It's one thing to use the standard "I'd like to add you to my network on LinkedIn" boilerplate when making a LinkedIn connection request to somebody you already have a relationship with. I'm sure many would disagree, but if we already have a real life relationship I'm not going to be upset that you didn't change this message.

Using this to connect with somebody you've never met, and have never had any previous interaction with on the otherhand is rediculous. Yet I get them all the time. It's what prompted my previous post about My LinkedIn Networking Philosophy.

Today I bring you the best connection request I've ever received. With permission here is Sherry Lowry's request from late last week:

Scott, I'd say at this point i may be more of a FAN than a friend, and I'd like to change that.

Interim, I'd also appreciate adding you to my professional network on LinkedIn -- and ALSO buy coffee when you have time to connect live in Austin.

I like everything i've learned about you - and none of it has been first-hand. It seems well past time to know more DIRECTLY about you and what you want next in your own future.

- Sherry Lowry, MCC

Granted Sherry and I have a number of mutual connections so this wasn't the coldest of cold introductions. However, she's obviously taken the time to understand my networking philosophy and made the entire request about me and not herself.

Work to incorporate these 3 points into any cold connection request or introduction:

• A connection point that you both share and/or why you think it makes sense to begin a relationship
• Specifically how you think you can add value to them (What's in it for them?)
• Suggest a specific next step. This could be an e-mail dialogue or scheduling a time for coffee or a phone call.

I'm looking forward to my phone conversation with Sherry tomorrow morning.

How do you introduce yourself into stronger connections?

Happy Networking!

Scott Ingram
NetworkInAustin.com