Do you often open you LinkedIn account and find your mailbox full of invitations to connect from strangers? Most of them say that you are friends but you have never heard of them. So why should you connect with them?
Professional social networks such as LinkedIn serves not only to create online resumes, but more importantly, build and develop contacts in your field. Connecting with someone on a social network is, however, not as simple as it might seem. It depends on how you introduce yourself and how you ask for the connection. Sending automatically generated phrases such as "I'd like to add you to my network" to strangers usually does not work. How then to ask someone you do not know to add you to his network? Careerealism.com advises:
1. Explain your intention
Clearly write why you want to connect with that person. If the social network offers you an automatically generated phrase like "I would like to add you to my network", delete it and write something personal.
2. Mention where you know the person from
You may have read some of his posts in discussion groups, visited his website or you know one of his friends who recommended him.
3. Find something in common
Search for a common field of interest, common contacts, discussion groups, etc. You may also have your educational background or experience in common. Mention it in your invitation and write how you believe you can enrich each other.
4. Be enthusiast
If you are, for example, seeking employment and trying to connect with leaders of an interesting company, let them know that you like their company and that you would like to know more about it.
5. Refer to something in their profile
Before you send someone an invitation to connect, read his profile. Then mention something you find interesting in the profile in your invitation.
6. Thank in advance
Thank the person in advance for connecting with you. Also write about what you have to offer in your field that might be useful for him.
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