How to Follow Up on LinkedIn Outreach Without Being Pushy
In the world of professional networking, LinkedIn stands as a powerful tool for outreach, helping you connect with potential clients, partners, or employers. However, the real art lies not just in sending that initial message but in how you follow up. Follow-up messages can be tricky—while you want to stay on someone’s radar, you don’t want to come across as pushy. Striking the right balance is crucial for building and maintaining professional relationships. In this guide, we’ll explore how to follow up on LinkedIn outreach effectively, without being overbearing.
Timing Is Everything
The timing of your follow-up can make a significant difference. If you follow up too soon, you risk being perceived as impatient; too late, and your message may be forgotten. A good rule of thumb is to wait 5-7 business days after your initial outreach before sending a follow-up. This window gives the recipient ample time to read and consider your message without feeling pressured.
Personalize Your Follow-Up Message
A personalized message shows that you’re genuinely interested in connecting, not just sending out a generic follow-up. Reference something specific from your initial outreach or their LinkedIn profile. For example, if you initially reached out to discuss a shared interest in fintech, mention a recent article they might have posted or comment on a trend in the industry. This approach shows that you’re attentive and engaged, which is far more appealing than a generic follow-up.
Offer Value, Don’t Just Remind
Your follow-up should do more than just remind the recipient of your previous message. Provide additional value that could encourage a response. This could be a relevant article, a recent industry report, or even an invitation to a webinar that might interest them. Offering value positions you as a resource rather than someone simply seeking a favor.
For example, you could say, “Hi [Name], I wanted to follow up on my last message and also share this recent study on [topic] that I thought you might find interesting. It aligns with some of the challenges you mentioned in your post last week.”
Be Respectful and Understanding
It’s important to acknowledge that the person you’re reaching out to may be busy. A polite and understanding tone can go a long way. Consider saying something like, “I understand you might have a lot on your plate, but I wanted to follow up on my previous message to see if you had any thoughts. If now isn’t the right time, I’m happy to reconnect at a later date.”
This approach demonstrates that you respect their time and are not demanding an immediate response.
Keep It Short and Sweet
Long-winded follow-ups are more likely to be ignored. Keep your message concise, reiterating the main point of your initial outreach while adding a brief new insight or offer. Brevity makes it easier for the recipient to quickly grasp your message and decide on a response.
For example, “Hi [Name], just following up on my earlier message about [topic]. I’d love to hear your thoughts when you have a moment. Here’s a quick read on [related topic] that you might find useful. Looking forward to connecting!”
Know When to Step Back
If you’ve followed up a couple of times and still haven’t received a response, it may be time to step back. Sending too many follow-ups can come across as aggressive. A good practice is to limit your outreach to two follow-ups after the initial message. If you still don’t hear back, it’s best to let it go and perhaps try again in a few months if appropriate.
Use LinkedIn Features to Stay Top of Mind
If you’re not getting a response, consider engaging with the recipient’s content instead of sending another follow-up message. Commenting on their posts or sharing their content can keep you on their radar in a more passive way. This approach can sometimes open the door to a conversation more naturally.
Following up on LinkedIn outreach without being pushy requires a delicate balance of persistence, politeness, and value addition. By personalizing your messages, respecting the recipient’s time, and knowing when to step back, you can enhance your professional outreach strategy. Remember, effective networking is about building relationships, not just making connections, so approach each interaction with a genuine interest in creating mutually beneficial connections.
