If I get an invitation from someone I don’t know or don’t know very well, I’m unlikely to accept their invitation if it doesn’t have a clear message explaining how they know me, why they would like to connect and how that could be mutually beneficial.

Unlike some of the other social media, with LinkedIn the key is to aim for a network of high quality connections that you have some level of relationship and trust with.

On the flipside if you need to send an invitation you could be missing out on others accepting your invitation if you don’t include details, in your invitation, of how you know that person, why you want to connect and how it could be beneficial for you both.

Unfortunately there is no obvious way in the LinkedIn apps for iOS and Android

However you can do it

Here’s how:

iPhone/iPad

1. Go to the profile of the member you’d like to connect with.
2. On the right of the search box, tap the “three horizontal dots”.
3. Tap Customize Invite.
4. Write your message. Make sure you include details of:

• How you know each other
• Why you want to connect – make sure you consider “What’s in it for them”, because you’re selling them on why they should accept your invitation to connect
  5. Tap Send.

Android

1. Go to the profile of the member you’d like to connect with.
2. To the right of the search box, tap the 3 vertical dots
3. Tap Customize Invite.
4. Write your message and tap Send.