As a guest on a podcast, talking about mistakes professionals make on LinkedIn®, I was surprised when my host said, “You can’t send a personalized LinkedIn connection request when using your smartphone.”
And, she was surprised when I said “NOT TRUE.”
Some time ago, it used to be that, when you sent out an invitation to connect with someone on LinkedIn® – and you used your mobile device – LinkedIn did not give you the ability to personalize that request. If you clicked on the “Connect” button from your smartphone, a generic LinkedIn invitation went out automatically.
It was frustrating to those who valued the importance of connecting in a friendly and professional way, but were using their phones to do so.
Almost daily I receive generic invites and, as I always do, before accepting the request I reach out to that person to ask how the found me (i.e., were they referred or were they simply searching LinkedIn). Not too long ago, one person responded with an immediate apology for the impersonal message and blamed it on their phone.
Alas, it’s time to stop pointing the finger at your phone or tablet. Since approximately the end of 2015, LinkedIn’s mobile app made it possible for you to personalize those connection requests. If you’re on the go and like to use your mobile phone or tablet for connecting with professionals on LinkedIn, you can do so and be personal, but there is a catch.
You do NOT click on that “Connect” button.
First, go to the person’s profile and you’ll notice a box that has 3 little dots “…” (see image below).
Click on that and you’ll get a dialog box (see below) that reveals a drop down menu. When you select, “Personalize invite,” a new box opens up that says, “Include a message to
I use an iPhone and iPad, so I’m not sure if an Android will give the exact same cue in the dialog box. Please keep me posted if you give it a try!
I’m of the opinion that one of the biggest mistakes people make on LinkedIn is not taking the time to write a personal message when they send out an invitation to connect.
Now, you can do it from your desktop, laptop or your LinkedIn Mobile App! It’s a great way to start a conversation and begin building relationships from the get-go. And, that’s what social networking is all about it, isn’t it?
When it comes to connecting with others on LinkedIn, do you have a tip you’d like to share? If so, drop me a line and let me know what it is because I’d love to hear from you. Thanks a million and here’s to your sweet success.
