TIN #104 - 3 Easy Ways To Start Conversations on LinkedIn Without Sending Cold Messages
How to Connect with People on LinkedIn for Better Responses
Welcome back to another issue of The Introverted Networker!
Today, I’m sharing three strategies to help you connect with people on LinkedIn.
Whether you're reconnecting with old contacts or reaching out to new ones, these tips will boost your response rates and make networking less daunting.
This issue takes about 4 minutes to read…
Before We Get Started:
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1. Leverage the Power of Comments
Why Comments Matter:
Engaging with posts is a subtle yet powerful way to reconnect with people.
When you leave a thoughtful comment, it shows genuine interest and can spark a conversation.
How to Do It:
Identify Posts: Look for posts from people you want to connect with. If they don't post often, find their older posts or comments on their LinkedIn profile.
Leave Genuine Comments: Add value to the conversation. Be authentic and avoid generic compliments.
Be Patient: If the person isn't active daily, it might take time for them to notice your comment.
Example: I reconnected with a former colleague by commenting on one of her posts after years of no contact.
This simple action reminded her of our past collaboration and opened the door for us to catch up in a real life conversation.
2. Utilize LinkedIn's "Catch Up" Feature
What is the "Catch Up" Feature?
LinkedIn has introduced a feature that highlights your connections' job changes, birthdays, and work anniversaries.
This is a goldmine for finding natural reasons to reach out.
How to Use It:
Accessing the Feature: Go to the top of your LinkedIn page and click on "My Network." You'll find the "Catch Up" tab there.
Congratulate on Job Changes: If someone has a new job, send them a congratulatory message.
NOTE: Send them a LinkedIn message. Most people will see their update in their feed and leave a congratulatory comment. There’s nothing wrong with this, but if you send a message, yours will stand out from all the other comments on the post.
This can naturally lead to a more in-depth conversation.
Celebrate Work Anniversaries: Congratulate them on their milestones.
Ensure it's their primary job by checking their profile to avoid awkwardness. Some people have side businesses or consulting gigs on their profile that can look like current jobs.
All I saying is, don’t do this on auto-pilot. Take a few minutes to look at the situation before you send an awkward message.
Birthday Wishes: While optional, sending a birthday message can be another touchpoint.
Personally, I don’t send birthday wishes because I feel bad if I send them to some, but not to everyone. But I’m probably overthinking it.
3. Give LinkedIn Recommendations
Why Recommendations Work:
Leaving recommendations not only shows appreciation giving something of value to your connections, but also rekindles these connections in a meaningful way.
I believe this is one of the most under-rated and under-used features on LinkedIn. I think it’s because it’s at the bottom of peoples’ profiles.
However, this means it’s an opportunity for you. If you’re the one leaving recommendations, you’ll be the one standing out.
Steps to Leave a Recommendation:
Visit Their Profile: Scroll down to the recommendation section.
Write a Thoughtful Recommendation: Keep it concise and highlight how you know them, your work together, and why they excel.
Wait for Their Response: They’ll likely thank you, opening the door for further conversation.
Example: I left a recommendation for a colleague I hadn't spoken to in years. She thanked me, and it naturally led to us catching up on each other's careers.
If you want more info on how to write a great LinkedIn recommendation, check out TIN #012 - Make People Re-Connect With You.
Recap
Key Strategies:
Comment on Posts: Start conversations through genuine engagement.
Use the "Catch Up" Feature: Reach out for job changes, anniversaries, and birthdays.
Leave Recommendations: Show appreciation and restart the dialogue.
These methods make networking more approachable and can significantly improve your success rate on LinkedIn.
Action Steps:
Try these strategies this week.
Share your experiences and let me know what worked for you.
If you need further help, don't hesitate to reach out!
Before You Go…
This post from Sachin Rekhi caught my eye as a great approach to networking inside the company where you currently work. I know I have my own list of “Draft Picks.”
A great reminder from Hannah Morgan on what you can ask your network for when you are looking for a job.