Ask A Question: How to Link with People You Don't Know pt. 2

Like many of you who read my blog I get inundated with LinkedIn requests.
I wrote an article about my responses when people blindly try and contact me, plus other ways to get noticed on LinkedIn.
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I was asked by someone who read the articles, how do I link with someone I don't know who might be able to help me?
Good question.

Here is another idea I use:

No matter if you are using LinkedIn, email, phone call, or meeting in person, ask the person you want to connect with a question about the industry that can help you, or on a common interest. Don't meander around in conversation. Get to the question as direct as you can.

Get their attention and make them interested in responding to you.
Be professional. Be polite. Know something about them that will get their interest (i.e. I just read your blog about _________. I liked your take on the issue but had a question), know what company they work for or the last company they were with, if there are any common connections, what groups they belong to. What events they are attending or were a presenter at. All of this information can be found on LinkedIn profiles, Facebook, other databases, Google searches, even common associates.

As an intelligent, open ended question about something you need to know about for either your job search or sales process. Show that you have some knowledge of the topic but that you see them as an expert and want their opinion.
If your question intrigues them and your intention of why you are asking is genuine, they will probably take your call, email, or maybe set up an appointment.

Give it a try.

Ev
A Heck of A Nice Guy