Building a LinkedIn network is just the beginning; real value comes from engaging with your connections.
With LEO Bizdev, you can skip the guesswork and start conversations that matter.
LEO drafts personalized LinkedIn messages, helping you reach out to prospects effectively and generate new leads daily.
Here’s how to use LEO’s message generation to unlock LinkedIn’s potential and turn connections into opportunities.
1. What is a LinkedIn Message, and how does it differ from InMails?
A LinkedIn Message is a direct message sent to individuals within your LinkedIn network (1st-degree connections) via LinkedIn Messenger.
Unlike InMail, which allows you to contact people outside your connections (usually via LinkedIn Premium or Sales Navigator), LinkedIn messages are intended for those who are already part of your network.
InMail messages are often perceived as impersonal or even as spam by recipients, as they come from individuals they may not know.
In contrast, direct messages within your network are generally seen as a more personal, trusted approach, making it easier to initiate conversations and build genuine relationships within LinkedIn’s professional platform.
For those reasons, LEO Bizdev recommends sending direct messages rather than InMails to create a more authentic and effective connection.
2. Why Send LinkedIn Messages to Your Prospects?
Sending LinkedIn messages to your prospects helps you connect with leads on a more personal level. A message allows you to customize your approach, whether you’re introducing yourself, sharing insights, or following up on a recent interaction.
Direct messaging is a powerful way to increase engagement, as messages sent through LinkedIn tend to have high open rates. With well-crafted LinkedIn messages, you can build relationships with potential clients, gain insights into their needs, and generate interest in your offering.
3. How to Ask LEO to Draft a LinkedIn Message?
To have LEO draft a LinkedIn message, follow these simple steps:
Open the LinkedIn profile of a prospect you’re connected with.
Indicate your interest in the prospect, then LEO will generate a message for you.
To generate a LinkedIn message, LEO relies on various information sources and message generation algorithms.
=> Learn more about message generation (article in preparation).
After LEO generates the message, you have two options:
Option 1: The Message Suits You
If the message is satisfactory, you can directly copy and paste it into LinkedIn and send it to your prospect. You can edit it if needed before sending 👇
Option 2: The Message Does Not Suit You
If the message isn’t quite right yet, you can:
Request LEO to regenerate the message by clicking the 🔄 icon.
Share your “writing instructions” with LEO by clicking the 📝 icon to guide it toward a more personalized message.
With these options, LEO helps you refine each interaction to fit your style and goals.
4. When to Use This Feature?
👉 Start the Conversation After a Connection Request is Accepted
You sent a connection request to a prospect on LinkedIn (without adding a note). Now that they’ve accepted and joined your network, it’s the perfect moment to start a conversation.
Instead of waiting for them to take the first step, reach out with a message to initiate the dialogue. This proactive approach shows genuine interest and helps build rapport from the outset.
Why is this relevant?
When someone accepts your connection request, it signals openness to connect. This is an ideal opportunity to reinforce that interest, introduce yourself briefly, and mention any shared interests or goals.
This first message breaks the ice and moves you forward in your prospecting efforts. Simply collecting LinkedIn connections without engaging them offers little added value.
Key Benefits:
Personalizes your message based on common interests or profile information.
Encourages an authentic connection, turning a simple contact into a meaningful exchange.
Demonstrates your proactivity and makes you stand out among other connections.
👉 Reconnect with Prospects Already in Your Network
Over time, your LinkedIn network likely includes prospects you’ve connected with but never actually engaged. These contacts may share professional interests, be part of a common network, or benefit from your expertise.
Rather than leaving these valuable connections dormant, use LEO to craft an engaging message and take the first step in reaching out.
Why is this relevant?
Leaving prospects in your network without contacting them is a missed opportunity. Since they’ve already accepted your connection, they’re potential leads simply waiting for a reason to engage.
By reaching out, you reactivate a dormant connection and may uncover new leads, insights, or partnerships that align with your goals.
Key Benefits:
Capitalizes on your existing network.
Turns simple connections into potential leads and clients.
Keeps your network active, maximizing potential opportunities.
These scenarios illustrate the importance of going beyond mere connections on LinkedIn. Each message is an opportunity to build relationships, explore collaborations, and position yourself as a valuable contact in your prospects' professional networks.
With LEO, you save time while ensuring each message is thoughtfully optimized to make an impact.
Conclusion
Growing your LinkedIn network is great, but actively engaging with connections is even better. LinkedIn messages have an average read rate of around 80%, and once connected, you can send unlimited messages without restrictions.
There’s no tool more effective for starting conversations and generating leads than LinkedIn. Use LEO to save time and maximize your response rate, making each connection count.