LinkedIn is becoming an increasingly popular vehicle for job seekers and employers to connect online. While it’s easy to connect with those you know on LinkedIn, it can be difficult to send a LinkedIn invitation to someone you just met at a social gathering, or work-related event. This blog outlines several ways to easily, and professionally make connections on LinkedIn.

1. How did you meet?

When connecting on LinkedIn, always include a personal message with your LinkedIn request. Within the message, remind the recipient of how you met. Doing so will ensure that the recipient remembers who you are, and most likely, will accept your invitation.

Example: “Hi Sarah! It was a pleasure meeting you at last week’s city council meeting. I hope that we can work together over the next couple of months to improve the roads within our city! Please accept my LinkedIn invitation. Thanks!”

2. Find commonalities between yourself, and the other person.

If you haven’t officially met, or been introduced to the individual you wish to connect with on LinkedIn, don’t worry! When constructing your LinkedIn invitation, make sure to include commonalities between yourself and the recipient. Explain to him or her why they should connect with you.

Example: “Hi Juan. I noticed on LinkedIn today that you have worked in San Francisco for more than 15 years within the IT industry. I just moved to the area, and have owned my own business specializing in mobile apps for the IT professional for more than 8 years. I would love to connect on LinkedIn, and share more about what my company has to offer. Cheers!”

3. Remember your manners!

As always, don’t forget your manners! When completing your request to connect via LinkedIn, always say “Thank You”! Also, if you mentioned “emailing a whitepaper” for example, or “following up next week via telephone” within your LinkedIn request, make sure to follow through on each and every one of your promises.

Want to learn more about LinkedIn?  Click the following link to download our FREE whitepaper titled,”Why LinkedIn? 10 Tips for the Internet’s Top Professional Network”: http://ow.ly/h497Z 

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