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Ask HN: Igniting cool conversations from incoming LinkedIn connection requests

by pog92 on 11/29/21, 3:01 PM with 6 comments

I often receive Linkedin connection requests from interesting people I don't know.

I use to send a welcome message, but I've seen it doesn't work (almost no cool conversation starts).

My current message sounds like "glad to connect, how can I help you?"

Any idea on how to make it better?

I've searched online and found a bunch of "how to spam connection requests without sound spammy" but it's not what I'm looking for :)

  • by notahacker on 11/29/21, 7:44 PM

    Half the time they're either furiously clicking "connect" on suggested connections in the hope of expanding their network to impress the people they really want to target, or getting a bot to do it for them. It's not necessarily anything to do with the quality of your followups if no cool conversation ensues
  • by JSeymourATL on 11/29/21, 5:22 PM

    > Any idea on how to make it better?

    LinkedIn’s messenger platform is often less than ideal. Try contacting them direct, email or text.

    Also, proactively suggest ways you might serve them. And suggest 1-2 time windows for a brief chat.

  • by aruanavekar on 11/29/21, 3:51 PM

    Depends on the goal to connect? Why "spam" at all if there is not clear working or influencing relationship to develop? My outreaches have usually been to expand the network and most times I will mention in invite "I researched your company and feel connecting would be a mutual fit, so hoping we get to network and explore common interests in <domain-space>". HTH
  • by philipwhiuk on 11/29/21, 8:08 PM

    If you're trying to make friends on LinkedIn, you're probably looking for par'Mach in all the wrong places too.
  • by pkrotich on 11/30/21, 3:45 AM

    > glad to connect, how can I help you?

    Perhaps- “what can you help me with?”. Most connections are marketing related.

  • by Jugurtha on 11/29/21, 6:59 PM

    Hey, pog92... What are you up to?