The Message That Never Got a Response
Tom spent twenty minutes crafting the perfect connection request to a VP at his target company. He mentioned their shared interest in AI, complimented their recent LinkedIn post, and politely asked to connect.
Two weeks later: still pending.
Meanwhile, his colleague Emma connected with three C-level executives in the same period. Her secret? She understood something Tom didn't: how to network with executives on linkedin requires a completely different playbook than connecting with peers.
Industry leaders, executives, and senior professionals aren't ignoring you because they're elitist or too busy (though they are busy). They're ignoring generic outreach that doesn't respect their time, demonstrate genuine value, or show you've done your homework.
Here's how to stand out when networking up.
Why Executives Ignore Most LinkedIn Outreach
Before tactics, understand the reality: a typical executive receives 20-50+ LinkedIn connection requests weekly. Most sound like this:
- "I'd love to pick your brain about [their industry]"
- "I'm very interested in learning more about what you do"
- "Your career path is inspiring—would love to connect"
- "I see we both care about [generic topic]"
These requests all have the same problem: they focus on what the sender wants (access, advice, inspiration) with zero value to the executive.
The executive's filter: "Will this connection make my life better, easier, or more interesting?" If the answer isn't immediately yes, they pass.
What Actually Works
Executives accept connections and respond to messages that:
- Demonstrate specific, relevant expertise (not flattery)
- Reference concrete shared context (not vague commonalities)
- Lead with value (insight, introduction, resource)
- Show deep familiarity with their work (not surface-level research)
- Make zero immediate asks (build the relationship first)
The 4 Proven Pathways to Connect With Executives
There are exactly four reliable ways to get on an executive's radar on LinkedIn:
Pathway 1: The Thought Leadership Response
How it works: Engage meaningfully with their content before ever sending a connection request.
The strategy:
- Follow them (don't connect yet)
- Read their posts and articles for 2-4 weeks
- Leave 3-4 substantive comments that add value (not "Great post!")
- Once you've established a commenting relationship, send a connection request referencing a specific insight
Why it works: They recognize your name from thoughtful comments. You're not a stranger—you're someone who engages meaningfully with their ideas.
Example comment that gets noticed:
"Your point about [specific concept] resonates with what we're seeing in [specific context]. We recently [related experience], and the challenge you mention around [specific detail] was exactly what we encountered. Curious if you've seen [related trend] impact this as well?"
Bad comment: "Love this! So insightful 👏"
Pathway 2: The Warm Introduction
How it works: Get introduced through a mutual connection instead of cold outreach.
The strategy:
- Check if you have mutual 1st-degree connections
- Identify which mutual connection has a real relationship with them (not just a LinkedIn connection)
- Ask for a targeted introduction with a specific reason
- Make it easy: draft the intro message yourself
Introduction request template:
"Hi [Mutual Connection], I noticed you're connected to [Executive Name]. I'm working on [specific project] and would love [Executive's] perspective on [specific question/topic] given their experience with [specific relevant thing]. Would you be comfortable making an introduction? Happy to draft the message to make it easy. No worries if not—just thought I'd ask!"
Why it works: Warm introductions bypass the "stranger filter" and come with built-in social proof.
Pathway 3: The Value-First Approach
How it works: Provide genuine value before asking for anything.
The strategy:
- Share relevant research, articles, or insights directly useful to their current focus
- Offer an introduction to someone valuable in your network
- Highlight something relevant they might have missed (industry news, competitive intel, opportunity)
- Contribute expertise to something they're working on publicly
Example value-first message:
"Hi [Name], I came across [specific research/article] on [their focus area] and immediately thought of your work on [specific initiative]. One finding on p. 14 about [specific insight] seems directly relevant to [specific challenge they've mentioned]. No ask—just thought you'd find it useful. [Link]"
Why it works: You've demonstrated you understand their work at a deep level and you're a giver, not a taker.
Pathway 4: The Uncommon Credential
How it works: Lead with a specific, relevant credential or shared experience that immediately establishes credibility.
The strategy:
- Mutual alma mater (same school, especially same program or professor)
- Shared company history (you both worked at the same place, even different times)
- Industry-specific experience (you've solved the exact problem they're facing)
- Unique expertise intersection (rare combination of skills directly relevant to their work)
Example credential-based request:
"Hi [Name], Fellow [School/Program] alum here (class of [year]). I saw your recent post about [specific challenge] in [industry] and it reminded me of a similar challenge we faced at [Company] when scaling [specific thing]. Would be happy to share what worked (and what didn't). No pitch—just figured the shared [School] + [Industry] context might make the perspective useful."
Why it works: Shared credentials create instant affinity and trust. You're part of an in-group.
Crafting the Connection Request: The Anatomy
If you're sending a connection request (not a message), you have exactly 300 characters. Every word must earn its place. Explore more connection request templates that work.
The Formula:
[Specific Context] + [Relevant Credential/Value] + [Low-Pressure Invitation]
Example 1: Content Engagement Path
"Hi [Name]—I've been following your posts on [specific topic]. Your framework for [specific concept] has been genuinely useful in my work on [related area]. Would love to connect and continue learning from your insights."
Example 2: Shared Context Path
"Hi [Name]—Fellow [Company] alum here. I saw your recent post about [topic] and would love to connect. Working on similar challenges in [industry] at [your company]."
Example 3: Value-First Path
"Hi [Name]—Came across research on [topic] directly relevant to your work on [initiative]. Sending it your way. Would be great to connect. [Link]"
What NOT to Do When Networking With Executives
❌ Mistake 1: The "Pick Your Brain" Request
Why it fails: It's code for "give me free consulting with no clear scope or end time."
Instead: Ask a specific, answerable question: "Given your experience with [X], I'm curious how you approached [specific challenge]."
❌ Mistake 2: The Generic Compliment
Why it fails: "Your career path is so inspiring!" tells them you Googled them for 30 seconds.
Instead: Reference a specific decision, project, or insight that demonstrates deep familiarity with their work.
❌ Mistake 3: The Long-Winded Message
Why it fails: Executives skim. If your message requires scrolling, you've lost.
Instead: 3-4 sentences maximum. One paragraph. Specific, concise, valuable.
❌ Mistake 4: The Immediate Big Ask
Why it fails: "Can you refer me to your company?" as a first message screams transactional.
Instead: Build the relationship first. Ask later (if at all). Most valuable connections happen without ever making an explicit "ask."
❌ Mistake 5: Following Up Too Aggressively
Why it fails: Multiple follow-ups to a non-response signals you don't respect boundaries.
Instead: One polite follow-up after 7-10 days, maximum. Then move on.
What to Do After They Accept Your Connection
Getting the connection is step one. Here's how to nurture it without being annoying:
First 72 Hours:
- Send a brief thank-you: Acknowledge the connection, reinforce the context
- Do NOT immediately pitch, ask, or request a call
- If you promised something (a resource, intro, insight), deliver it within 24 hours
Good follow-up: "Thanks for connecting, [Name]. Here's that article I mentioned: [link]. Looking forward to keeping up with your work on [topic]."
First 30 Days:
- Engage with their content (thoughtfully, not excessively)
- Share relevant articles or insights (sparingly—1-2 max)
- Watch for natural conversation opportunities (they post a question, mention a challenge)
Long-Term Relationship Building:
- Consistent, low-key engagement (occasional meaningful comments)
- Value-adds without asking (introductions, resources, insights)
- Patience—let the relationship develop naturally over 3-6 months
- When you eventually do have an ask, you've earned the right to make it
How ANDI Helps You Network With Executives
Networking with senior leaders requires organization and timing:
- Track engagement history: Remember which posts you commented on and when
- Set follow-up reminders: Engage periodically without being annoying
- Store context: Notes on their focus areas, challenges, recent initiatives
- Identify introduction paths: Map mutual connections who can make warm intros
- Monitor their activity: Get notified when they post content you can engage with meaningfully
ANDI helps you stay organized and strategic when building relationships that matter. Learn more about building strategic LinkedIn relationships.
Access Through Value, Not Flattery
Emma eventually shared her strategy with Tom: she never sent connection requests to executives cold. She followed them, engaged meaningfully with their content for weeks, provided value through thoughtful comments, and only then sent a connection request that referenced specific conversations already happening.
By the time she clicked "Connect," she wasn't a stranger asking for access. She was someone already adding value to their LinkedIn experience.
That's how to network with executives on linkedin. Not through persistence or perfect wording, but through demonstrating you understand their work, respect their time, and have something worth offering beyond what you're asking for.
The next time you want to connect with a senior leader, ask yourself: "What have I done to earn this connection?" If the answer is "nothing yet," start there.
Next step: Build relationships strategically with executives and leaders — Try ANDI Free to track and nurture high-value connections.
