Avoid Cringey LinkedIn Requests: Best Practices From Top Networking Experts

Navigating the professional world of LinkedIn can sometimes feel like walking through a minefield of awkward connection requests and over-the-top sales pitches. We’ve all received those cringe-worthy messages that make us want to hit “ignore” faster than you can say “networking.” But fear not, LinkedIn warriors! Today, we’re diving into making genuine, non-cringey connections on this platform.

Let’s start with some humorous takes on those infamous connection request fails:

The Overeager Salesperson: “Hi Dani, I see we share an interest in breathing air. Let me tell you why my product will change your life forever!”
The Resume Dumper: “Hi Dani, here’s my entire work history, list of skills, and every project I’ve ever worked on. So, what can you do for me?”
The Cold Connector: “Hi Dani, I noticed we’re both on LinkedIn. That’s all the reason we need to connect, right?”

We’ve all seen these, right? They’re the LinkedIn equivalents of bad first dates. Instead, let’s explore how some of the best community professionals connect in meaningful and, more importantly, less cringey ways. Here are a few shining examples from leaders who have mastered the art of authentic networking.

Max Pete, Community Engagement Program Manager at Square

LinkedIn has been an amazing resource for my learning in terms of my career growth and also a space to connect with others in my field.

One strategy I’ve found particularly effective is leveraging mutual connections. When reaching out to someone new, I always check if we have shared connections and mention them in my invitation. This common ground instantly creates a sense of trust and increases the likelihood of a positive response.

For example, when initiating a connection, try: “Hey [Name], I noticed we’re both connected with [Mutual Connection]. I’d love to connect with you and see how we can support one another.

Remember, LinkedIn is about building relationships, not just adding people for the sake of connections. Engage regularly with your network by sharing insights, congratulating achievements, and offering help when you can.

Taylor Harrington, Head of Community at Groove

LinkedIn helps me to become friends with people all over the world and check in with each other in meaningful ways over time, around new ideas and projects that are lighting us up—what a cool world we live in to be inspired and encouraged by people we’d never get the chance to be in the same physical room as.

I love pushing what it means to show up differently on LinkedIn…in a more human way!

To create more meaningful friendships on LinkedIn, I recommend sending hyper-specific notes in your connection requests that really give someone a glimpse into your day. No matter how silly it might sound, it works!

Here are 5 of Taylor’s favorite LinkedIn hellos:

Describe where you are: “Saying hey from NYC while watching a pigeon bop around on my window sill.”
Mention what you’re drinking: “Reaching out while sipping on homemade hibiscus iced tea.”
Share your current candle scent: “Waving from NYC, where I’m loving my new peonies candle from Trader Joe’s.”
Talk about what you’re listening to: “Currently jamming out to Noah Kahan’s new song while waving hello.”
Share how you found them: “I stumbled across your profile through Jenny Martin, who I met at adult summer camp!”

Lean into connection requests as an opportunity to open the door for a sweet human conversation. Don’t just collect another digital handshake!

Bhargavi Mantha, Community Manager at Women in Communication and Technology (WCT)

As someone who leads a professional community, I firmly believe that LinkedIn is the prime network for connecting with like-minded individuals worldwide. As a woman, I also find comfort in the platform’s professional nature, which fosters a sense of safety and respect.

In order for me to make meaningful connections while growing my network, I try to join groups of interest where I look at other individuals who share that same passion or have some commonality with me.

Once I find someone that intrigues me, I then reach out with a note referencing one of the posts they may have shared or something on the group that we both interacted with and introduce myself.

For example, I joined the #iamremarkable group on LinkedIn. Of course I joined because I attended a session and loved it. But there I found an individual who was interested in brainstorming accountability groups and continued learning.

I sent a connection request like, “Hi ___, I just saw your post about accountability groups and think there’s value in considering a user journey to seamlessly integrate something like this. I’m Bhargavi a community builder and market researcher, I’d love to connect and chat more”.

After this initial message, it’s important to follow up and follow through and maintain the relationship.

“I was wondering if I could pick your brain about _____. I’m very interested in the field and could use your knowledge to expand mine.”

“Hello, I saw your profile and experience in ____. I’d love to learn more about it and if you’re available have a quick chat. I’m new to the area and would love to expand my network.”

Starting authentic conversations via LinkedIn without feeling like you’re forcing small talk at a party where you only know the host but by following these expert tips, you’re well on your way.

Whether it’s leveraging mutual connections, sending personalized notes that offer a peek into your day, or engaging in professional groups with shared interests, the key is to approach LinkedIn with a human touch. After all, networking isn’t just about growing your numbers; it’s about nurturing relationships that can lead to mutual growth and opportunities.

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