Think about the initial #LinkedIn impression you make

You attended a networking event and came back with handwritten notes on the back of a few business cards of people you have connected with in a serious way.

What do you do next?

Well, readers of LinkedIn Nuggets, you probably guessed, you ask them to connect with you on LinkedIn!

But it’s not just sending a boilerplate, dull LinkedIn request to connect. That gives them no context in which they met you (and they could forget exactly who you are and what you discussed.) In fact if you ask the boring way, your (now second) impression is tarnished. IMHO.

Rather, you should take the opportunity to advise where and when you met and how you can help them. Perhaps to meet with them.

Case in point, the most recent connection request I just sent:

Hi (her name). We met at last Wednesday’s networking breakfast in Greenwich.

I would like to explore the idea you had for me to come teach LinkedIn to your colleagues. Can we get together for a call early next week? What day and time work for you?

In the meantime, please join my amazing group of professional connections on LinkedIn.

Looking forward to speaking with you next month.

-Marc

I am no social scientist. But I do know from experience that the faster the target person answers my request to connect on LinkedIn, the more likely I am to do business with that person.

In fact, she accepted my connection request in no time and we already have a date on the schedule to talk.

Efficient use of the connection request is so easy. Use it wisely.