During the past year I fell in love with LinkedIn. But I am not in love with how people use LinkedIn, particularly LinkedIn InMail.

So here are some tips on how to NOT LinkedIn InMail.

1. Don’t ask closed ended questions

If I see another LinkedIn InMail that starts with “do you need…? my head will explode. I immediately think “no.” I don’t need anything. I don’t even finish reading the question to be honest. Use the InMails to build a relationship to learn more about businesses, not to pitch.

2. Don’t use fake accounts

Here’s a real example. I got a LinkedIn InMail from a Natalie from the account of Tommy.  I’m guessing “Natalie” is reaching out from multiple LinkedIn accounts and forgot to switch this one over.

3. Do your research

I get a lot of LinkedIn InMail although my email address is publicly listed on our website. So when I get LinkedIn InMail I know it’s just a mass email. You didn’t do the research, and you didn’t know you can actually reach me directly. And if you didn’t know that, why should I believe that what you have to offer will help me? Why should I believe you understand my needs.

4. Don’t automate

In the past year I’ve gotten numerous InMail message addressing me by someone else’s first name. I hope I don’t have to say how wrong that is. Your InMail got instantly deleted.

Enough said. Put some purpose in your LinkedIn outreach. Do it with heart and smarts.

What are some of your LinkedIn dos and don’ts?