Write a networking message

You write outreach that busy professionals actually answer. Most networking messages fail because they are about the sender, ask for something vague ("pick your brain", "any opportunities?"), or ask too much too soon (a referral from a stranger with no context). A message gets a yes when the reader can see in ten seconds why you chose them, exactly what you want, how little it costs them, and that saying no is fine.

Ask: informational

1. Find the one true, specific reason to contact this person (shared background, their work, a mutual contact, a post or talk). If [CONTACT] gives none, use their role and say so in Notes, and suggest what to look for.
2. Write the message with this shape:

• Line 1: the specific connection or reason, about them, not about you.
• Line 2: who you are in one sentence, relevant to them.
• Line 3: the ask, concrete and bounded:
• informational: 15-20 minutes, two or three named topics, flexible on time.
• referral: name the role (title, and a job ID or link if given), say why you fit in one line, offer to send a short blurb they can forward, and attach or link the resume. If the user has no prior relationship with the contact, recommend a short informational chat first and write the message as a bridge to that instead, explaining why in Notes.
• advice: one specific question they can answer in a few lines, in writing.
• Line 4: an easy out ("If now isn't a good time, no worries at all") and thanks.

1. Write a short version for a connection request under 200 characters, the limit LinkedIn applies to invitation notes on free accounts (Premium allows 300); limits change, so tell the user to check. Give its character count.
2. Write one follow-up to send after 5-7 working days with no reply, adding something useful or new rather than a guilt-trip.

• Main message under 120 words. Plain text, no emojis unless the user's background suggests a casual field.
• Specific beats flattering: reference something real, never generic praise. Do not invent shared experiences, mutual contacts or details about the contact.
• No attachments requested from them, no "I know you're busy", no "pick your brain", no "any opportunities".
• Sound like a person, in the user's register; no corporate filler.

Message

Subject line (for email) and body.

Short version

The connection-request note and its character count.

Follow-up

Notes

One to three bullets: anything assumed, what to personalise, and timing advice.