We’ve all been there. You spend time crafting the perfect connection request, hit send, and then… silence. Or worse, you get an immediate, generic sales pitch back before even accepting.
See video above I created in under a minute using Operly.
After thirty years in internet marketing, I’ve seen every tactic in the book. But the truth is, the digital landscape has changed. People are busier and more skeptical than ever. If you’re still sending out automated, copy-paste connection requests, you aren’t just wasting your time—you’re likely hurting your brand.
So, how do we actually cut through the noise and get the attention of the people who matter? It’s time to move from “selling” to “connecting.” Here’s how I’m approaching it in my own work with blockchain and tax credits:
- The “Pre-Connection” Strategy Before you send an invite, become a familiar face. Spend a few minutes each day finding key prospects and engaging with their content. Don’t just hit ‘like.’ Write a genuine, thoughtful comment on one of their posts. By the time they see your name in their connection requests, you’ve already started a conversation.
- Ditch the Pitch The biggest mistake is trying to close the deal in the first sentence. Your connection request should be about them, not you. Mention something specific from their profile or a recent post. Show them that you’ve done your homework. A simple, “I really appreciated your take on [Topic X]—it challenged my thinking,” is worth a hundred generic templates.
- Think Long-Term Marketing has always been about relationships. Whether you’re looking at tax credits for manufacturing or exploring new blockchain applications, networking is a marathon, not a sprint. Be consistent, be authentic, and provide value before you ever ask for a minute of their time.
Just another Image I created in Seconds with Operly
The best way to get someone’s attention on LinkedIn is to stop trying to “get” it and start earning it.
What’s one strategy you’ve found that actually helps you build real relationships on LinkedIn? I’d love to hear your thoughts.