Week 6: Developing Your Fandom

How to Reach Out to Employees on LinkedIn

Video Time: 6 Minutes Action Time: Around 2 – 3 Hours

You have identified your top companies now it’s time to reach out. But first, create your WHY and CALL TO ACTION message. The WHY is simple. You admire the company and want to work there. The CALL TO ACTION is very important. It sets up the action that needs to take place and doesn’t leave any confusion. We know you are very busy with classes and planning your future and don’t have time to wait around.

The truth is most people want to be lead. Think of yourself as a shepherd leading the little lambs to do what you want them to do. Don’t let others lead you, you want a job, you are going to lead them. Think of it like doing a group project, most people want someone to take charge. Be that person! It’s really about taking charge of your own destiny, your own goals, your own career success, and your own career path.

The Connection Request Formula

When connecting, send that connection note!

1Write the script that you want to use for your connection message that includes your Why and Call to action.

These are the two most crucial parts of the message. Why do you want to connect with the person? Maybe it’s because you admire the work they do. What do you want them to do? Connect with you, of course! Many times, if you don’t tell people what to do, they won’t do it.

Here’s an Example

“Hi, Robert! I admire you and your company, Amazon, so much. I would love to connect with you so we can collaborate on some business opportunities. Please connect with me this week!”

2Be bold!

How many times has someone come up to you and said, “Wow, we really need to catch up sometime?” And does sometime ever come? No! Don’t make it so you and your new “fan” become almost friends. Do all you can do to make it so you end up meeting.

The fact is, most people want to be led. Think of yourself as a shepherd leading the little lambs to do what you want them to do.

3Remember: Be the shepherd, not the sheep!

Everybody now! BE THE SHEPHERD, NOT THE SHEEP!

Take charge of your own destiny, young padawan… shepherd… Whatever!

Don’t Ever Ask Yes or No Questions!

Instead, ask open-ended questions so you are engaging them in a conversation. Yes or no questions are considered “stopping” dialogue questions.

How to Reach Out

1Connect with everyone who works at your target company.

If you need a refresher on how to do that, check out Episode 3 of last week!

2Focus on 2nd connections first.

That why and call to action are comin’ right up!

3Remember: In your message, hook the person with warmth and admiration.

Adding a personal element when possible is an extra bonus!

Here’s An Example

“Hi! I love the way you and your company are pushing the limits on career transformation!”

4Tell them exactly what to do.

For instance, “Get in touch with me,” “email me,” “reach out to me.” Never use phrases like, “if you wish,” or “maybe.” Confidence is key.

5Give them a timeline.

Remember, you are the shepherd! So something like, “Email me this week.” or “Get in touch with me right away!” This is your call to action!

6Set a goal for the number of people you will reach out to each day and connect with them.

Do the same for the rest of the week. Do 100 today!

Not Seeing Success?

If you aren’t getting success, then you need to look at your messaging and see what you could tweak.

Please let us know on our Private LinkedIn Membership Community so we can help you. We are here for you!

Also, if people don’t respond to you or do so in an unfavorable manner, don’t take it personally. It’s all a part of the journey and some people don’t know any better. Not all sheep take directions very well, that’s why they get lost so often.

Regardless, you are loved and amazing!

Get Into Action

Set a goal for each day, schedule your calendar, get a plan for the rest of the week. If you get 10 accepts or replies, you have a 10% success rate, which is very good! Some of you will get a 20% success rate. Some of you will get even more. But no matter how many responses you get, be proud of yourself. We know this may all still feel a bit new so celebrate your success!

If you aren’t getting success, then you need to look at your messaging and see what you should tweak. Please let us know on our Private LinkedIn Membership Community how you’re doing so we can help you by giving you feedback or praise your success!

Celebration Time!

Celebrate your successes! If you send 100 messages, celebrate that! If you get 1 meeting, celebrate that! If you get 10 meetings, celebrate! Whatever obstacle you get over, celebrate! Go out and party with your friends (just try not to have too much fun)! Don’t forget to share your best practices with our Private LinkedIn Membership Community because you will be teaching others what works and what doesn’t. This will help show other college students and recent grads that you’re all facing similar challenges.

If You Find Yourself Taking It Personally When Someone Does Not Respond or Responds Negatively……

Don’t worry, that’s normal! Read the article below for some inspiration about how to stop taking it so personally.