I am continuing with my LinkedIn theme with a great guest post by Kate Webb of KW Consulting who shares some tips on engaging with your LinkedIn connections using LinkedIn Messaging.  Read on and engage!!

 

If you’re like most people, you probably think of LinkedIn as a place to connect with colleagues, share articles, and maybe post a job listing now and then. But what if I told you that LinkedIn Messaging could be the secret weapon you didn’t know you had? Seriously—it’s an untapped goldmine for building genuine relationships, creating business opportunities, and making lasting impressions.

Here are 8 creative (and slightly out-of-the-box) ways you can use LinkedIn Messaging to connect with people in ways they’re not expecting—and that’s the beauty of it.

1. Start a Real Conversation

Forget the usual sales pitch. The best way to break the ice on LinkedIn is by starting an authentic conversation. Reach out to potential customers, partners, or industry peers and talk to them like real people. Comment on something they’ve posted or ask a thoughtful question about their work. This is about building real connections, not jumping straight into selling. Trust me—people can tell when you’re just trying to sell.

2. Ask for a Quick Meeting

Once you’ve had a good back-and-forth, it’s time to level up: ask them for a quick chat. A simple Zoom meeting can do wonders for solidifying that connection. LinkedIn even has built-in tools to create meeting links directly in the message—easy, right? Invite them to a friendly virtual coffee or offer to brainstorm some ideas. Keeping it casual and genuine makes all the difference.

3. Host a LinkedIn Live Event

Here’s where things get interesting. Got something valuable to share? Host a LinkedIn Live event and invite your ideal prospects to join. Whether it’s an expert Q&A, a mini-workshop, or a panel discussion, LinkedIn Live is a killer way to engage your audience in real-time. Plus, by personally inviting people through messaging, you show them you’re offering value tailored to them.

4. Invite Guests to Your Podcast

Running a podcast or thinking about starting one? Use LinkedIn Messaging to reach out to potential guests. Not only does this help you build a killer guest lineup, but it’s also a great way to form relationships with thought leaders in your industry. Drop them a message inviting them to be a guest, and chances are, they’ll be intrigued by the opportunity. It’s a win-win—you get great content, and they get to share their story.

5. Get Reviews or Case Studies from Past Clients

Here’s a quick win: Use LinkedIn Messaging to ask past clients for testimonials, case studies, or even a short interview. This is one of the easiest ways to generate fresh content for your business. And the best part? Clients are often quicker to respond to a LinkedIn message than an email. You’ll get valuable content and keep that client relationship alive.

6. Invite Locals to an “Invite-Only” Happy Hour

Who says LinkedIn is just for online networking? If you’re looking to make in-person connections, send a message inviting local professionals to a casual, invite-only happy hour. The key here is exclusivity—people love to feel like they’re part of something special. It’s a fun way to mix business with pleasure and create strong, face-to-face relationships.

7. Plan Meetups at Conferences

Got an industry conference coming up? Don’t wait until you’re there to start networking. Use LinkedIn Messaging to connect with other attendees before the event. Set up coffee, lunch, or even quick meetings during the conference. It’s a great way to hit the ground running when you arrive, and you’ll already have some friendly faces to meet when you get there.

8. Pitch News to Local Media

This one’s a bit out there, but it works! If you’ve got something newsworthy—whether it’s an event, a launch, or an achievement—use LinkedIn Messaging to reach out to local news reporters or TV producers. Journalists are often bombarded with emails, but LinkedIn messages tend to stand out. If you can make a compelling pitch in a short, personalized message, you might just get your story picked up.

These aren’t your typical LinkedIn Messaging strategies, and that’s exactly why they work. By using messaging in unexpected ways, you’re setting yourself apart from the crowd and building connections that are more than surface-level. So why not give these ideas a try? You might be surprised at how much you can accomplish with a few thoughtful, well-timed messages.

Kate Webb/KWConsulting

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