I don’t know about you but for every benefit I get from LinkedIn, I get an equal amount of frustration. Some people, like me, have criteria for who they will invite and whose invitation they will accept on LinkedIn. How many times has this happened to you?

Someone invites you to join their LinkedIn network or asks if they can join yours. You accept. And then it happens….

In the first example, I received this message a week after I accepted this individual’s invitation:

“Hello Dave, I noticed we haven’t had a chance to talk yet having been connected now for over a week. I am following up to see if you have reviewed our [their product] that has changed the shape of businesses nationwide. If you want more info, let’s schedule a time to get connected personally here: [their personal landing page] to gather more detailed information. As always, if there is anybody you want me to connect you with in my network, let me know and I will make it happen. I look forward to your response!”

In the second example, I received this message from someone in a business similar to mine who, as with the first example, sent this to me right after I accepted his invitation:

“Hello Dave, I am reaching out because it looks like you are doing some exciting things that are really making a difference! I know the true value of an online network comes from creating meaningful connections through start-up conversations. I am passionate about helping organizations of all sizes to improve their sales performance. For over 25 years I have designed and implemented knowledge management and performance support systems for many companies including Hewlett Packard, ExxonMobil, Pepsi Co., and many others. Let’s chat. Please call me at [phone number]. PS: Here’s an article I thought you might find interesting. It explains more about the importance of Content Strategy in Sales Look forward to talking to you soon, [his name].”

In the third example, the message was sent to me the same day I accepted his invite. While it was more tailored to me than most others, it was still wrong:

“Hi Dave, I came across your profile recently on LinkedIn, and I got to know that you already are a published author. I’m the CEO of [company], one of the world’s leading “Done For You” Publishing companies which provides all the services related to book publishing and marketing. You can find more about us at [their website]. Recently we have launched a Press Release Distribution service for authors which is worth $2,500 (FREE for you). If you avail this offer, then we will get your book featured in press releases to around 300+ media sites, including Top-Tier Newswire (ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, CW, etc.) which positions you as the go-to expert in your field. In exchange, we would just need your testimonial (video & written) which we can use to get paid clients. If you find that this is the right fit for you, then you can schedule a free 30-min strategy call with me today at [scheduling link]. I would love to spread your book with our PR service (for free). Thank you, [signature line].”

Inviting someone to your LinkedIn network and immediately trying to pitch them is not cool and not how to effectively leverage LinkedIn. There are plenty of LinkedIn experts out there, and I’m not going to pretend to be one of them. The way to do business with people in your LinkedIn network is for them to notice your expertise on LinkedIn. Engage in conversations. Create and share content and ask specific people to comment. Pitching your new connections will only cause them to remove you as a connection.

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