How to Best Connect with Someone on LinkedIn: A Respectful and Effective Guide

LinkedIn remains one of the most powerful tools for professional outreach, yet it’s increasingly clear how you connect matters more than ever. With the deprecation of both bulk import and contact sync features, LinkedIn has moved firmly toward promoting intentional, high-quality networking. For professionals with expansive networks—like mine, which includes over 10,000 connections—I’ve learned that leveraging LinkedIn isn’t about volume. It’s about value.
LinkedIn used to allow users to upload email lists or sync address books to send bulk invites. These features are now deprecated. The rationale is simple: unsolicited, generic invitations erode trust and reduce platform value. LinkedIn’s evolving policies reflect a clear shift toward meaningful engagement—requiring users to connect with context and care.
Here’s how to connect with someone the right way.
Best Practices for Connecting with Someone on LinkedIn
If you’re looking to connect with someone new—whether for collaboration, insight, research, or professional outreach—do it with purpose and polish. Here’s the most effective way to do it:

Research Before You Reach Out: Take a moment to understand the person’s background. Skim their recent posts, mutual connections, company, or projects. That context will help you personalize your message—and show that you’re not just firing off random invites.
Use the Connect Button Thoughtfully: Always click Add a note when sending your invitation. Avoid the default, impersonal I’d like to connect message, which is often ignored. Instead, opt for a concise, relevant message that clearly explains your reason for reaching out.
Be Transparent and Clear: People appreciate honesty. Tell them exactly why you’re reaching out, what you’re working on, and how connecting might be mutually beneficial. Here’s a no-pressure format that’s respectful, transparent, and optional:

Hi [Name], I’m working on an article for Martech Zone about [topic], and your work at [Company] caught my attention. I’d love to connect in case you’re open to sharing insights now or in the future. Thanks!

Personalize with Purpose: Show that you’ve done your homework. Mention a shared interest, mutual contact, or a specific comment they made. Even a sentence like I saw your recent post on [topic] and thought your perspective was spot on adds credibility and humanity to your request.
Define Your Goal—But Keep It Light: Are you seeking a quote, research input, or a future collaboration? Say so, but keep the ask light in the initial connection. Let the conversation evolve naturally after they accept. That signals intent without obligation.

I’m not expecting anything immediate—just looking to expand my network thoughtfully and possibly collaborate down the line.

Don’t Nag—Follow-Up Once (If At All): Let it go if someone doesn’t respond to your connection request or follow-up. They may be busy, disinterested, or protective of their network. One respectful follow-up after a few weeks is acceptable, but repeated nudges can damage your professional reputation.

Bonus Tip: As a publisher at Martech Zone, I often use my content to build connections. Sharing a relevant article link in your note (without being promotional) gives your recipient something tangible to react to. It also shows you’re contributing value, not just asking for it.

We just published a piece on [related topic]—happy to share it if it’s useful.

Connection Should Precede Conversion
LinkedIn is not a LeadGen machine—it’s a reputation and social networking platform. Think of every connection as a relationship, not a transaction. Focus on being helpful, respectful, and authentic, and your network will reward you with access, insights, and opportunities when they matter most.
LinkedIn Connection Note Examples
Here are several message templates you can use depending on your outreach scenario. Each is under LinkedIn’s 300-character limit for connection notes and designed for maximum clarity, transparency, and personalization:

Research

Hi [First Name], I’m writing an article on [topic] for Martech Zone and would love to include expert insights. Your work at [Company] stood out. Happy to keep it light—just hoping to connect if you’re open to chatting.

Networking

Hi [First Name], I’ve been following your work in [industry/topic] and really value your perspective. I’d love to connect here on LinkedIn and stay in touch as we navigate similar challenges.

Recruiting

Hi [First Name], I came across your profile while looking for talent in [field]. Not recruiting directly, but always looking to build relationships with people doing great work. Would love to connect!

Mutual / Soft Ask

Hi [First Name], we have a few mutual connections and I admire your work in [field]. I’m always expanding my network thoughtfully and would love to connect if you’re open to it.

Event Follow-Up

Hi [First Name], I saw your talk at [event] and really appreciated your insights on [topic]. Would be great to connect here and continue learning from your expertise.

Cold Outreach

Hi [First Name], I publish Martech Zone and often highlight leaders in [topic]. If you ever want to share perspective or ideas, I’d love to connect and keep the door open.

Curious & Polite

Hi [First Name], your profile caught my eye as someone doing interesting work in [industry]. I’m always looking to connect with smart folks—happy to connect if you’re open to it.

Solution

Hi [First Name], I saw your post about [summarize their challenge or question briefly]. I’ve run into that too and found [brief insight or suggestion] helpful. Happy to connect in case you ever want to trade ideas or resources.

Invitation

Hi [First Name], I run [Blog / Podcast] and really admire your work in [area of expertise]. I’d love to connect and see if you might be open to a guest post or quick interview—only if it’s a fit, of course!

Each of these templates can be lightly tailored for tone and specificity. The goal is to lead with purpose, avoid hard asks upfront, and treat connection as the start of a conversation, not a transaction.