Over the last few days I receive connection requests from people I have no idea who they are. You know the “I’d like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn.” Yes, I get them from Facebook and Twitter too. If I have the time I do a little research to see how we are connected, who we share in common or what exactly your business is. However, if you personalized the invitation or gave me a clue how I know you it would make life just a tad easier. Here are a few tips to help:

Personalize: When sending the request, add a how I know you sentence. Something like this:

Lee,

It was great to meet you at XYZ event. Thank you for the tips on resources I could use for my business. I would like to add you to my professional network.

Jane Doe

Introductions: If you are sending a message to a stranger that you would like to make a connection, introduce yourself. And be clear of what drew you to them in the first place.

Dear Lee,

I find your news informative and helpful, especially your Hot Tool for Business. Thanks for researching and reviewing Mavenlink project management. I am in the initial startup phase of my business and would like to reach out for other options and advice you can give me.

Would you be willing to talk by phone or Skype? If so, please let me know what is convenient for you.

Thank you for considering my request and sharing your knowledge.

Jane Doe
555.555.5555

If you are sending to a stranger who has a common bond in your circle, let them know how you found them.

Dear Lee,

I follow Karen Jones through Twitter and noticed that she gets a lot of useful information from you. After seeing her retweet on your recent blog post I found your advice on connecting with others useful. I am writing you as someone who has put these tips to use and have found positive results. Would you be willing….

Being on information overload, getting vague requests does not help those you want to connect with. You would not walk up to a face to face meet and say “Do you have a business card; I would like to add you to my contact list?” You should not do the same in the virtual world either.

A few final tips to round out your strategies:

• Complete your profile including website link
• Add a picture to your profile
• Add some personalization, you many have more to connect than just business
• It still is about quality

What are your tips on connecting and adding thought leaders to your network?

All the best,
Lee