Udemezue John
Making new connections on LinkedIn is one of the easiest ways to open doors to opportunities. The problem? A lot of people make it awkward.
You know the type: the person who sends a random connection request with no message, or worse, the one who pitches you their service five minutes after you’ve accepted.
That’s exactly the kind of experience that makes people hesitant about reaching out in the first place.
The truth is, connecting on LinkedIn doesn’t have to feel forced or transactional. In fact, when done right, it can lead to meaningful conversations, job opportunities, collaborations, or even friendships.
I want to share some simple, practical ways you can connect with people on LinkedIn—without making it weird.
Why This Matters More Than Ever
LinkedIn has shifted. It’s no longer just an online resume platform—it’s become a space where people actively build communities, share ideas, and find opportunities.
Recruiters, business owners, and professionals are spending more time on the platform than ever before.
That means the way you connect matters.
A thoughtful approach can help you stand out from the flood of generic requests and create real value for both you and the person you’re connecting with.
Step 1: Be Clear About Why You’re Connecting
Before you hit that “Connect” button, ask yourself: what’s the purpose here?
Are you hoping to learn from them?
Do you admire their career path?
Do you share an industry, interest, or mutual connection?
Are you just trying to expand your network thoughtfully?
When you have clarity, it’s much easier to craft a genuine message that doesn’t come across as random or self-serving.
Step 2: Personalize Your Request
The default “I’d like to add you to my professional network” line is forgettable. A personalized note makes all the difference.
Here are some easy ways to make your message stand out:
Mention a shared experience: “I noticed we both attended the same conference…”
Point to a specific reason: “I’ve been following your work on X and found your recent post insightful…”
Show genuine interest: “I’m starting out in the same field and would love to learn from your perspective.”
Keep it short, friendly, and respectful. You don’t need to write an essay—two or three sentences is enough.
Step 3: Avoid the Instant Pitch
One of the quickest ways to kill a connection is by immediately turning it into a sales pitch. Think about it: would you walk up to someone at a networking event, shake their hand, and then launch into selling them something? Probably not.
Instead, start with building rapport. Engage with their content, comment thoughtfully, and let the relationship develop naturally. If collaboration or opportunities come later, great. But forcing it upfront almost always backfires.
Step 4: Engage Like a Human, Not a Robot
Once your request is accepted, don’t disappear. The best connections grow when you show up consistently in small ways:
Comment on their posts (with more than just “Great post!”—share your take).
Send a thank-you note after they accept your request.
Share relevant resources if you come across something that connects to their interests.
The goal is to be present without being overbearing. Think of it less like “networking” and more like starting a conversation with someone you’d like to stay in touch with.
Step 5: Respect Boundaries
Not everyone is looking to chat. Some people prefer to keep their LinkedIn connections surface-level.
If someone doesn’t respond to your message, don’t take it personally and definitely don’t follow up repeatedly in a way that feels pushy.
Respect goes a long way. Sometimes just engaging with their posts is enough to keep the connection alive.
Step 6: Add Value Where You Can
Relationships thrive when both people benefit. On LinkedIn, “adding value” doesn’t mean offering free work—it can be as simple as:
Introducing them to someone in your network.
Sharing an article that aligns with their interests.
Congratulating them on a milestone.
Offering encouragement on something they’ve posted.
These small gestures build trust and make you someone they’re glad to have in their network.
Step 7: Keep It Casual
Remember: LinkedIn isn’t a boardroom. It’s still a social platform, which means you don’t have to be overly formal or stiff. Write the way you’d speak to someone at a coffee shop.
That doesn’t mean being sloppy or unprofessional—but being approachable makes you more relatable and memorable.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Sometimes the easiest way to learn is by knowing what not to do. Here are a few pitfalls:
Sending blank connection requests (feels impersonal).
Pitching immediately (feels transactional).
Writing overly formal messages (feels stiff and distant).
Over-messaging if there’s no reply (feels pushy).
Engaging only when you need something (feels self-centered).
If you avoid these, you’re already ahead of most people on LinkedIn.
FAQs
Do I always need to write a note with my connection request?
Not always, but it helps. If you already know the person (say, you’ve met at an event), it’s less critical. But for cold connections, a short note makes it far more likely they’ll accept.
How long should I wait before messaging someone after they accept?
It’s fine to send a quick thank-you right away. Just keep it light and don’t ask for anything immediately.
What if I really do want to pitch my service?
It’s okay eventually, but timing is everything. Focus on building rapport first. If you’ve had a few back-and-forth exchanges or meaningful interactions, then you can ask if they’re open to hearing more.
Is it weird to connect with someone I’ve never met?
Not at all—LinkedIn is designed for that. As long as you personalize your request and make it clear why you’d like to connect, it won’t come across as strange.
How many people should I connect with?
Quality matters more than quantity. A smaller network of engaged connections is more valuable than thousands of people who don’t interact with you at all.
Wrapping It Up
Connecting on LinkedIn doesn’t have to feel awkward. At its core, it’s just about being human—showing genuine interest, being respectful, and taking small steps to build relationships over time.
The next time you hit “Connect,” ask yourself: am I approaching this like a real conversation, or am I just trying to tick off a networking box?
So here’s my question for you: What’s the best (or worst) LinkedIn connection request you’ve ever received—and what did you learn from it?
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings