Making a Great First Impression
Your first connection is an exciting step in your mentorship journey. A thoughtful, well-crafted introduction can set the foundation for a valuable long-term relationship. This guide will help you reach out confidently and professionally.
Step 1: Do Your Research
Before reaching out, thoroughly review their profile:
- Read their entire bio and professional background
- Review their skills, expertise, and interests
- Check their mentorship goals and preferences
- Look at their availability and messaging schedule preferences
- Read reviews or testimonials if available
- Check their social media profiles for additional context
Tip: Take notes on specific aspects of their profile that resonate with you. You'll reference these in your message.
Step 2: Craft Your Introduction Message
Your first message should be clear, concise, and personalized. Include these elements:
- Personal Greeting: Use their name
- How You Found Them: Mention search criteria or recommendations
- Specific Interest: Reference something from their profile
- Your Background: Brief intro about yourself (2-3 sentences)
- Your Goals: What you hope to learn or teach
- The Ask: Propose a specific next step (scheduled messaging time to get acquainted)
- Gratitude: Thank them for their time
Example Introduction Messages
For Mentees:
"Hi Sarah, I found your profile while searching for marketing mentors, and your experience in digital transformation really caught my attention. I'm currently transitioning from sales to marketing management and would love to learn from your journey at TechCorp. Would you be open to scheduling a time next week to exchange messages and get acquainted? I'd appreciate any guidance you could offer. Thank you for considering!"
For Mentors:
"Hi Michael, I noticed you're looking to break into product management and saw you have a strong engineering background - that's exactly how I started my PM career 8 years ago! I'd be happy to share insights about making that transition through our platform messaging. Would you like to schedule a time to discuss your goals? Looking forward to connecting!"
Step 3: Send Your Message
When you're ready to send:
- Proofread for spelling and grammar errors
- Ensure tone is professional yet friendly
- Double-check you've included all key elements
- Keep it between 150-250 words
- Click "Send Message" or "Send Connection Request"
Avoid These Common Mistakes: Generic templates, overly casual language, extremely long messages, demanding immediate responses, or focusing only on what you want.
Step 4: Wait for a Response
After sending your message:
- Most users respond within 24-48 hours
- Check your notifications regularly
- Be patient - they may need time to consider
- If no response after 5-7 days, you can send a polite follow-up
- Don't take non-responses personally - people get busy
Step 5: Respond Promptly to Replies
When they respond positively:
- Reply within 24 hours to show you're serious
- Express enthusiasm about the connection
- Propose specific times for your first scheduled messaging exchange
- All communication happens through platform text messaging only
- Confirm any logistics (time zone, preferred messaging schedule, etc.)
Step 6: Prepare for Your First Messaging Exchange
Once your first messaging time is scheduled:
- Research any topics you want to discuss
- Prepare questions in advance (5-7 questions)
- Have a brief introduction ready about yourself
- Ensure you'll have dedicated time to focus on the conversation without distractions
- Be ready to respond thoughtfully and engage in the text-based conversation
- Log in a few minutes early to be ready when the scheduled time starts
Handling Different Responses
Positive Response:
Great! Move quickly to schedule your first meeting. Show appreciation and enthusiasm.
Uncertain Response:
They might need more information. Clarify your goals and time commitment. Be flexible.
Decline or No Response:
Don't be discouraged. Thank them for their time and move on to other potential matches.
First Connection Success Tips
- Reach out to 3-5 potential matches to increase your chances
- Personalize each message - no copy-paste templates
- Show genuine interest in their work and experience
- Be clear about what you're offering or seeking
- Respect their time and availability constraints
- Follow platform communication guidelines
- Stay positive and professional, even if rejected