We write a request to LinkedIn, and the potential client or partner just ignores it. We write the request again. And again, through friends and long-distance contact we try to make an acquaintance. But all to no avail. In most cases, it’s not how the social network works at all, but how the request is drafted. And most importantly, there are no inconsistencies in the account from whose names the request comes. 

The search for potential partners should be done professionally. And spend a minimum of time and resources on it. For example, by using a search service to find clients and their data through the Reply app at https://emails.reply.io/. But even if you now have many interesting contacts thanks to this search, it is not yet a guarantee of success. You must know how to take advantage of it.

Getting your thoughts and emotions in order on LinkedIn

For potential contacts to work, you should first deal directly with your personal account. And you must think in the same way as a potential partner or client.

For example, a person who is a cactus breeder is asked to be a friend. His entire account is filled with cacti. And even his avatar is a photo with his favorite prickly friend. But he works in the direction of creating IT products. And in all seriousness, he offers to join an intellectual collaboration in innovative development or to fund a startup.

If he were asking for funds for a cactus store, he’d be all right. But IT is clearly not his thing. This is more of a misconception on the part of a potential client of a talented IT expert. But if the person isn’t known, the easiest way is to double-check. That’s what a potential partner thinks and doesn’t respond to an inquiry. So, before you write a query letter, strictly inspect your own account:

• fill the account with expert publications on the topic, preferably exclusive information;
• demonstrate your interest in the topic in the design of your account – your work area, hobbies, circle of interests;
• do not be lazy to put a photo or video of events or places of work, where you clearly emphasize your professional interest.

It’s a good idea to link your account to other resources or reviews of your work by other LinkedIn members.

Forming a request according to all the rules and making offers

This is already a bit more complicated. First, do not forget the golden rule of communication in social networks – write briefly and without lyrical introductions. Hit the point – if you specify in the text where and how you know the person to whom you refer.

If there is no line of contact in real life, indicate at least in a line the usefulness of the contact and show ingenuity:

• you can suggest a business idea and briefly outline its prospects in monetary terms;
• if we are talking about intellectual work – a tangible result in the form of a scientific publication or joint project to create a laboratory, conducting research with grant support.

Even following these two simple tips, will noticeably improve the effectiveness of using the social network and finding potential partners.