Although the best way to get a connection is through a warm introduction or someone who engages on content you shared, occasionally  the only option is to connect directly. There are a few factors that go into the success of this methodology; a profile that offers value and inspires curiosity, an easy way for your audience to get a hold of you and a personalized connection request that has an impact! LinkedIn gives us 300 characters, how we use it is vital to the success of our business development efforts. If keeping it short is a challenge, use this handy dandy character count tool when crafting your invitation requests.

Here are 7 examples of connection request templates that will have you standing out and converting more connection requests to actual lead opportunities.

1. Your name came up on LinkedIn as someone I should connect with so I visited your profile and noticed XXX. (could be their college, old company, group they belong to etc.)  I thought it might make sense for us to connect on LinkedIn.
2. I noticed you are a TITLE and I thought I would reach out and introduce myself. Once we connect I would be happy to send you an eBook that many other TITLEs have found very helpful.
3. (Like something from their recent activity then…) Thank you very much for sharing the article on XXX, I found it to be very helpful. Let’s connect, I am looking forward to reading more of your shares.
4. “I saw your tweet about XXX — that’s impressive. How long have you been into XXX?”
5. (If they are a 2nd degree connection) When your name came up on LinkedIn I noticed we were connected to quite a few of the same people, so I thought it might makes sense for us to connect too.
6. (Do a search for prospects that are alumni, hover over My Network and click onFind Alumni) When I noticed you attended XXX 3 years after I was there and you work at XXX, I thought I would reach out and introduce myself. Let’s connect and set up a time to chat.
7. I am not sure if XXX is on your radar, but if this is a current initiative, let’s connect and I will share a powerful blog post that I think you might find helpful. (Make sure you send it when they connect).

The key is to make your connection requests personal and relevant. When it is about them and not you, they will want to connect with you. And when they do, make sure you send them a welcome note that converts them from a new connection to a phone call.

Thanks for connecting with me on LinkedIn. Often I like to have a brief phone call with my new connections so we can explore opportunities to work together now or in the future. Here is a link to may calendarhttp://ScheduleaCallwithBrynne.com, please pick a time that works best for you. In addition, here is the eBook that I mentioned you might find very helpful in your XXX efforts.

BONUS: If you have Sales Navigator you can add hyperlinks in your connection requests.