Ok, you’re building your network. You’ve done all the research, or had someone else do it, as to who you should add to your network. You’ve got your list ready. You start sending, ‘Will you join my network?’ to everyone.
What’s wrong with that Erin? Here are the top 3 reasons not to use the generic invite.
1. If they don’t know you, why should they just accept your invitation? If you are looking to make quality connections you need to tell this person who you are, how you know them and why you want to connect.
2. Give them a link. Add a link to your site or blog so they can check you out if they want. If they have to scour the internet looking for you they are not likely to accept your invitation.
3. Add some content, but not too much. Try not to write a novel. Be sure you let them know who you are in a short and respectful manner. None of us want to spend 5 hours a day on our social networking activities.
Go create an introduction template that you can use to guide yourself when you are seeking a new connection. Be sure you customize the message to each person before hitting send. Let them know you really are looking to connect with them and that you’re not wasting their time.
Happy Networking!
Great article Erin.
LinkedIn no longer allows you to attached web addresses to invitations to connect.
This is the error message you will received “We’re sorry, you cannot include website addresses in invitations. Please remove the website address and try again.”
I believe their rationale is that the person can find that information on your profile page and to decrease spam attempts.
I totally agree that personalization is imperative when connecting with others. I try to do that in all of the social media platforms.
Thanks Lisa.
That’s disappointing about restraining the links within the initiations.
I would recommend as a way around that trying just premierevirtualoffice.com for example.
Have you tried that Lisa?
Great blog. Do you know of any relevant forums or discussion groups?
Hi John,
Can you tell me what type of forum you are looking for, what niche?
Lately (Feb 2010) when I personalize the invite, I get the URL no-no message, even with no URL in it. I have to delete some relevant words in order to get it to go thru.
Anybody know a workaround ?
Thanks !
Hi Ken,
Can you clarify a bit for me? What words do you have to delete? You should be able to mention your business name. Let me know and I can look into that for you.
~Erin
Hi,
I also had the same problem as Ken.
“We’re sorry, you cannot include website addresses in invitations. Please remove the website address and try again.”
I got this message when I was introducing no URL. The way I solved it was adding a paragraph break between sentences.
Cecilia
Hi Cecilia,
Thanks so much for the reply! Great information.
~Erin
I enjoyed checking out your blog today and I will be back to check it more in the future so please keep up your good quality work. I love the colors that you chose, you are quite talented!