Crafting a Connection Request They'll Actually Accept

The Awkward "Connect" Button

You’ve done the groundwork. You’ve found a potential client or collaborator, followed them, and even engaged with their content. Now it’s time to click Connect but you freeze. The generic, empty request feels lazy. But writing a custom note feels high-pressure, and you’re worried you’ll come across as salesy and ruin the rapport you’ve started to build.

A bad connection request can do more harm than good. It can undo all the subtle warming up you've done. A generic one will likely be ignored, lumping you in with the noise. A salesy one is even worse—it gets rejected and makes you look like just another spammer, potentially burning the bridge before you’ve even had a chance to build it.

A Simple Formula for a Non-Salesy Note

A great connection request has one job: to be genuine and give context. It’s not a pitch; it's a brief, respectful nod to the interactions you've already had. It should be about them, not you.

Here’s a simple formula that works every time:

1. Reference a Specific Interaction: Start with the "why now." Mention something specific and recent.
   • "Hi [Name], I really enjoyed your recent post on [Topic] and the point you made about..."
2. State Your Genuine Interest: Briefly explain why you want to connect with them specifically.
   • "...I've been following your work for a bit and appreciate your perspective on [Their Area of Expertise]."
3. Make a Simple, No-Pressure Ask: The goal is just to connect, nothing more.
   • "Would be great to connect and follow your work here on LinkedIn."

Notice what’s missing? There’s no pitch. No "I can help you with...". No ask for a 15-minute call. It’s simply an invitation to connect with a peer.

From Outsider to Valued Connection

This approach immediately signals that you're a thoughtful professional, not just a seller in disguise. It shows you respect their work and have taken the time to engage with it. The acceptance rate for contextual, non-salesy requests like this is dramatically higher.

More importantly, it smoothly transitions you from an outsider to a 1st-degree connection, perfectly setting the stage for the first DM conversation that feels natural and welcome.

Your Task: Send One Thoughtful Invitation

The most important rule is to never send a connection request cold. Always warm up a prospect first with some strategic likes and follows. This ensures your name and face are already familiar when your invitation lands in their inbox.

Ready to try it?

Find one person you've engaged with recently—someone whose post you've liked or commented on. Go to their profile, click "Connect," and select "Add a note." Use the simple formula above to write a short, genuine message. Then, hit send.