LinkedIn connection request messages that get accepted

10 connection request messages under 200 characters

• Loved your post on onboarding emails, especially the bit about day 3. I'm working on the same problem, would be great to connect.
• We're both in the founder-led sales world and I keep seeing your comments in my feed. Thought it was time to connect properly.
• Saw you're hiring SDRs at {company}. I spent years doing outbound and share what works. Happy to connect.
• We met briefly at {event}. Enjoyed your take on pricing, would love to stay in touch.
• {mutual} mentioned you're the person to know about RevOps in fintech. Would love to connect.
• Your write-up on cold outreach was the most practical one I've read this year. Connecting so I don't miss the next one.
• Congrats on the new role at {company}! I work with a lot of new sales leaders and would love to be in your network.
• I'm a recruiter focused on product designers in Berlin and your portfolio stood out. No pitch, just keen to connect.
• Fellow {school} alum here, working on B2B SaaS now. Would be great to connect.
• Quick hello from another early-stage founder. Following what you're building at {company}, would love to connect.

Swap the {placeholders} for real details. A note that's obviously about them is what gets accepted.

What to send after they accept

• Thank them and pick up the thread from your note, in two or three lines.
• Ask one easy question about their work instead of pitching.
• If they reply, a 20 to 40 second voice note is a great next step. LinkedIn only allows voice messages to 1st-degree connections, so now you can.
• If they don't reply, follow up once after a few days with something new, not "just bumping this".

What gets connection requests ignored

• A pitch in the invitation.
• A generic "I'd like to add you to my network" from someone they don't know.
• Flattery with nothing specific in it.
• Asking for a call before you've exchanged a single message.

Questions