Are your LinkedIn invites appealing? If not, perhaps that’s the reason that too many of them aren’t getting accepted.

Think about the invites you get from others. When people write a personal note, does that affect your decision about whether to connect with them?

I know that I am more likely to connect with someone when they have written me a note with the invite. What especially appeals to me is when the invitation includes a specific reason we should connect.

Here are some tips for creating invites that are likely to be accepted. See last week’s article for tips about deciding which of your pending invites to accept.

 

Ways to Make Invites More Appealing

  • If it says 2nd after the person’s name (meaning you have at least one shared connection with this person), click on the Connect button. Then click on Add a Note, write the note, and click on send invitation.
  • If it says 3rd after the person’s name (meaning they are two people removed from you), you will need to click on the three dots to the right of their photo to find the Connect option, and follow the steps for a 2nd level connection.
  • To send an invite from a mobile device, go to the person’s profile and click on the three dots to the right of their photo. Click on Personalize Invite and proceed from there. This process works for both the 2nd and 3rd types of people.
  • In all cases, taking the time to review the person’s profile. Look for commonalities in terms of shared connections and professional background. Then use that information to write a customized note with your invitation. Doing so will be well worth the time it takes to write that note.
  • In addition, if you have met the person face to face, mention the event or group where that happened. If you can add a reference to something you talked about or plans you made to get together, that’s even better.

 

Get My E-Book to Help You Get Connections You Want

The sixth chapter of my recently published e-book 9 Ways to Stand Out on LinkedIn includes detailed instructions on how to connect effectively with others.

Signing up to receive my e-book gives you access to the video tutorials that accompany each chapter. In addition, you receive monthly emails about trends and useful tips in all areas of social media.

And it’s free! All you have to do is sign up at: http://ow.ly/QM0J30eX60r

 

How About You?

What types of information do you include in the personalized notes that you have included in your LinkedIn invites? How have the people you have written notes to responded to your invites?

 

About Joyce

 

Joyce Feustel helps people, especially those ages 45 and older, to become more comfortable using social media, especially Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Twitter.

She works with business owners, business development professionals, leaders of nonprofit organizations, job seekers, consultants, and many others. Find her at www.boomerssocialmediatutor.com.