Swipe This Text! Professional Templates to a POWERFUL LinkedIn Experience By Donna Serdula
Table of Contents Introduction... 3 Invitations to Connect... 4 Personalized Invitation to Connect... 4 For a person you knew from long ago... 5 For a person you recently met... 6 For a person you don t know well... 7 Thank You for Accepting My Connection Request... 7 Thank You for Inviting Me to Your Network... 9 Introductions... 10 Request for Introduction... 10 Introduction... 13 Rejecting an Introduction... 15 Thank you for the Introduction... 16 Recommendations... 17 Recommendation Request... 18 Recommendation Examples... 19 Thank You for Your Recommendation... 20 Requesting a Recommendation Revision... 20 Rejecting a Recommendation Request... 21 Endorsements... 22 Endorsement Request... 22 Thank You for Your Endorsement... 23 2
Introduction One of the hardest aspects of LinkedIn is coming up with things to say. My clients have often asked me to help them come up with things to write on LinkedIn. Because it s such a challenge, I ve written this guide to provide you with different templates for you to use to make your experience with LinkedIn all the more efficient. Feel free to copy and paste any of these examples. Of course, it would be best for you to use the examples as inspiration and edit them as you see fit. Remember, LinkedIn is a social network. Feel free to be conversational. There is no need to use stuffy, old fashion business speak in this arena. Write as you speak. Use a natural voice. The most important part is that you personalize your message to the recipient. Spend a few seconds checking out their profile. Determine what you have in common along with your mutual benefits. LinkedIn is the place to find opportunity but in order to find opportunity you must reach out to others. I hope these templates help you. Good luck! 3
Invitations to Connect In order to get the fullest experience from LinkedIn, it s important to have a strong network. The main way to grow your network is by sending out invitations to connect to people you know and trust. People who accept your invitation to connect become first degree connections. Personalized Invitation to Connect Good etiquette tells us to always send thank you notes and personalize all LinkedIn connection requests. The default invitation looks like this: Buck the trend of using the default text by using your own personalized invitation. Coming up with a personalized invitation shows you value the other person and makes it more likely for the other person to accept your invitation. 4
For a person you knew from long ago Hi John! Remember me? We worked together at Widgets, Inc. It s been years but I ve always admired your work ethic and would love to reconnect with you. If there s anything I can do for you, let me know! --Donna Hi John, I often wonder if LinkedIn is psychic, what else can explain their extremely eerie connection suggestions? It s been years since we last saw each other. Your career path has taken you quite far from Widgets, Inc. Congratulations! I always knew your potential. I hope you will accept this request to connect and that we can reconnect over coffee soon. --Donna 5
For a person you recently met Hi John, It was great meeting you last night. Networking is truly the key to business success. I hope you will accept this request to join my LinkedIn network. If I can ever assist you regarding [insert area of business] let me know. I am happy to help you build new connections through introductions to those within my network, answering any questions where my expertise may further assist you or in any other way that helps you. Thank you, --Donna 6
For a person you don t know well Hi John, We share some common groups and connections on LinkedIn. I hope you will accept this request to connect in the spirit of building new business alliances. Should you choose not to connect, no worries, simply hit 'ignore' instead of the 'I don't know' button. With Kindest Regards, --Donna Hi John, We have not been formally introduced but I know of you through mutual groups and connections. I admire the work you are doing with [insert personalization] and would like to extend my network to you. We are both well connected in our regions and I am certain once connected, we will find other commonalities as well. With Kindest Regards, --Donna Thank You for Accepting My Connection Request 7
Thank you for accepting my invitation to connect with you. I am pleased to welcome you to my LinkedIn network. My connections are your connections; please feel free to ask for an introduction. Thanks for accepting my invitation. It's an honor to be included in your diverse and extensive LinkedIn network. Here s to networking friendships and & all possible business opportunities! Thank you for accepting my invitation to connect with you. I am pleased to welcome you within my LinkedIn network. I look forward to getting to know you better. It is an honor to connect with someone who is responsive to new connections and networking opportunities. Thank you for your time and consideration. Thank you for accepting my invitation to connect. I am pleased to welcome you to my LinkedIn network. Please do not hesitate to contact me for assistance. I will gladly help you in any way that I can, such as introductions to those within my network or answering questions where my expertise may further assist you. Enjoy the rest of your day. 8
Thank You for Inviting Me to Your Network Great to connect with you, John! I look forward to sharing our connections to mutual benefit and learning more about each other. It s a pleasure to accept your connection request! If I can be of any assistance, please reach out. I am also very active on Google+. Feel free to connect with me there as well: gplus.to/donnaserdula Thanks for connecting with me! If you are interested in learning more about small business marketing, you may want to read my book on 5 Easy Ways to Crank up your Marketing: http:///book I look forward to staying in touch with you and learning more about your business! Thanks for connecting! Please be sure to join my LinkedIn Group all about mining real opportunities from LinkedIn: http://linkd.in/joingroup And if you haven't, sign up for my newsletter. I send out great LinkedIn tips! http://eepurl.com/cgqpx Looking forward to staying connected! 9
Introductions Using LinkedIn, you can see how people are connected to you. Does that VIP you ve been dying to meet know someone you know? If so, you may ask your mutual connection for an introduction. Introductions allow you to contact users in your network, through the people you know. LinkedIn allows you to request 5 Introductions with a free LinkedIn Basic account. Request for Introduction Hello Laura, I happened across Lucia Hanz in your network. Would it be possible for an introduction? I am looking [insert person s expertise] and would appreciate her assistance. I thank you in advance! --John Smith Hello Laura, I see that you are directly connected to Lucia Hanz. Would you be so kind as to provide me with an introduction? Her skills and expertise make her a perfect candidate for [insert product or service]. I thank you in advance! --John Smith 10
Hello Laura, I see that you are a first line connection with Jason Argo. He has some skills that I may find helpful in web development and I'm wondering if you wouldn't mind connecting us. Thank you! --John Smith Hello Laura, I see that you are directly connected to Lucia Hanz. I am currently looking to make a career transition and Lucia is listed as the hiring manager for the position I am interested in. Would you be so kind as to provide me with an introduction? I simply would like the chance to speak to Lucia about this opening and learn more about what she is after. I thank you in advance! --John Smith Hi Laura! I'm contacting you today to request an introduction to Karen Lowry. She is a professional in my field and I'd like to connect with her to get some professional advice. Thanks so much! Have a great day! --John Smith 11
Hi Donna... I would like to be introduced to Robin Durbin. I am working with a client who is seeking someone with her engineering background and I'd like to discuss this potential opportunity with her. I appreciate the assistance; however, if you are not comfortable with this introduction, I will, with full understanding, withdraw it. Best Regards Renee Wooster 12
Introduction Dear Lucia, I received an introduction request today from one of my network connections, John Smith. It appears you have assisted many professionals and I feel certain your services would provide John with both the guidance and results he is seeking. Warm Regards, Laura Dear Lucia, Hope all is well by you! I received this request for an introduction by Nina Freitag. She is interested in talking to you. Looking at her profile, she is heavily involved in your industry and although I do not know her directly; it seems she might be a good connection for you. Yours Truly, Laura Hi Julius! Hope you are doing well! A connection of mine would like an introduction to a connection of yours... would you be a dear and forward it to her? --Laura 13
Hi Kelly! How are you? How's your dad? I have a friend who is interested in talking to you regarding an position at your company. Will you accept her introduction? THANKS! --Laura Hi Brett! A connection of mine is interested in meeting Robin Durbin regarding a potential job opportunity. Will you please forward this introduction request to her? Thank you! --Laura 14
Rejecting an Introduction Dear Jim, You asked me to introduce you to Bill Otay. Unfortunately, although he is in my network, I do not know him well enough to provide you with the introduction you seek. I would suggest finding another person who shares his network. Warm Regards, Laura Dear Jim, You asked me to introduce you to Jason Argo, a Web designer in my network from Argentina. If you need help with Web design I recommend you contact Neil Harner instead. He is local and I can vouch for his results. Here's his phone number: 215.253.5629 If you still want me to introduce you to Jason Argo, let me know and I will-- I just think you would do better working with someone who is not only local but able to truly determine your needs. --Laura Dear Jim, I am afraid I am unable to fulfill your introduction request to Jason Argo. As much as I d love to help you, it would be a conflict of interest to assist in this situation. I suggest speaking to Nathaniel Roberts. Perhaps he could assist you. --Laura 15
Thank you for the Introduction Thank you so much for the introduction to Karen Lowry. Your introduction allowed me the opportunity to set up an appointment with her to talk about similarities in our businesses. We are now talking about a full-fledged partnership. Thank you so much! The introduction you provided me to John Smith opened up the door to a fantastic job opportunity. Thank you so much! I appreciate your kindness. You may not have realized it but the introduction you provided me to Carol Booker changed my life. Not only did she become my first customer but I just asked her to marry me. Can I just tell you how terrific you are? That introduction to Janet Walters you provided resulted in me closing my biggest deal year to date. Thank you so much and I plan on buying you a drink the next time I see you! 16
Recommendations Recommendations are testimonials that appear on your LinkedIn profile, showing your reader you are trusted and admired within your network. Unfortunately, in order to get recommendations on your profile, you must rely on other people to write them! Recommendations allow other LinkedIn users to provide testimonials about your value and abilities. Perhaps you are being considered for a new job? Recommendations from people in high places will set you apart from other job applicants. If you are using your profile for reputation management, a strong list of recommendations from your current employers and team leaders boasting your finer points will provide evidence to your reader that you really are a professional. If you are promoting your business, products or services, having recommendations from your current clients touting your strengths will impress your reader. The best way to get recommendations is by sending a recommendation request via LinkedIn along with the recommendation. People often balk when I suggest providing a person with a prewritten recommendation. How ballsy! Won t the person be insulted? NO! The other person is going to be overjoyed! Most people don t have the time, inclination, or ability to write you a recommendation. I hate this to be a wake up call but people have much better things to do with their lives than write you a LinkedIn recommendation. Since this person is doing you a favor, how about doing them a favor and make it as easy for them as possible to help you? 17
Recommendation Request I'm sending this email to ask you for a brief recommendation of my work that I can include in my LinkedIn profile. In order to make this process as easy for you as possible, I have written my own recommendation for you. Please feel free to make any edits and if you would prefer to write your own recommendation, please do so! [Insert recommendation] I am so glad that we have reconnected. Would you be so kind as to recommend me on LinkedIn? I know you are busy and so I have taken the liberty to write the recommendation for you. Edits are welcome! [Insert recommendation] As I proceed in my job search, I am asking for recommendations from people who have helped shape my career thus far. Would you be so kind to recommend me? If time or writer's block is a constraint might I suggest the following: [Insert recommendation] Your kindness is appreciated, 18
Recommendation Examples As a [insert your job title] who specializes in helping businesses/individuals achieve [the results you provide], I know how important [person you are recommending s unique skillset] is in business. That s why I can recommend John so readily. If you are looking for [insert differentiator], reach out to John. His enthusiasm is contagious and the success he leaves in his wake is impressive. I am pleased to tell you about John, whom I have known since we worked together at Widgets, Inc, 5 years ago. John held the position of Account Manager. He was well liked and always achieved quota. It was a joy working with him. It is because of his strong work ethic, record of achievement, and energetic approach to dealing with colleagues and clients that I heartily recommend John Smith. I had the distinct pleasure of working with John Smith at Widgets Inc. In my association with John, he was an integral part of our department. His work was exemplary, providing timely, accurate, and effective solutions to our clients. John s approach to his job can be characterized as truly professional and I heartily recommend him as someone who makes a difference. John is a go-to person, always willing to provide assistance and advice. I have been delighted to use his services over and over again as my needs grew and developed. As a business consultant, John is professional, knowledgeable and truly passionate about his work. You can rest assured that John is the solution you need and the catalyst for change you require. 19
Thank You for Your Recommendation I just posted your recommendation on my profile. Just saying thank you, isn t enough to adequately convey my deep appreciation and gratitude! You were instrumental in my career and your recommendation now means so much to me. Let s get together soon for lunch on me! I will call you shortly. Your recommendation is greatly appreciated! I know you are busy with lots on your plate-- I am just so grateful that you helped me out. Requesting a Recommendation Revision Thank you so much for your recommendation. Might I ask you to revise it? I noticed there is a small typo in the second sentence. I made the correction for you below; all you need to do is copy and paste it. Thank you so much! I appreciate you helping me out. Thank you so much for your recommendation. I truly appreciate it. As you know, my goals have changed since we last worked together. Although I appreciate your praise regarding my customer service work, I now prefer to stress my project management skills. Would you be willing to remove the references to customer service and replace them with an endorsement of my project management expertise? I ve taken the liberty of revising your recommendation. If you agree with my edits simply copy and paste it. Thank you again! 20
Rejecting a Recommendation Request I just received your request for a recommendation. Call me a stickler but I only feel comfortable recommending people that I have actually worked with and can personally vouch for their abilities. Once we work together more closely and I know you better, I would then be happy to recommend you. I am honored that you would ask me to recommend you on LinkedIn; however, because we have never worked together, I don t feel I could provide you with an honest and accurate reference. Because we have interacted numerous times in social situations, I would be open to provide you with a character reference. If that works for you, let me know! I just received your request for a recommendation. Unfortunately, my industry is highly regulated and I am unable to provide recommendations even to people I admire and endorse, such as you. Please forgive me for not being able to assist you on LinkedIn. I would be more than happy to provide a recommendation for you over the phone. Let me know. I just received your request for a recommendation and I d be happy to endorse. you You were a fantastic employee with many strengths and skillsets. My issue is I simply don t know which area you want me to focus. Would you be so kind as to either write a recommendation for me or provide me with better insight on what you want me to highlight? 21
Endorsements I like to call Endorsements, Recommendations Lite. Endorsements allow your connections to endorse your Skills and Expertise without making them type a paragraph. All they have to do is visit your profile and click on the particular skill of yours that they endorse. It s super easy! Unfortunately, sometimes people need a nudge. Use this text to ask someone you know to endorse you. Endorsement Request Would you be so kind as to ENDORSE my skills & expertise on my profile? It s just a simple click of only one button on the top of my profile: http://www.linkedin.com/in/todonna I just endorsed you for Project Management and Leadership Strategy on your LinkedIn profile. If you're comfortable with it, would you do the same for me? There s 50 skills to choose from, all you need to do is visit my profile: http://www.linkedin.com/in/todonna If you were happy with the work I performed at Widgets, Inc, would you be so kind as to endorse me on LinkedIn? It s just a simple click of a button. The skills and expertise I would like to be endorsed for are Project Management, Leadership Team Building, and SEO. All you need to do is visit my profile and scroll down to the Skills & Expertise section located under my Summary. Here s the link to my profile: http://www.linkedin.com/in/todonna 22
Thank You for Your Endorsement I just saw that you endorsed me on LinkedIn. THANK YOU! I appreciate it immensely. I have also endorsed your skills as well. Your endorsements of my skills & expertise truly made my day. THANK YOU! Your kindness is appreciated. You recently endorsed me for SEO on my LinkedIn profile. Thank you very much and let me know if there are any skills for which I should endorse you. Although I am touched that you endorsed me, I am not quite sure how we know each other. I strive to keep my profile as authentic and honest as possible. Would you mind refreshing my memory as to how we know each other? If your endorsement comes from a place of kindness rather than actual knowledge of my ability, I would prefer you remove it. Perhaps we will be able to work together soon so the endorsement you provide rings with truth. 23