Always Customize Your LinkedIn Invitation to Connect

Always Customize Your LinkedIn Invitation to Connect In case you havent heard, you should always customize your LinkedIn invitation to connect, but I bet you didnt know these secrets.   In the early days of LinkedIn, before mobile, it wasnt hard to figure out how to customize your invitation to connect with someone. But times have changed and even I have accidentally sent an invitation without tailoring it first. The Default Message Is A Turn-off Many LinkedIn users complain about the impersonal invitations they receive. And so did I. But no longer. I think we need to give people the benefit of the doubt. Heres why. LinkedIn doesnt always give you the opportunity to select which type of message to send. So it isnt that the person is lazy or doesnt want to change the message- they often dont have the chance. Secret #1: Never Click to Connect Unless You Are On The Persons Profile The only guarantee you will be able to customize your invitation to connect happens when you are using your desktop (not the app on your tablet or smartphone). If you click connect from any other screen, you probably will not be able to edit the message. LinkedIn prompts you, in fact, they tease you, into connecting with people you should know. This happens when you see people you may know, when you search for someone, and many other places on LinkedIn. Just remember, always go to the persons profile and connect from that connect button!  Here is an important update: Secret #2: Use The 3 Dots From Your Mobile LinkedIn makes it far too easy to send the default invitation if you are using your mobile! If you are using your phone or tablet to connect with someone- look for the three dots at the top right of their profile! This works on most mobile devices. Lets be forgiving on this topic. And please do share this so we can all come up to speed on how to customize your invitation to connect!