LinkedIn Greetings: Examples of Great InMail Messages to Send this Holiday Season (and Ones to Avoid)
With the holiday season upon us, gestures of jolliness and goodwill are plentiful among family and friends. But good tidings can also be an effective way to personalize your social media marketing, helping you engage the individuals you'll depend on to succeed in the coming year.
Below you’ll find a few examples of InMail messages that can help you get on the “nice” list of the professionals you seek to build relationships with, along with a few examples you'll want to avoid.
A few Do’s and Don’ts when sending holiday InMails this year:
Request the expertise of an industry thought leader
Don’t: Reach out to influencers without knowing their expertise or how you want them to help.
Example:
Subject: You’re Important, Right?
Hi, Senior Supply Chain Planner Matt Olson:
I hope you’re the right person for this message. Titles are so confusing these days, wouldn’t you agree?
What I feel certain about is that you’re important and that we should be connected. I know you’re a leader in this field because I remember that one conference where you spoke and everyone seemed to really like you. (That was you, right?)
To share a little about me, I can definitively state that I’m in need of some help. Of what sort and for what purpose, I’m not certain. I do feel confident, though, you’re just the chap for the job! In the spirit of the season, won’t you extend a hand?
In humble appreciation of your importance,
Les Mortimer
Do: Reach out to industry influencers who can provide valuable insights that help you meet objectives.
Example:
Subject: Your advice is the gift that keeps on giving!
Greetings, Rudolph:
The holidays are a time to count our blessings and celebrate the human spirit. I feel fortunate in so many ways, just as I am sure you do.
In the spirit of the season, I wanted to share my appreciation for your work – you’ve changed my thinking about retail supply chain logistics! Over the past year, I have benefited from your posts and the content you share. Your rich ideas have truly transformed how I perform my job.
I would be forever grateful if you could take a moment to provide a few thoughts on leading a supply chain management team during the busiest time of the year. I can promise it won’t be as arduous as distributing presents to the whole world in one night!
With sincere holiday wishes,
Saint Nick
Set the stage to pursue a new or expanded business venture
Don’t: Push products before knowing prospect needs.
Example:
Subject: Awesome Product – Does Everything You Need!
Greetings, Dave:
If the holidays are about anything, they’re about celebrating the triumph of the human spirit over all forms of adversity, including clunky production processes that hemorrhage money.
You know what I’m talking about…. Well, you’ll be relieved to know that all your line disruptions will soon be a thing of the past. That’s because I write to share word that our awesome product management system does everything you need it to do – and more!
Now, there is even more reason to rejoice over than the holidays this season: All of your problems will be solved upon buying our product!
You’re welcome!
Carol Barnard
Do: Keep the focus on relationship building.
Example:
Subject: Barbara, Let’s Make Magic in the New Year!
Hi, Barbara:
The holidays are a time of wonder for young and old, but the magic doesn’t have to end when we flip the calendar to January.
I hope you are as excited about 2015 as I am, and I hope you felt the same optimism after our conversation regarding production process innovation. I am extremely excited for what we can achieve together in the New Year.
I look forward to connecting with you again soon. For now, wishing you and your family wonder, joy, and prosperity.
Cheers!
Michael
Get back in touch with a connection that’s grown cold
Don’t: Ask for outlandish favors before building the relationship.
Example:
Subject: I Know You Can Help Me!
Hi, Ted:
It’s been a long time! You remember me from last year’s MCV conference in Tallahassee, right? We talked about how the cocktail wieners at the hotel bar tasted like shrimp. That sure was weird.
Anyway, the reason I’m emailing today is because I could really use a small favor. More like a huge favor, I guess. I know you’re friends with Jacqueline Allen, head of that great startup that’s blown up. I’d love to pursue OD consulting opportunities there - could you put me in touch?
I kind of worried at first this was a big ask, but I know that you’ll come through for me in the spirit of the holiday.
Thanks in advance!
Mel
Do: Ask an engaging question to strike up a conversation that encourages them to reconnect.
Example:
Subject: Julia, Let’s Reconnect in the New Year
Hello, Julia:
It’s been a while since we last talked! Hope you’ve been staying warm this winter.
Tis the season I normally settle in with family, sip some egg nog, and indulge in some apple pie. But before I do, I wanted to send my holiday tidings to you and your family.
I noticed you recently shared the Content Marketing Institute’s November blog post on “How to Tell a Compelling B2B Story Using Comics”. I’ve always admired your strong focus on storytelling in campaigns…. What is your perspective on incorporating comics into B2B marketing?
It’s my holiday wish that 2015 brings an opportunity for us to reconnect. For now, wishing you a wonderful holiday season, and hoping time spent with family and friends brings you great joy.
Best wishes,
Dan
Sending a personalized, heart-felt message this time of year can be a great way to kick start your relationship building efforts in the New Year. Do craft your message with care and don’t hesitate to add a dash of personal touch.
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This post is the 7th in a blog series helping marketers to celebrate the fact that the #HolidaysAreIn with others in their LinkedIn network. Check out more related posts in our ’12 Days of Content’ series below.