Beyond the Connection: How to Follow Up After Connecting on LinkedIn

Ever had your LinkedIn connection request accepted and wondered, “What’s next?” We’ve all been there. You see, just having a connection isn’t enough. Many times, your new connection accepts your request and leaves it at that without a word. But here’s the deal – if you leave it there, you’re missing out on a world of opportunities.

That’s why the moment they connect, you need a game plan. You need a follow-up message that does more than just say hello; it needs to spark a real conversation. Think of it as the key to transforming a casual link into something substantial.

But here’s the tricky part – why should they bother talking to you? What’s in it for them? These questions linger in their minds, making them hesitant about unsolicited messages. That’s where your follow-up message comes in. It’s not just a message; it’s your chance to show them the value, to make them think, “Hey, this could be beneficial for me.”

So, in today’s latest article, I’ve outlined a foolproof way to craft these follow-up messages. So, let’s jump right in.

Why do you need a foolproof follow-up plan?

Ever received a lengthy sales pitch right after connecting with someone on LinkedIn? It can be a bit overwhelming, right? Here’s the thing – bombarding your connections with unsolicited, lengthy texts is a surefire way to turn them off.

Let’s break down why this approach doesn’t work –

• Most of us aren’t in “shopping mode” when scrolling through LinkedIn. People are not actively seeking to buy what someone is selling. So, a laundry list of products and features won’t magically make people exclaim, “Yes, this is exactly what I need!”

• Think of it as a conversation over a meal. If someone only talks about themselves, it gets dull and disengaging. Similarly, an email that’s all about the sender can feel self-centered and uninteresting.

• People’s time is precious. Long emails filled with detailed product information? Chances are, they won’t get read entirely. Lengthy texts often lead to a quick delete, especially in the age of busy schedules.

• There’s a fine line between offering something valuable and pushing a sale. We’re open to buying what people need, but being aggressively sold to feels uncomfortable. When a connection immediately tries to sell, it leaves connections feeling pressured and uneasy.

There is a better way.

Tips to send a fantastic follow-up LinkedIn connection message!

1. Be personalized and polite

When connecting with a prospect on LinkedIn, being personal and polite can set the stage for a meaningful conversation. It’s not just about sending a message; it’s about creating a genuine connection. Here’s how you can achieve this –

• Warm Greeting –  Start your message with their name, like “Hi Lisa!” A friendly greeting instantly adds a personal touch, making the conversation more engaging.

• Show Appreciation –  Express gratitude for the connection. A simple “Thank you for connecting with me” shows your genuine appreciation for their time and interest.

• Acknowledge Their Expertise –  Highlight their expertise by describing them as a ‘specialist’ or ‘expert.’ Acknowledging their skills demonstrates that you value their knowledge and experience.

• Recognize Their Industry –  Mention their specific industry. Showing that you’ve taken the time to understand their professional background reflects your genuine interest in their work.

• Seek Advice –  Engage them by asking for their advice on a relevant topic. People appreciate being valued for their insights, opening the door for a meaningful conversation.

• Extend a Genuine Invitation –  Phrase your inquiry as an invitation, not a demand. Let them know you value their perspective and would love to hear their thoughts.

• End with Warm Regards –  Conclude your message with ‘Kind Regards’ or a similar friendly closing. It leaves a positive impression and signifies your approachability.

By incorporating these elements into your message, you show that you care and increase the likelihood of a positive response. Remember, genuine connections are built on respect and sincerity.

2. Mention mutual points of interest

Finding common ground can be a game-changer when connecting with someone. It’s like discovering a shared favorite book – instant rapport! Here’s how to personalize your message by highlighting mutual interests  –

• Mutual Connections  –   Start by mentioning the number of mutual connections you share. It could be two or twenty; it doesn’t matter. This commonality establishes a sense of belonging, making your connection more meaningful.

• Name-Drop a Familiar Face  –   If you happen to know a shared connection well, don’t hesitate to mention their name. It’s like saying, “Hey, we both know Sarah – small world, right?” This familiarity creates an immediate sense of trust.

• Recommendations Speak Volumes  –   If a mutual connection has recommended them, mention it! It adds credibility and shows that respected peers think highly of their work.

• Industry News  –   Stay updated on major industry news. Whether it’s a recent development or something related to global events like COVID-19, discussing these topics shows that you’re not just reaching out randomly; you’re genuinely interested in their world.

By weaving these mutual points of interest into your message, you’re not just another stranger in their inbox. You’re someone who understands their professional circle, their industry, and the world they operate in. This shared ground is the foundation upon which great conversations and connections are built.

3. Invite them to call

Your connections must understand that you are genuine, personable, and pleased to chat. Opening up the possibility of a call is a great way to demonstrate this.

As part of your follow-up message, invite your prospect to learn more about your mutual interests via any of the following methods:

• Phone call
• Zoom call
• Skype call
• Microsoft Teams call

Make sure you stick to one of these communication platforms – offering something too obscure may make you seem outdated!

Taking your discussion onto a call ASAP helps you to:

• Create a robust connection with your prospect
• Have a more protracted discussion
• Thoroughly analyze mutual topics of collaboration
• Display that you are proactive
• Maintain yourself on top of your prospect’s mind

Setting up a call with your prospect increases your chances of converting them into a lead.

Sample email examples for different scenarios

Case 1: Follow-up message when having a mutual connection

TEMPLATE #1

Case 2: Follow-up message after a networking event

TEMPLATE #1

TEMPLATE #2

Case 3: If prospects are silent after previous follow-up emails

TEMPLATE #1

Message 01 – 1 Hour After: 

Cheers! I’m thrilled to have you in my network.

Message 02 – 8 Hours After: 

Hey [First Name], I discussed post-event outreach challenges with other Founders at [EventName]. Want to see how I can use Open InMail to overcome this?

Message 03 – 3 Days: 

Hi [First Name], dropping you another line. Let’s schedule a call to discuss your post-event outreach approach. How about next Tuesday for a chat?

Message 03 – 4 Days: 

Signing off and hoping to connect at [EventName] next year. Drop me a note if you’re around!

And there you have it!

From making that initial LinkedIn connection request to diving into meaningful conversations, we’ve explored the art of turning prospects into promising opportunities. Remember, it’s not just about what you say but how you connect. By being genuine, personable, and proactive, you can open doors to fruitful collaborations.

So, put these tips into action and start those conversations that matter. Whether it’s a call, a Zoom meeting, or a quick chat on Skype, the key is to keep the dialogue alive.

Happy connecting!