Whether it is because people are losing jobs (or preparing to do so), or because my visibility is increasing, I have started to get a lot more LinkedIn invites. In many cases, these folks feel they have a personal connection with me (through my blogging or speaking) and don’t realize that I have a memory like a sieve, particularly for names.
Would you send out an invitation to a party without thinking through the invitation and considering the wording? Probably not. I wish more people applied that same logic to LinkedIn invites.
Michelle:
I’d like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn.
- Larry
Now, I probably do want to connect with imaginary Larry. He’s probably a great guy and might even have some great contacts. But because I need a memory jog sometimes, I’m not sure who he is. I also question how seriously he takes connecting because he didn’t bother to personalize his LinkedIn invite and just sent the default text. Why couldn’t Larry have taken the time to write this?
Michelle:
I really enjoyed your presentation at our local AMA Non-profit group. I’d like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn.
OR
I really enjoy following your Twitter feed. You can find me on Twitter @username. I’d like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn.
– Larry
All our imaginary contact Larry would have to do is add one or two sentences to the default invite. It makes him more human and shows a little bit of effort.
If you’re reaching out to someone you met via Twitter, briefly at a conference, or someone who you know because of their blog, go ahead and personalize your invite. Not only will it jog your connection’s memory, it will make you stand out a little more as well. And with the economy the way it is, standing out from the rest is important, no matter who you’re reaching out to.
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Contact Michelle with news, stories, events, and more.
Email: michelle[at]writetech[dot]net
Twitter: @writetechnology, Friendfeed: michellel
Sites: Write Technology, Wine-Girl.net
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