us, 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.
CONNECTING ONLINE
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.
My LinkedIn is sacred to me. These are people. Real people People that I’ve done business with for more than a decade. I feel a responsibility to them and to protect the contacts so they aren’t mined
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
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.
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 account 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.
Back to my original question. How can you go about reaching out and connecting with someone on Linkedin in a manner that actually evokes a response instead of dead air?
ATTITUDE AND APPROACH
Like I said, attitude and approach.
Here is an example of one of the best blind connection that came to me. Yes, he wants something, but I did respond.
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. Pretty sure that’s my east coast strut that gets offended with those sort of salutations. 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. 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.
Consider why you want to reach out to someone on LinkedIn.
Be honest. Be bold. Tell us what you need.
Consider your intentions prior to connecting with someone on LinkedIn.
How do you manage your LinkedIn account?
Do you connect with everyone or only those you know?
Bio:
Elizabeth Lions Author, “Recession Proof Yourself!” and ”I Quit! Working For You Isn’t Working For Me” www.elizabethlions.com and 806 283 8811