Best LinkedIn Connection Request Message: Proven Do’s, Don’ts & 7 InMail Examples

Over the last couple of weeks, we’ve talked about reaching out to prospects over LinkedIn. 

Suppose you’ve gone through our posts recently. In that case, you are well aware by now of the type of LinkedIn outreach software we have recommended, alongside the type and style of different approaches to guarantee a better conversion and connection rate.

However, there are so many ways of connecting with potential people in and outside your bubble on LinkedIn, or any other social media for that matter. 

This is why, we wanted to dig in deep into the subject of the Best LinkedIn connection request message for sales; something that kind of stands out from the typical fluff.

And while, we are on the subject of LinkedIn Connection Messages, we will also talk a little bit about the best LinkedIn inmail templates for sales. 

The reason we aren’t going to double down on this in too much detail is because the best LinkedIn inmail templates for sales deserve a dedicated writeup that needs to explain the ins and out of the activity. A side mention won’t do much justice.

Anyhow…

Let’s get started, shall we?

When reaching out on LinkedIn, it’s easy to overthink the connection request message. 

You want to sound professional but not robotic, friendly but not intrusive, and persuasive without being pushy. Finding that sweet spot is tricky, especially in sales.

A poorly written LinkedIn connection request can ruin your chances of making a great first impression. 

A message that’s too generic gets ignored. A pitch that’s too aggressive turns people off. And let’s not even talk about the overly personal messages that make prospects cringe.

So, how do you send the best LinkedIn connection request message that actually gets accepted? And for those in sales, what’s the best LinkedIn connection request message for sales that sparks conversations instead of dead silence?

We’ll break it all down here—the dos, the don’ts, and real-world examples of LinkedIn messages that work (and the ones that don’t). If you want to improve your LinkedIn outreach, avoid the common pitfalls below and apply these proven strategies instead.

The Do’s and Don’ts of LinkedIn Connection Requests

To get the most out of your LinkedIn outreach, stick to these golden rules.

And yes, these are more of general guidelines. Feel free to improvise wherever you have to. After all, like all sales experts say, creativity harbors the best results at times...

✅ DO:

• Personalize your message – Show you’ve done your homework by mentioning something specific about the person or their work.
• Keep it short and to the point – Nobody wants to read a wall of text from a stranger.
• Make it about them, not you – Prospects are more likely to engage if they see a clear benefit.
• Be clear on why you’re reaching out – Whether it’s a shared interest, a mutual connection, or a potential business opportunity, state your reason upfront.
• End with a call to action – Make it easy for them to respond by asking a simple question or suggesting the next step.

❌ DON’T:

• Send generic messages – If your request sounds like a copy-paste job, it will likely get ignored.
• Start with a sales pitch – Nobody wants to be sold to in the first message.
• Overdo the flattery – Genuine compliments are great, but over-the-top praise can feel disingenuous.
• Be too personal – Commenting on someone’s personal life or appearance is a big no-no.
• Send connection requests without a message – A blank request is a wasted opportunity.

To bring these do’s and don’ts to life, let’s break down some LinkedIn message types that often miss the mark.

LinkedIn Connection Messages to Avoid Like a Plague

Okay, plague would be an overstatement, but there are some message styles that you need to avoid when doing outreach stuff on LinkedIn. 

Especially, if you are doing this for the sole purpose of genuinely connecting with potential prospects in hopes of getting their time for a meeting, or upselling something, there’s a whole bunch of tact that goes into sending messages.

Having said that, and the typical anxiety factor aside, if it’s your first time doing outreach over linkedin, even the best sales professionals sometimes send messages that flop. 

Here are some of the most common mistakes, along with examples of what not to say.

❌ The Impersonal Message

Nothing screams “I didn’t put any thought into this” like a generic message. If you send a connection request with something like:

“Hi [Name], I came across your profile and would love to connect.”

There’s a good chance it will go straight to the trash. Why? Because it doesn’t give the recipient a reason to accept.

Better Alternative:

“Hi [Name], I saw your post on [specific topic] and really liked your take on [key point]. I’d love to connect and continue the conversation.”

❌ The Overly Personal Message

Some people take personalization too far. Compliments can backfire when they cross into the “creepy” territory.

“Hey [Name], I saw your vacation pictures—amazing! Where was that beach?”

or

“Your family photo looks beautiful! Your kids are adorable!”

LinkedIn is a professional platform, not a social media site for personal conversations. Keep messages business-related.

Better Alternative:

“Hi [Name], I noticed we both attended [University] and work in [Industry]. I’d love to connect and exchange insights.”

❌ The Hard Sell Right Away

Nobody likes to be sold to immediately. A hard pitch in the first message is a surefire way to get ignored.

“Hi [Name], I work with [Company], and we help businesses like yours generate more leads. Let’s book a call to discuss!”

This approach makes it clear you’re only interested in selling. People don’t respond well to that.

Better Alternative:

“Hi [Name], I came across your profile while researching [Industry] leaders. Your work at [Company] is impressive! I’d love to connect and hear your thoughts on [specific industry topic].”

❌ The “All About Me” Message

Some messages fail because they focus too much on the sender and not enough on the recipient.

“Hi [Name], I’ve been in [Industry] for 15 years and have helped dozens of clients achieve success. Let’s connect so I can share my expertise.”

It’s great that you have experience, but why should the recipient care?

Better Alternative:

“Hi [Name], I see you’re working on [Project/Initiative]. I recently worked on something similar and would love to connect and share insights.”

Connection Request or InMail: What Should You Send?

Before you worry about what to say in a LinkedIn connection request, you need to decide how you want to contact the person.

If you're already on a paid LinkedIn plan, you may have access to InMail, which allows you to message someone outside your network. But just because you can send an InMail doesn't mean you should. Sometimes, a good connection request with a short message is all you need to start the conversation.

So how do you decide?

InMail vs Connection Request: What Works Better?

Both tools have their place, but each serves a slightly different purpose:

• Connection request with a message works better when you're trying to build long-term relationships, grow your network, or warm up a lead.
• InMail is better suited when the person is outside your network and you need to make direct contact for a very specific reason—like a job opportunity, sales pitch, or collaboration.

If you're new to someone or don't have a strong hook, a quick connection request message might feel more natural and less salesy.

What To Say In a LinkedIn Connection Request

This is where most people get stuck. They hover over the “Connect” button, not sure what to write. Should you talk about your product? Mention a mutual interest? Comment on their work?

Here’s the truth:

The best messages are short, relevant, and tailored to the person you’re reaching out to.

Let’s go over what to say in a LinkedIn connection request and what to avoid, especially when you’re trying to connect for business or sales reasons.

The Do’s of a Great Connection Message

If you want to actually get a response, keep these points in mind:

• Keep it brief. Two or three lines are enough.
• Make it about them, not about you.
• Mention something specific like a shared interest, mutual connection, or recent post.
• Be clear about why you’re reaching out—without sounding too forward.

Personalized LinkedIn Connection Request Message Tips

You want your message to sound like you took five seconds to read their profile—because honestly, you should have.

Here's a sample LinkedIn connection request for sales:

"Hi Sarah, I noticed your recent post on B2B growth strategies—your point about timing stood out. I work in a similar space and would love to connect."

It’s simple. It’s relevant. And it’s not a hard sell.

The Don’ts of LinkedIn Outreach

We’ve all seen the cringe-worthy connection messages that try too hard or say too little. These are the kinds of messages that either go ignored or worse, get your request declined.

Here are some mistakes you should avoid:

• Don’t send blank requests.
• Don’t write a novel.
• Don’t go in with a pitch right away.
• Don’t make it weird with over-personal compliments.

LinkedIn Connection Message Example to Avoid

"Hey Mike! I help people 10x their sales pipeline in 30 days. Want to chat?"

This type of message feels transactional. Nobody wants to be pitched before they even know who you are.

Sample LinkedIn Connection Requests for Sales

Below are some examples you can use or adapt based on who you're contacting. Each one is framed around a different context or goal, but all of them keep things human and to the point.

Example 1: Based on Recent Activity

"Hi Emily, I saw your comment on the RevOps post—you had a great point about streamlining processes. I’d love to connect and hear more about your take."

Example 2: Mutual Connection Mention

"Hi Raj, I noticed we’re both connected to Maria Khan. She spoke highly of your team at Orion. I’d love to add you to my network."

Example 3: Relevant Industry Topic

"Hi Tania, your background in AI-enabled healthcare is impressive. I’m also working in health tech, and it would be great to connect."

Example 4: Attending the Same Event

"Hi Jeff, I saw you’re attending SaaStr Annual this year—me too! Would be great to connect before the event."

Example 5: Working at a Target Account

"Hi Aisha, I’ve been following how your team at Novex has been leading on customer success. I’d love to connect and share notes."

What Message to Send on LinkedIn to Connect: When You’re Unsure

Sometimes, you’re not sure what angle to use. You just know you want to make a good connection.

Here’s a general-purpose message that works well:

"Hi Daniel, I came across your profile while researching leaders in SaaS enablement. Your work at Crestbridge looks exciting—happy to connect!"

Still short. Still tailored. And completely non-intrusive.

LinkedIn InMail Templates for Sales

If you’re sending InMails instead of connection requests, your message needs to be a little more structured. Since InMails go to people outside your network, you don’t want to waste their time with vague intros or aggressive sales language.

Here are a few LinkedIn InMail templates for sales professionals that work better than most:

InMail Template 1: Offer Real Value

"Hi James, I read about your shift toward data-led onboarding at Acme Inc. I recently worked with a team facing a similar challenge and created a resource that might be helpful. Would it be okay to send it over?"

This kind of message offers something useful first. It’s about them, not you.

InMail Template 2: Keep It Direct

"Hi Noor, I’ll keep this short. I help SaaS teams reduce churn using predictive customer health scores. If that’s something you’re working on, I’d love to share a few ideas."

This works best when you're confident about the relevance of your pitch.

InMail Template 3: Ask For Insight

"Hi Ahmed, I noticed your background in financial tech strategy. I’m researching how mid-sized firms adopt AI in compliance workflows. I’d value your opinion if you’re open to a quick chat."

This doesn’t ask for a sale—it asks for advice. That’s a much easier ask.

What to Say Instead: Best LinkedIn Connection Request Message Examples

Now that we’ve covered what not to say, let’s look at what actually works. The best LinkedIn connection request message is short, relevant, and leaves room for conversation.

✅ The Personalized Approach

“Hi [Name], I just read your post on [Topic] and found your perspective really interesting. I’d love to connect and discuss further!”

✅ The Common Interest Angle

“Hi [Name], I noticed we’re both passionate about [Industry/Topic]. I’d love to connect and exchange ideas!”

✅ The Mutual Connection Strategy

“Hi [Name], I saw that we’re both connected to [Mutual Connection]. They spoke highly of your work, and I’d love to connect and learn more about what you do.”

✅ The Thought-Provoking Question

“Hi [Name], I’ve been thinking about [Industry Challenge] and saw that you’ve worked in this space. I’d love to hear your thoughts—mind if we connect?”

Best LinkedIn InMail Templates for Sales

If you’re reaching out to prospects through LinkedIn InMail, the structure of your message matters even more. Since InMails allow you to message people outside your network, your approach needs to be even more thoughtful.

✅ InMail Template #1: Value-First Approach

“Hi [Name], I came across your profile and saw your work in [Industry]. I recently put together a [Resource] that I think you’d find useful. I’d love to share it with you—let me know if you’re interested!”

✅ InMail Template #2: Straight to the Point

“Hi [Name], I know you’re busy, so I’ll keep this brief. I help [Industry] professionals with [Specific Problem]. Would it be worth a quick chat to see if we can help?”

✅ InMail Template #3: Ask for Insights

“Hi [Name], I noticed your expertise in [Field], and I’m working on a project related to [Topic]. I’d love to get your insights if you’re open to a quick chat!”

What Are Your Thoughts On LinkedIn Inmail Templates for Sales?

The best LinkedIn connection request message, or LinkedIn inmail templates for sales is usually the one that feels natural, personal, and value-driven. 

While you’re at it, always think about what’s in it for the recipient. If your message makes them want to engage, you’re on the right track.

On the subject of doing sales outreach, you should know that LinkedIn InMails can be a powerful tool when done right. Stick to clear, concise messaging that focuses on how you can help, and you’ll see better response rates.

Want to level up your LinkedIn outreach? 

Apply these strategies, and watch your acceptance rate soar!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What makes the best LinkedIn connection request message effective?

An effective LinkedIn connection request message is short, relevant, and personalized. Instead of sending a generic “Let’s connect” request, mention something specific about the recipient’s work, achievements, or shared interests. 

A strong message also highlights a clear reason for connecting without sounding too pushy or self-serving. For sales outreach, adding a subtle value proposition can increase acceptance rates.

Example:
"Hi [Name], I came across your recent post on [Topic], and your take on [Specific Point] really resonated with me. I’d love to connect and exchange insights on [Shared Interest]."

2. What should I avoid when sending a LinkedIn connection request for sales?

When reaching out for sales, avoid making your message sound like a cold pitch. 

Common mistakes include sending long-winded introductions, making it all about yourself, or pushing a meeting right away. 

People connect with those who provide value, so focus on starting a conversation rather than selling immediately.

Things to avoid:

• Hard selling: “I have a product that can boost your revenue by 50%! Let’s set up a call.”
• Generic messaging: “I saw your profile and thought we should connect.”
• Favor requests too soon: “Can you introduce me to someone at your company?”

3. How do I craft the best LinkedIn InMail templates for sales?

A great InMail template is structured around personalization, value, and a clear call to action. It should capture attention without overwhelming the reader. 

The best messages feel conversational rather than scripted.

Template Example:
"Hi [Name], I saw your work at [Company] and was impressed by [Specific Achievement]. I help [Industry] professionals with [Solution]. If [Pain Point] is something you’re looking to solve, I’d be happy to share some insights. Let me know if you’re open to a quick chat!"

4. What’s the ideal length for a LinkedIn connection message?

Keeping your LinkedIn message under 300 characters increases the chances of getting a response. 

Most professionals skim messages quickly, so a brief yet meaningful note works best. Aim for 2-3 sentences that provide context, value, and a friendly invitation to connect.

Example (Short & Effective):
"Hi [Name], I noticed we share a mutual interest in [Industry/Topic]. Your insights on [Specific Post/Project] stood out to me. Looking forward to connecting!"