Contacting consultants of a firm via Linkedin: message only or add them and message

Hi there,

I would not recommend to message people on LinkedIn if your goal is a referral – emails work a lot better.

You should target people that share something in common with you, otherwise the conversion rate in both cases will be very low.

You can find more on how to structure a referral process at the link below:

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/hey-everyonehope-all-is-well-3176

Best,

Francesco

Hi there,

I would personally only message and not ask to connect. That said, I don't think this would move the need much.

That said, what will move the needle is asking them for a chat over the phone. If you're worried about being intrusive, that would do it! Please don't directly ask for their time. Rather, instead of asking for a call, just tell them you'd be interested to hear there journey and would really appreciate if they could share some insights/answer some quick questions you had.

Let them offer a call.

If I receive a message so bluntly asking for a call, I ignore it!

Hi, I confirm the most effective way is targeting people you are texting, to find a nice hook (same university, company, colleagues, geography, ....). It really helps to connect with cold messages

Best,
Antonello

Agree with Florian. You would be amazed how many completely new people reach out on LinkedIn with no message or a generic copy-paste message. 

Hi there, 

I wouldn't ask for a phone call in the request message, but when the person accepts the request, I'd start chatting with them, trying to find a common ground, and then you can politely ask for a call/advice.

Cheers, 

GB

Hello,

I would suggest to send a message and then to add them as a reminder option if you don't get an answer.
More over: be careful to ask for a phone call, they are usually really busy and they won't give you the chance to talk if you are asking them too much "effort".

Best,
Luca

Tailored message with connection request will give you more responses. Find common ground with the person and come across as genuine.

Hey there,

I'd send a message with the request. Use a targeted outreach (people you have something in common with, e.g., same degree, university, previous work experience, etc.) to increase your chances of a positive answer.

Cheers,

Florian

Out of the blue messages will likely only get you a connection but not much more. Try to use analysis, find a path to the people and let yourself be introduced. That way you have a way better and stronger engagement and get better responses. On top, this way they may be more likely to reference you into the hiring processes.

IMHO and in all openess: It doesn't matter and being connected to somebody on linkedin doesn't mean sh... By having your linkedin contact request accepted on linkedin you're not part of their network and they won't be doing anything more for you than for a random stranger just because of it.

So don't overthink it and just reach out with a nice message. 

Hello!

100% message, if not, how can they know you are and what you want from them?

Cheers, 

Clara