4 steps when contacting a stranger on LinkedIn

Last week, I received an info interview request from a stranger as a direct message on LinkedIn. Despite my very busy schedule, I decided to take his call.

Over the weekend, I asked myself, “Why did I agree?”

Let’s take his email apart and put it into four essential elements so you can use them in your own LinkedIn networking communications. Networking with strangers on LinkedIn can give you great results if you’re deliberate in the process.

First, here’s the email I got over LinkedIn from J.:

Hi Joshua,

I noticed we are both connected to M. F.—how do you know M.? I first met her at J.P., and she actually photographed my wedding. Small world.

I wanted to touch base with you because I saw an open position at J.R. I thought would be a great fit for me. I’m located in Portland now, and do social media strategy for a digital marketing agency here in town.