Many of you may not know this. When you invite someone to become part of your LinkedIn network, you can send them a personal note, and probably should. A lot of people don't like getting canned messages, already created by someone they don't know. They would rather receive a personal message from you.



When you click on "Add To Your Network" from someone's profile page, you'll be taken to a page where you can add a message. Sure, there's already a message in there. The canned message reads, "I'd like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn." Kind of sweet and to the point, but not very personal.

Say hello. Tell them who you are and how you know them. Then ask for them to add you to their LinkedIn network.

I know this takes extra time, but only a few minutes. What's a few minutes between friends?