Contacting Strangers On Linkedin

Contacting Strangers On Linkedin This article originally appeared in Ragan.com last December 2, 2013.Last week, I received an info interview request from a stranger as a direct message on  LinkedIn. Despite my very busy schedule, I decided to take his call.Over the weekend, I asked myself, Why did I agree?Lets take his email apart and put it into four essential elements so you can use them in your own LinkedIn networking  communications. Networking with strangers on LinkedIn can give you great results if youre deliberate in the process.First, heres the email I got over LinkedIn from J.:Hi Joshua,I noticed we are both connected to M. F.â€"how do you know M.? I first met her at J.P., and she actually photographed my wedding. Small world.I wanted to touch base with you because I saw an open position at J.R. I thought would be a great fit for me. Im located in Portland now, and do social media strategy for a digital marketing agency here in town.Its a fun role, but you know how agencies areâ€"fingers in a lot of differ ent businesses, but no ability to truly own a marketing program. It looks like I would be able to do that with the Marketing Communications Manager role that is posted.Would you mind if I called you some time this week to hear about your experience at J.R. and your perspective on the marketing organization there? Id really appreciate it. J. Now, lets look at the takeaways:1. Lead with something in commonJ. began his email by pointing out our mutual friend M.F., and although I know M.F. from my sisters college days, what really got my attention was M.F. was the photographer at his wedding.With LinkedIn, there is a danger the first-degree connection isnt really a close friend. I went through an Open Networking  phase, and about 100 people in my LinkedIn network are complete strangers to me.Dont assume just because theyre connected that they know each other.J. took a calculated risk. However, he mitigates that risk by further sharing a personal tidbit: Hes married. As another recently married guy, I can very much relate to his situation (i.e., he has my sympathy).2. Get to the pointâ€"fastJ. wastes no time on BS or apologies. Hes writing to me because he saw an open position at a company with which I have a relationship and he thinks hed be a fit.Notice he says, I saw an open position. He doesnt assume I know anything about this position. In fact, it was news to me. So I can infer hes not assuming Im any kind of decision-maker. I know this is going to be a purely informational interview.Furthermore, he concludes the email by reaffirming that hes just looking to hear about my experience with J.R., the company, and my perspective on its marketing organization. Want to Read More Articles Like This One?Sign up here to receive weekly updates from Career Enlightenment, and never miss another powerful job searching tip! SUBSCRIBE! You have Successfully Subscribed!We hate spam too. Unsubscribe any time. My guard goes down, because I know hes not going to put me on th e spot or ask me for more than just my opinion.3. What makes him qualified?Without bragging, J. makes it clear that hes a serious candidate, not one of those job fisherman.He tells me he already works at an agency and that even though he enjoys his current agency, hes looking for more. He wants to truly own a marketing program.It might occur to me, after all, that if he already has a job, why is he looking to make a change? That concern is assuaged.4. What do you want from me?He concludes his email with, Would you mind if I called you sometime this week… meaning, I wont have to do anything except wait for a phone call and talk to him. Sounds easy.I would have even mentioned the exact amount of time such a conversation would have taken, Would you mind if I called you this week for just 10 or 15 minutes?Other observationsYou may have also noticed…The email was  very  short. It took me less than 30 seconds to read it.He named the position he was after, he did his research, and I kn ow he wont waste my time.He is sensitive to and grateful for my time: I would really appreciate it…The next time you are reaching out to someone new over LinkedIn, consider bringing in one or more of these elements to your message. Im sure it will make a big difference in your response rate.Any successful messages on LinkedIn? Please share them in the comments section so we can learn from your brilliance.