How To Write LinkedIn Messages Using Mutual Connections
Want to get better LinkedIn responses? Start with mutual connections. Messages that reference shared connections can boost response rates by up to 80%, compared to generic outreach. Why? Because mutual connections build trust and make your message feel more personal.
Here’s how to do it effectively:
- Find Mutual Connections: Use LinkedIn’s "Connections of" filter to discover shared contacts. Look for common ground like work history, education, or professional groups.
- Write Strong Messages: Start by mentioning the mutual connection, personalize your message with details about the recipient, and end with a clear call to action.
- Avoid Mistakes: Don’t overuse the shared connection or jump into a sales pitch. Keep your message professional and relevant.
- Use Tools: Platforms like LiSeller can help automate and personalize your outreach.
Pro Tip: The best times to send messages are Tuesday to Thursday, between 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM EST. Follow up politely if you don’t get a response within 3-5 business days.
Mutual connections are your secret weapon for standing out on LinkedIn. Use them to create meaningful, professional relationships.
LinkedIn Invite Message: A Connection Request Message Template
Finding Mutual Connections
Building mutual connections on LinkedIn takes a thoughtful approach.
Using LinkedIn's Connection Search
Leverage LinkedIn's advanced search tools to discover mutual connections. Use the "Connections of" filter and Boolean operators (like "marketing AND startup") to narrow down professionals who match your goals. LinkedIn prioritizes results based on factors like interaction frequency, shared contacts, professional history, and common group memberships. Once you have a list, review profiles to identify shared interests or experiences.
"Finding common ground when networking is essential for building meaningful connections and relationships...help bridge the initial gap", says Tracey Currell, The Connections Queen.
Finding Common Ground
When scanning profiles, pay attention to overlapping career paths, similar educational backgrounds, and shared volunteer work or group memberships.
"If you find it before you start selling to them, the sell becomes easier. I always start a conversation to build that common ground before anything else", shares Tracey Currell.
Focus on quality over quantity. Look for industry leaders, employees at your target companies, experts in your field, or active content creators. Start by interacting with their posts to establish familiarity. This helps lay the groundwork for a successful connection request.
Writing Messages That Reference Mutual Connections
Craft LinkedIn messages that highlight mutual connections while maintaining a balance of professionalism and a personal touch.
Starting With the Mutual Connection
The first line of your message is crucial - it sets the tone for the entire conversation. Start by mentioning your mutual connection to establish credibility and encourage a response.
Here are some message templates based on how well you know the person:
| Relationship Level | Message Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Discussion | Reference a specific conversation | "Hi Kath, I was discussing x, y, z with Nico Prins (a mutual connection of ours), and he suggested you might be a great person to connect with." |
| Casual Connection | General professional reference | "Hi Kath, a mutual connection, Nico Prins, mentioned you as a fellow professional in IN. I recently read your article on Business Intelligence..." |
| Group Connection | Shared community mention | "Hello [Name], I noticed we're both connected with [Mutual Connection] at [Company]. We recently worked together, and they spoke highly of you." |
After referencing the connection, take it a step further by making your message more personal.
Adding Personal Details
Once you've established credibility, make your message stand out by including details specific to the recipient. This could be something from their profile, a recent achievement, or a shared experience in your industry. For instance, mention an article they wrote, a project they worked on, or a topic they’ve been active in. Avoid vague or overly generic messages - personalization is key.
Writing Clear Next Steps
Wrap up your message with a clear and actionable request. Tailor your closing line to match your networking goal:
| Objective | Effective Closing |
|---|---|
| Knowledge Exchange | "Would you be open to a 15-minute call next week to discuss [specific topic]?" |
| Professional Connection | "I'd love to add you to my network and stay updated on your insights about [industry/topic]." |
| Business Opportunity | "Could we schedule a quick call to explore potential collaboration? Here's my calendar link: [link]." |
Being clear about your intentions makes it easier for the recipient to respond.
sbb-itb-df6a70c
Message Writing Guidelines
Crafting effective LinkedIn messages requires a professional tone, good timing, and making the most of shared connections.
Setting Professional Boundaries
Keep your conversations focused on work-related topics and avoid diving into personal matters. Here's a quick guide:
| Connection Type | Appropriate Topics | Topics to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Industry Peer | Work projects, industry trends, professional wins | Personal life details, non-work activities |
| Former Colleague | Shared work experiences, career growth, industry insights | Office gossip, opinions about former employers |
| Mutual Group Member | Group discussions, industry events, shared professional interests | Personal social events, private matters |
Sticking to these topics helps maintain a professional tone.
"When engaging with others on LinkedIn, it's crucial to focus on professional matters", says Kirandeep Kaur.
Choosing When to Send
Timing is key to getting responses. Here’s when to reach out:
Best Times to Send Messages:
- Morning: 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM EST
- Afternoon: 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM EST
- Best Days: Tuesday through Thursday
Limit your personalized outreach to 10-20 messages per day to avoid overwhelming your network.
Follow-up Message Tips
When following up, strike a balance between persistence and professionalism. Here's a simple timing plan:
- First follow-up: Wait 3-5 business days after your initial message.
- Subsequent follow-ups: Space them out by 7-14 days.
- Maximum attempts: Stop after 2-3 follow-ups if there's no response.
Keep your follow-up messages short - under 150 words - and include a clear call to action. Add value by sharing industry insights or updates about mutual connections to keep the conversation relevant.
Common Message Writing Mistakes
When using mutual connections in LinkedIn messages, certain missteps can hurt your chances of success. Recognizing these mistakes can help you create better outreach messages.
Focusing Too Much on Mutual Connections
Mentioning a shared connection briefly can establish credibility, but overdoing it can distract from your main purpose. Think of the mutual connection as an icebreaker, not the centerpiece of your message.
| Message Component | Best Practice | Common Mistake |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction | Briefly mention the mutual connection (1-2 sentences) | Overemphasizing the shared contact |
| Main Content | Focus on your reason for connecting | Going into unnecessary detail about the connection |
| Call to Action | Provide clear next steps | Making vague references to the mutual acquaintance |
Keep the focus on your intent, not the shared connection, and avoid coming across as overly sales-driven.
Avoiding Sales Pitches
Jumping into a sales pitch after referencing a mutual connection can backfire. It risks damaging both your relationship with the recipient and the mutual contact. Building trust is key - research shows that over 70% of people prefer to buy from brands they trust.
"Sending a message pitching your product or service to your connections is a great way to get blocked and/or reported as spam. It will definitely turn most (if not all) people off." - Melonie Dodaro, Top Dog Social Media
Instead of selling, focus on sharing meaningful insights or discussing relevant industry challenges to build rapport.
Generic Message Problems
Generic messages that simply name-drop a mutual connection often fall flat. Personalization is critical - 72% of consumers engage only with messages tailored to them.
| Personalization Element | How to Use It |
|---|---|
| Industry Knowledge | Mention specific challenges in their field |
| Recent Achievements | Highlight their latest professional milestone |
| Shared Interests | Bring up common professional groups or causes |
| Mutual Connection Context | Explain the relevance of the shared connection |
"To me, spam is anything the receiver doesn't find valuable." - Melonie Dodaro, Top Dog Social Media
Craft messages that show genuine effort and interest. Use mutual connections as a way to start the conversation, but ensure the rest of your message reflects thoughtful research and a real desire to build a professional relationship.
LinkedIn Message Management Tools
Managing LinkedIn messages effectively is key to building meaningful connections. Today’s automation platforms make this process faster and more personalized. One standout option is LiSeller.
LiSeller: LinkedIn Automation Platform
LiSeller uses AI to simplify LinkedIn engagement and messaging. With its advanced tools, it helps users identify the right connections and start conversations naturally. Here’s how it works:
| Feature | What It Does |
|---|---|
| AI Filtering | Pinpoints mutual connections and engagement opportunities |
| Post Monitoring | Keeps track of specific profiles’ posts to find conversation starters |
| CRM Integration | Organizes relationship data and tracks your outreach history |
| Customizable Templates | Builds personalized messages referencing shared connections |
These tools can dramatically improve your LinkedIn activity.
Performance Highlights:
- Boosts profile views by up to 295.7% in just one week
- Supports up to 3,500 comments per week
- Increases content impressions by up to 893.3%
For businesses looking to scale their LinkedIn efforts, LiSeller offers flexible pricing plans:
- Small Plan ($47/month): Great for solo professionals, includes 300 comments per month
- Medium Plan ($197/month): Designed for growing teams, includes 1,500 comments per month
- Large Plan ($497/month): Tailored for enterprises, includes 4,500 comments per month
With AI-enhanced outreach, response rates can improve by 46%, while personalized messaging increases engagement by 37%. Plus, LiSeller uses LinkedIn’s official API, ensuring compliance and maintaining high-quality interactions.
Building LinkedIn Relationships with Mutual Connections
Using mutual connections can significantly improve your LinkedIn networking efforts. According to data from the Dux-Soup Blog (August 2024), personalized InMails that mention shared connections are up to 4× more likely to get a response compared to cold outreach. This effect is even stronger - by an additional 27% - when reaching out to highly connected and recently active users.
Why does this work? LinkedIn networking thrives on personalization, professionalism, and having a clear purpose. Referencing mutual connections isn’t just about name-dropping; it’s about building trust and showing you’re part of the same network. Tools like LiSeller streamline this process by combining automation with personalized outreach, making it easier to connect in a meaningful way.
Think of mutual connections as trust bridges. When used thoughtfully, they can transform a simple introduction into the foundation of a long-term professional relationship. Paired with strategic tools, these connections become key for growing your network and building trust.
In today’s LinkedIn landscape, success comes from genuine engagement supported by smart automation. Whether you’re aiming to grow your network, explore new opportunities, or drive business growth, leveraging mutual connections can open doors that cold outreach simply won’t.