It’s no secret that Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and other social platforms want you to stay engaged on their platforms. If they could create a virtual La-Z-Boy chair with an endless supply of Slim Jims, they would. The longer you stay, the more money they make.
So it stands to reason that these social tools would strive to minimize friction for users.
Still, LinkedIn has taken this quest a step further. Figuring that people don’t know how to start a note or are too lazy to take on this onerous task, LinkedIn now offers prefab notes after you connect with someone on its platform.
A click on the box above jumps me to the Messaging function with a note to Rita locked and loaded with the words, “Rita, thanks for connecting! Hope you’re doing well.” All I have to do is add something clever like, “We have a job opening that fits your profile.” With this new feature, LinkedIn has achieved the holy grail of writing, virtually eliminating writer’s block.
Plus, let’s not forget the time savings. Our research department conducted simulations with a focus group, asking each person to write a note from a blank slate after hypothetically connecting with someone on LinkedIn and then performing the same task with the note starter. The average time to write a note from a blank slate was 37 seconds while the average time with the note starter was 21 seconds. Think about this. If you connect with 50 people in a calendar year using the starter note as follow-up, you’re going to save a whopping 800 seconds (16 seconds saved per note X 25) or nearly 14 minutes.
Duly inspired by this statistic, I have create additional starter notes as a public service to the LinkedIn community. The construction in the following notes allows for customization to cultivate an even deeper connection. They’re geared for those still getting comfortable with social media.
Everyone enjoys a pat on the back. The exclamation point accentuates the compliment.
Proves that you were actually listening to the conversation. Again, you can never go wrong with an exclamation point when communicating in social channels. Feathering an “Amazing!” into any social exchange lifts the narrative.
Here’s an onramp for someone who recently graduated.
Nice bit of affirmation that we travel in the same circles. Eases the comfort level, particularly if you’ve never met in person.
For those with advanced social media skills, these starter notes will accelerate the relationship-building process.
There’s a lot to unpack in this one. The riff on the old bar line played off with a “just joking” and the iconic smile emoji deliver a touch of levity.
Kids, don’t try this at home. Only those with a mastery of the platform should use this direct approach.
This one calls for an extra step. You need to like the person’s post in his/her news feed before sending the follow-up the note. There’s no getting around that it’s more work, but the combo package makes a lasting impression.
I’m sure you can find at least a few ice breakers that fit you.
Be amazing!