LinkedIn is the most powerful prospecting tool available—when used correctly. Most reps blast generic messages and wonder why they get ignored.
The Foundation: Your Profile
Before any outreach, fix your profile:
Your profile is reviewed before every connection acceptance.
Connection Request Templates
Template 1: The Referral
"Hi [Name], noticed you're connected to [mutual connection]. I work with several [their role]s in [their industry] and thought it'd be worth connecting. [Your name]"
Template 2: The Relevant Content
"Hi [Name], saw your post about [topic]. Really resonated—especially [specific point]. Would love to connect and follow your content."
Template 3: The Direct Approach
"Hi [Name], I help [their persona] at [their company type] with [problem]. Thought it'd be worth connecting—always looking to learn from folks in [their space]."
Keep it under 300 characters. Don't pitch in the connection request.
Follow-Up Message Templates
Once connected, wait 24-48 hours:
Template 1: Value-First
"Thanks for connecting, [Name]. I put together a quick guide on [relevant topic] based on conversations with other [their role]s. Happy to share if useful—no strings attached."
Template 2: The Question
"Appreciate the connection. Curious—how are you currently handling [specific problem]? It's something that keeps coming up in my conversations with [their persona]s."
Template 3: The Meeting Ask
"Thanks for connecting. I help [similar companies] with [specific outcome]. If you're dealing with [problem], might be worth a quick chat. Open to 15 minutes this week?"
Response Rate Benchmarks
Track everything. Iterate constantly.