My background in data-driven methodologies and advanced AI innovations, combined with managing diverse marketing budgets from $20,000 to $5 million, consistently shows that relevance and value are paramount. We use detailed analytics, much like Google Analytics for website traffic, to understand which content styles truly engage specific audiences on LinkedIn. This allows us to scale personalized approaches efficiently by targeting proven interests. Genuine replies come from messages that provide immediate, useful information, akin to offering an in-depth blog post or a free resource before any sales pitch. The biggest mistake is treating LinkedIn as a direct sales channel; it's about nurturing relationships by consistently providing non-sales materials, like insights or event information, that align with their professional needs. Our strategy ensures we are always tracking engagement rates, not just connections, to refine our message and sequence for optimal response quality. We balance personalization with efficiency by segmenting our audience based on their engagement with different types of content, then tailoring our outreach to offer further value based on those interactions. For instance, if a connection engages with a post on GTM implementation, our follow-up might offer a relevant case study on data accuracy. This mirrors the e-commerce strategy where a detailed article leads to a specific lead magnet, naturally converting interest into deeper conversations and measurable business outcomes.
I'm using LinkedIn for everyday outbound outreach, and in my experience networking-led outbound converts best, instead of pushing immediately your value prop ("Hey, I'm doing X, are you interested in enhancing/increasing your Y?") This is a classic sales mistake when sales reps trying to push right from the start their product/service, and being ghosted after forever. Spray-and-pray tactics is not working anymore on LinkedIn, and before having a right to pitch your product you need to build rapport, trust and at least some relationship. I personally think that LinkedIn outreach is the best tool to quickly gain insights and generate leads in B2B. So I personally use 1-2 personalisation points in my LI outreach message, trying to keep it very short, and always relevant to reference any common connections or interests if you have as it creates real genuine connection. Sales process is basically a human-to-human sales with real people involved, so better behave like human, rather than AI-generated machine that blasts spam everywhere, nobody gonna love that. My example of outreach message is: Hey xxx, My name is yyy. I'm reaching out because..... (I really liked your video post that you shared few days ago) I think the problem you mention is..... (it should be a genuine interest, not fake, or AI generated message) We solved that same problem for ....(another company) and I would love to get your opinion on this. I think it will help you to....(generate more leads/increase quality etc) Here's a link on our success case with that company. What do you think, is it useful or way off? This kind of message will generate much more trust rather than you drop a calendly link with your value prop and building zero rapport.
Contextual short messages always receive the best responses. A reference to a specific recent post or achievement by a prospect always works. (It makes the rep seem like a human being rather than a cold template spammer.) I find that using a few templates that are partly personalized (standard subject line and close, but personalised opening and value proposition) saves time without being impersonal. Failures: long messages, generic language, and follow-ups that read like automation. Success: Keep the tone conversational and soft sell, 2-3 touch sequence, and include a question that requires a response but does not commit. The new trend for 2025 will be providing a high-value insight in the first message and encouraging buyers to respond to this observation, statistic, or trend to make a connection before the pitch starts and to set the expectation of a "free" useful conversation without pressure to sell.
In health tech, where trust and credibility matter as much as innovation, the outreach that gets real replies is short, human, and rooted in the challenges buyers are openly discussing clinical burnout, reimbursement shifts, workflow gaps, or patient engagement hurdles. When I reference something specific they've posted or shared, it consistently opens the door to genuine dialogue. I balance personalization and efficiency with a simple system: segment insight - one meaningful personal detail - match their tone. It keeps messages relevant without spending five minutes on each profile. The biggest pitfalls I see? Pitching in the connection request, long intros, and messages that read like generic templates. Health leaders are especially allergic to anything that feels automated or salesy. Instead, I start with a lightweight engagement comment on a post, react to an update then send a connection request with no agenda. A day or two later, I'll start a conversation rooted in their world, not mine. Often it's just a quick question or perspective on a trend we're both seeing. Using context naturally is key. Don't just say Great post , interpret it. Offer a small insight or ask a thoughtful follow-up. That's where real credibility is built. Once someone connects, I focus on dialogue, not demos. Sharing a relevant framework, research finding, or brief viewpoint leads to meaningful back-and-forth. Calls happen naturally when alignment becomes obvious. The biggest 2025 shift? Health tech buyers have an ultra-sensitive radar for AI-sounding outreach. Human opinions, authentic curiosity, and visible engagement now outperform polished cold pitches every time.
What works for me on LinkedIn in 2025 is a message that feels like it could only come from me. I spent two decades in digital media and marketing tech, and now most of my outreach ties back to the same themes that shape my work at EcoATMB2B: sustainability, recycling and the way tech is reshaping operational models. When I open with something timely in that space, I get real replies because it shows I have a point of view instead of a template. Personalization is easier when you have a clear filter. If someone comments on supply chain waste or circular systems, I reference it directly and explain why it caught my eye. It takes seconds and sets a natural tone. The mistake I see all the time is people pushing information before earning attention. Buyers want relevance. They want to know you saw something they said or built and actually understood it. Timing matters too. I send messages right after someone posts because that is when they are already thinking about the topic. And the only way I convert a new connection into a conversation is by asking a question that shows I am curious, not selling. That shift alone has changed my response rate more than anything else. Neil Fried, Senior Vice President for EcoATMB2B - https://www.ecoatmb2b.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/njf29/
Head of Business Development at Octopus International Business Services Ltd
Answered 3 months ago
The first messages that open a dialogue rather than deliver a sales pitch tend to get more responses. In B2B outreach, framing messages around operational challenges instead of leading with your credentials works better. Demonstrating prior research with specific details shows the recipient that you understand their context and aren't trying to close a deal right away. Our team uses a flexible system that combines industry-specific templates focused on common operational issues with personalized intros--the first two lines tailored to company-specific details. This takes more time, but we've learned that building five meaningful relationships delivers better long-term results than sending fifty ignored connection requests. The biggest outreach mistake? Starting with vague praise--"Impressed by your background," or "Love what you're doing"--without any context. It feels automated. Asking for a call without offering value or justifying why you're reaching out falls flat. We aim to kick off with something useful or an insight the recipient hasn't seen before. Wednesdays tend to generate better initial responses, with longer replies coming about two days later. The follow-up should build on the original message and incorporate something recent from the prospect's posts to keep the conversation flowing and focused. Reframing prospects as experts has helped us improve reply quality, even if raw response rates haven't changed. Messages only work if the information adds value. For instance, when someone from EU Legal Ops or Irish fintech comments on my post about the Gibraltar reporting regime, we use that interaction to elaborate and offer something insightful in return. "I liked your post" doesn't go far unless it leads somewhere thoughtful or useful. We wait to message new connections until after they've accepted and there's a link via prior conversation or shared interests. After connecting, we'll wait a week before following up with relevant materials or frameworks. If there's no interest, we go quiet. We reach out again only when their situation shifts and our information becomes timely and relevant. The 2023 crackdowns made CFOs and legal heads more cautious about quick international setups. Our LinkedIn focus has shifted toward building long-term trust. Posts on successful exits and audit support attract more interest than those promoting quick launches. Buyer feedback now steers our messaging to better match their decision-making process.
What message styles earn genuine replies? The best messages are short and specific to something the person recently did or posted. Referencing a piece of their work and asking one simple, open question like, "How did you manage that project?" works much better than any sales talk. How do you balance personalization with efficiency? You start by grouping people who have stuff in common like working in the same line of work, then you tailor just the opening bit to that shared connection, keep the main point of your message the same for everyone in the group. What common outreach mistakes should people avoid? Never send out a long sales pitch right after making a new connection, it's a huge mistake to treat that connection as a one-off transaction. People hate feeling like you just want to sell to them. What timing, tone, or sequence improves response quality? Use a friendly, peer-to-peer tone that shows curiosity. The best approach is to send the connection request alone, wait for them to accept, and then send your short, context-based question the next day. How do you use context (events, posts, mutual interests) naturally? Use context to start a real, two-way conversation. If they talked about a problem they're facing, ask for their deeper thoughts on the solution they are considering, showing you value their expert opinion. How do you turn new connections into real conversations without sounding salesy? Drop what you 'sell' and get them talking about what's really going on with their current work project. Ask 'What's the one thing keeping your team up this quarter?' and actually listen to what they say before you even think about offering any help. What LinkedIn buyer trends are shaping your 2025 approach? People are absolutely tired of seeing those automated messages pop up, so we are now sending short video or audio messages to key targets to stand out. Buyers want quick answers, so our messages are much shorter and to the point.
(1) I only respond to messages that feel genuinely written by hand. I reply when I see the sender clearly spent time in our world--referencing specific fabrics I've posted about or reflecting on the emotional impact of a campaign. That kind of context opens the door to a real connection. (2) I occasionally use voice notes as a communication method. They carry the genuine tone I use with close friends, which helps save time while keeping a personal touch. The emotional value behind reusable frameworks still works, as long as the core feeling is true. Human beings respond to emotions, not automated systems. (7) The moment someone pitches me with fake compliments, I lose interest. I can spot fake curiosity right away, and that's a major red flag. That's the mistake to avoid. (4) I've noticed that messages I receive on Thursday evenings usually get better results. The atmosphere tends to be calmer, and people are more open. The tone should feel both gentle and strong, with full respect. I ignore anything that creates urgency or pressure--it makes me uncomfortable. I need to be genuinely interested to engage. (6) I often open messages with either beauty or gratitude. For example, saying "Your work inspires me because it aligns with the purpose I founded Mermaid Way for" can lead to a real conversation--if there's a real connection. The goal should be to build a relationship, not push for conversion. (7) Today's LinkedIn buyer is a full human being looking for meaningful connection. Business conversations now reveal more heart-based thinking focused on values. People want to feel seen and understood--not sold to. Julia Pukhalskaia Founder & CEO, Mermaid Way www.mermaidway.com https://linkedin.com/in/julia-pukhalskaia-9b0b98337 https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fuG5wNimYVBgbDxudGzERkOebhQlci-4/view?usp=sharing
Outreach Mistakes to Avoid Many people send generic messages that show they have no idea or knowledge of the person they are reaching out to. From my experience, I see low response rates when emails are all about the sender and not the recipient. Not sending follow ups or sending them too randomly also lowers the chances of getting a reply. Focus on short and relevant messages that reference something the prospect did or cares about. Timing, Tone, and Sequence Messages get better responses when sent mid-morning or early afternoon on weekdays. I space three follow ups 3 to 5 days apart instead of bombarding someone at once, and I use a friendly yet professional tone, where I give a useful tip or insight instead of mentioning sales right away. This has increased my response rates by around 20 to 30 percent in my experience. Using Context Naturally The outreach becomes more genuine and engaging when posts, events, or shared networks are mentioned in the opening line of the email. I find this effective in starting conversations 2 to 3 times faster than cold messages without mentioning a common ground.
For us, good outreach starts with understanding what the person values. Creative professionals respond better when the message feels thoughtful rather than automated. A recent example: one prospect replied quickly after we mentioned a small detail from their portfolio. It only took a sentence, but it showed we looked at their work. The biggest shift we've seen this year is that people want clarity. They want to know why you reached out and how the conversation might help them. Tips that help us: Use one real detail from their content Keep tone friendly and simple Ask a question that's easy to answer Avoid long descriptions of your service Warm, specific messages open doors.
With LinkedIn outreach, the approach should be a bit different compared to, let's say, e-mail. With e-mail outreach, your message can be a bit longer, the subject is very important, and you should personalize it as much as you can. With LinkedIn, your ''subject line'' is the little note that you can attach when connecting with someone. The note can contain 200 characters (more if you have a premium account), but in reality, you should see it as a 50-character message. The person who receives a connect out of the blue will most likely just see the first couple of words in the snippet, so you need to make it count! Of course, everything is much easier if you have a Premium account; you can send as many connects as you want, even message other premium members, etc. I would say use automation carefully if you only have a free account, but if you have a Premium account, set up an automation sequence so that first you view and follow the profile, maybe like and share a post, and after that send them a request. This can be easily done with tools like Reply.io and Drippify.
Commodity trader, Business Development - LATAM Region at PT BOYMAXWELL INDOJAYA GRUP
Answered 3 months ago
We keep it short and to the point. No "nice to meet you". We go straight to saying we see their experience in specific product categories (we check customs databases) and ask if they're interested in working together. Something like: Hi. I see you work with urea supplies. We have direct contracts with plants in UAE. Worth discussing terms? We personalize every message but prepare in advance. We study the company through customs data, what products they import, from where, approximate volumes. That's the foundation. Then we add something live a recent post, company news, a question about a specific market. One message takes 3-4 minutes. If there's nothing unique to say about a company, better not to write at all. Long texts go unread. Maximum 4-5 lines in the first message. Don't drop links, presentations and catalogs right away. It kills the conversation. LinkedIn is about dialogue, not mass mailings. We write twice max, connection request and a followup a week later. No response, we move to email. Being pushy doesn't work. Before connecting, we like a couple of company posts, sometimes leave a comment. Not salesy, just on topic. The person sees our name, we're not complete strangers anymore. Plus we run LinkedIn ads, showing content about the market, logistics, prices. By the time we connect, they've seen us somewhere. If there's fresh news in the company profile about expansion or a new direction, we mention it in the message. We often start not with an offer but with questions. What markets are you working with? What volumes are you planning? Sometimes we present ourselves as potential buyers even though we actually want to sell. People are more willing to talk about their capabilities than listen to others' pitches. When the conversation gets going, we naturally transition to mutual cooperation. The key is not to push from minute one. People started checking who they're dealing with more carefully, even before responding. They look at profiles, read posts, search for mutual connections. So we spend more time on content and reputation. We post about the market, customs, logistics. We comment on other experts' posts. This works better than just sending connection requests. And speed matters. If someone replied quickly and we're silent for two days, the deal is almost lost. We check LinkedIn at least 3 times a day. Roman Uchuskin Business Development - LATAM Region PT BOYMAXWELL INDOJAYA GRUP https://boymaxwell.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/roman-uch