How to Do a LinkedIn Introduction

Sending a generic LinkedIn connection request is the digital equivalent of handing someone your business card and immediately walking away without saying a word. It’s a missed opportunity. This guide breaks down exactly how to craft a personalized LinkedIn introduction that gets accepted, makes a great first impression, and starts a real conversation.

Why Your LinkedIn Introduction Matters (A Lot)

In a world of automated messages and spammy sales pitches, a thoughtful, personalized introduction instantly sets you apart. Think about it from the recipient's perspective. They receive dozens of connection requests a week, maybe even a day. "I'd like to add you to my professional network" simply blends into the background noise. It's easy to ignore, and for many busy professionals, it’s an automatic "decline."

A great introduction, on the other hand, shows you've done your homework. It demonstrates that you value their time and that you have a specific, genuine reason for wanting to connect with them. It’s the difference between cold outreach and warm networking.

When you take 30 extra seconds to write a short note, you achieve three things:

• Drastically increase your acceptance rate: Personalization cuts through the clutter and makes people much more likely to say yes.
• Set the foundation for a real relationship: You’re not just adding a number to your connection count, you're starting a dialogue with a potential mentor, client, partner, or peer.
• Establish your own professionalism: It shows you’re a thoughtful, intentional professional who invests in building authentic connections, not just a digital Rolodex.

The Golden Rules of LinkedIn Introductions

Before you start typing, keep these core principles in mind. They apply to every connection request, no matter the context. Nailing these foundations is what separates messages that get accepted from those that get archived.

Rule #1: Personalize, Always

This is the most important rule. Mass-produced, generic messages don't work. The goal is to make the person feel like you’re reaching out to them and them alone. Reference a mutual connection, a recent post they shared, an article they wrote, a presentation they gave, or their work at a specific company. A single-sentence mention proves you’re not just spamming a list. Find something - anything - that shows you see them as an individual.

Rule #2: Find Common Ground

The fastest way to build rapport is to highlight what you share. People are naturally more receptive to connecting with someone they have something in common with. Before sending a request, scan their profile for connection points:

• Mutual Connections: "I see we are both connected to Jane Doe."
• Shared Groups: "I noticed we’re both members of the ‘Future of SaaS’ group."
• Past Companies: "Just realized we both worked at Acme Inc. a few years apart!"
• Alma Mater: "Great to see a fellow State University alum in the tech space."
• Shared Interests: "I saw on your profile you volunteered with Coders for a Cause - love their work!"

Including this common ground immediately transforms you from a stranger into someone within their professional orbit.

Rule #3: Be Clear and Concise

LinkedIn gives you a 300-character limit for connection request messages for a reason. Professionals are busy. Your introduction should be brief and get straight to the point. Ditch the rambling paragraphs. A tight, two-sentence message is often more effective than four. State your reason for connecting clearly and respectfully. Brevity signals that you respect their time.

Rule #4: Give Value, Don't Ask for It (Yet)

The initial connection request is not the time to ask for a job, pitch your product, or request a 30-minute "pick your brain" call. That’s like asking someone to marry you on a first date. The goal of the introduction is simply to open the door. Frame your request around their expertise, your admiration for their work, or a shared professional interest. Focus on what you find interesting about them, not what you want from them.

Breaking It Down: Templates for Every Scenario

General rules are helpful, but seeing them in action is better. Here are some ready-to-use templates you can adapt for different networking situations. Remember to fill in the blanks with genuine, specific details you find on their profile.

1. Reaching Out to Someone in Your Target Industry

Goal: To connect with peers, learn from industry leaders, and expand your professional circle.

Example 1 (Based on their content):
Hi [Name], I really enjoyed your LinkedIn post about leadership in remote teams. Your point about asynchronous communication really resonated with me. I'm also working in the project management space and would love to connect and follow your work.

Example 2 (Based on their role):
Hi [Name], I came across your profile while looking for leaders in the marketing operations field. I really admire the work you've been doing at [Their Company] and would value the chance to learn from your experience. Hope you're open to connecting.

2. Connecting with a Recruiter or Hiring Manager

Goal: To get on their radar for current or future opportunities in a professional, non-pushy way.

Example 1 (For a specific role):
Hi [Name], I saw the posting for the [Job Title] role at [Company] and your team's work caught my eye. My background in [Your Skill/Experience] seems like a strong fit. I’ve just submitted my application and would be grateful to connect here.

Example 2 (General networking):
Hi [Name], I'm a [Your Profession] specializing in [Your Specialty]. I've been following [Their Company] for a while and am really impressed with your company culture. I'm actively exploring new opportunities and would love to connect for the future.

3. Cold Outreach to a Potential Client or Partner

Goal: To start a conversation that could eventually lead to business, without being overly salesy.

Example 1 (Based on a trigger event):
Hi [Name], congrats on your recent feature in Tech Weekly! The new [Product/Initiative] you launched looks exceptional. As someone who helps scale SaaS companies like yours through content strategy, I'd love to connect and follow your company's journey.

Example 2 (Based on their company's work):
Hi [Name], I've been incredibly impressed with how [Their Company] has navigated [solve a specific problem in their industry]. My team at [Your Company] actually works with leaders like you to accomplish [related goal]. I'd enjoy connecting and learning more about your work.

4. Connecting After a Meeting, Call, or Event

Goal: To solidify a connection you’ve already made and move it to a more permanent platform.

Example 1 (After an event):
Hi [Name], it was a pleasure meeting you at the [Event Name] conference today after the keynote. I really enjoyed our conversation about the future of B2B analytics. Looking forward to staying in touch and continuing the discussion.

Example 2 (After a call):
Hi [Name], great chatting with you and the team earlier. Thanks for taking the time to explain [Topic of discussion]. Looking forward to our next steps and wanted to connect here in the meantime.

5. Asking for an Introduction Through a Mutual Connection

Goal: To leverage a trusted contact to make a warm introduction to someone you want to meet. This is a two-step process.

Step 1: Message your mutual connection first.
Hi [Mutual Connection's Name], hope you're doing well. I noticed you’re connected to [Target's Name], the Head of Marketing at [Their Company]. I’m very interested in the work they're doing there. Would you be comfortable making a brief introduction if you know them well?

Never put your contact in an awkward position. Always give them an easy out if they don’t feel comfortable making the connection. Only proceed if they say yes.

After they agree, you can use LinkedIn's "Request an Introduction" feature or just let them handle it via message, depending on what they prefer.

What To Do *After* They Accept Your Request

Getting your connection request accepted isn't the finish line, it’s the starting line. Your next move determines whether this connection withers or grows into something valuable.

1. Send a Brief Thank-You Message

Once you get the notification that they've accepted, send a short reply message within a day. This reinforces the positive first impression and keeps the conversation warm. It can be as simple as:

"Thanks for connecting, [Name]! Looking forward to following your work. Hope you have a great rest of your week."

That’s it. No ask, no pitch. Just a simple, professional courtesy.

2. Engage With Their Content Authentically

The best way to build a relationship is by engaging organically. Don’t just be a silent connection. When they share an article or post a status update, leave a thoughtful comment or share it with your own network. This builds familiarity and shows you’re genuinely interested in what they have to say. Over time, that engagement compounds, turning a cold connection into a warm one.

Final Thoughts

Mastering the LinkedIn introduction is about shifting your mindset from "collecting connections" to "starting conversations." By personalizing every request, leading with value, and being respectful of their time, you lay the groundwork for strong professional relationships that can pay dividends for years to come.

After you've made these powerful connections, keeping that momentum going is an important next step. Consistently sharing valuable content solidifies your personal brand and keeps you top-of-mind with your network. For my own process, I rely on Postbase to plan and schedule my LinkedIn content. Its visual calendar makes it easy to maintain a consistent professional presence without getting bogged down - perfect for turning those initial hellos into lasting relationships.