The Link That Ended the Conversation
Marcus had been messaging Sarah on LinkedIn for two weeks. They'd exchanged thoughtful comments on each other's posts, shared insights about their industry, and genuinely seemed to be building a connection. Then Marcus decided it was time to suggest a call.
His message read: "Hey Sarah, would love to chat more about this. Here's my Calendly: [link]. Pick a time that works for you."
Sarah never responded. The conversation died instantly. It wasn't that she wasn't interested—she was. But the abrupt shift from warm, personalized conversation to a cold, impersonal scheduling link felt jarring. It was like someone giving you their business card mid-hug.
Across the platform, another conversation was happening differently. Jennifer had been connecting with Michael, and when it came time to suggest a call, she wrote: "I'd love to continue this conversation live if you're open to it. I'm pretty flexible next week—would Tuesday afternoon or Thursday morning work better for you? Happy to send a link or find a time that fits your schedule."
Michael replied within an hour: "Thursday morning sounds great. Send the link and I'll grab a slot." The call happened. They ended up collaborating on a project together. The difference? Jennifer understood how to share calendar links without killing the vibe. She gave options, stayed conversational, and made Michael feel like a person, not a task on her to-do list.
In this guide, you'll learn five soft, human ways to propose meeting times on LinkedIn, plus the etiquette for reschedules, reminders, and keeping the momentum going without sounding transactional.
Why Scheduling Links Feel Cold (And How to Fix It)
Calendly, Chili Piper, and other scheduling tools are incredibly useful. But when you drop a link in a LinkedIn DM without context or warmth, it can feel:
- Transactional. Like you're treating the person as a calendar slot, not a human.
- Assumptive. Like you expect them to do the work of finding time for you.
- Robotic. Like you've copy-pasted the same message to 50 people.
The problem isn't the link itself—it's the lack of framing. A scheduling link without context is like sending someone a contract before you've agreed on the terms. It skips steps.
The fix: Always wrap the link in conversational language that acknowledges the relationship, explains why you're suggesting a call, and gives them agency over the process.
Five Soft Ways to Propose Meeting Times
Here are five frameworks for suggesting a call that feel collaborative, respectful, and human—not transactional.
1. Give Two Specific Options (No Link Required)
Instead of asking the person to browse your calendar and pick a time, offer two specific options and let them choose. This reduces friction and feels more personal.
Example:
"I'd love to hop on a quick call to explore this further. I'm free Tuesday at 2 PM EST or Thursday at 10 AM EST—does either of those work for you? If not, I'm happy to find another time."
Why it works: You're doing the work of narrowing down times, but still giving them choice. It's respectful, efficient, and conversational.
2. The Time-Window Approach
Give them a range of availability and invite them to suggest what works best for them.
Example:
"I'm pretty open next week—mornings tend to work best for me, but I can make afternoons work too. What does your schedule look like? Happy to work around you."
Why it works: It's flexible without being vague. You're showing you're willing to accommodate them, which builds goodwill.
3. DM-First Approach (Get Permission Before Sending the Link)
Ask if they're open to a call before dropping the link. This respects their time and gives them an easy out if they're not interested.
Example:
"Would you be open to a 20-minute call sometime next week? I think there's a lot of overlap between what you're working on and some ideas I've been exploring. If you're up for it, I can send over a link to grab a time that works for you."
Why it works: You're asking for consent before escalating. If they say yes, they're already bought in—and they won't feel ambushed by the link. This mirrors the same respect for boundaries emphasized in ethical LinkedIn outreach.
4. Value-First, Link Second
Lead with the value of the call, then offer the link as a convenience.
Example:
"I'd love to share some insights from a recent campaign we ran that's similar to what you're working on—I think there are a few tactical things that might be useful. If you're interested, here's my calendar: [link]. Feel free to grab any 30-minute slot that works for you. No pressure if now's not the right time."
Why it works: The focus is on what they'll get out of the call, not on the act of scheduling. The link becomes a tool, not the centerpiece. This approach aligns with the principles taught in asking for calls on LinkedIn.
5. The Collaborative Scheduling Approach
Offer multiple ways to schedule—link, direct suggestion, or mutual availability check.
Example:
"I'd love to connect live if you're up for it. Here are a few ways we could make it happen: (1) I can send you my Calendly and you can pick a time, (2) I'm free Tuesday or Wednesday afternoons if either of those work, or (3) just let me know what works best for you and I'll make it happen. Whatever's easiest on your end."
Why it works: You're giving them total flexibility. Some people love scheduling links; others prefer direct coordination. This approach respects both preferences.
When to Send the Link (And When Not To)
Timing matters. Here's when to send a scheduling link and when to hold off:
When to Send the Link:
- After they've agreed to a call. Once they've said "yes" to the idea of meeting, the link is helpful.
- When you're rescheduling. If a meeting fell through and you're trying to find a new time, the link speeds things up.
- When they ask for it. If someone says, "What's your availability?" send the link.
- When you've already built rapport. If you've had 3-5 warm exchanges, a link feels less transactional.
When NOT to Send the Link:
- In your first message. Too soon. You haven't earned the right to ask for their time yet.
- After a cold connection request. If you just connected and immediately drop a link, it feels spammy.
- When you haven't explained why. If they don't know what the call is about, they won't book it.
- When the conversation is still warming up. If you're still in the "getting to know you" phase, hold off. Build more trust first, using strategies from DM tone tips.
Reschedule Etiquette: How to Handle Changes Gracefully
Life happens. Meetings get rescheduled. Here's how to handle it without damaging the relationship:
If You Need to Reschedule:
Give as much notice as possible. Don't cancel 10 minutes before the meeting.
Apologize briefly. Acknowledge the inconvenience, but don't over-apologize.
Offer alternatives immediately. Don't make them ask. Suggest 2-3 new times or send the link again.
Example:
"Hey [Name]—I'm really sorry, but something urgent came up and I need to reschedule our call on Thursday. I know that's frustrating. Would Monday at 10 AM or Tuesday at 3 PM work instead? If not, here's my calendar and you can grab whatever works best for you: [link]. Again, apologies for the late change."
If They Need to Reschedule:
Be gracious. Don't guilt-trip them or make them feel bad.
Make it easy. Offer new times or send the link.
Example:
"No worries at all—these things happen! I'm flexible. Here's my calendar: [link]. Grab whatever works for you, or if you'd prefer, I'm free Wednesday afternoon or Friday morning. Whatever's easier on your end."
If They Ghost After Booking:
Sometimes people book a call and then don't show up or respond. Here's how to follow up without being pushy:
Send one polite follow-up within 24 hours:
"Hey [Name]—I noticed we missed each other on our call yesterday. No problem at all—I know things come up. If you'd still like to connect, just let me know and we can find another time. If not, totally understand. Either way, best of luck with [their project]!"
If they don't respond to that, let it go. Move on. This mirrors the respect for boundaries discussed in LinkedIn follow-up best practices.
Reminder Messages: Should You Send Them?
Most scheduling tools send automatic reminders, but should you also send a personal reminder via LinkedIn?
Yes, if:
- The call is more than a week away and you want to keep the connection warm.
- You're sharing prep materials or an agenda before the call.
- The meeting was booked a while ago and you want to confirm they're still available.
No, if:
- The call is within the next 2-3 days and they've already received an automated reminder.
- You've already sent multiple messages and don't want to feel overbearing.
Example of a good reminder (2 days before the call):
"Looking forward to our call on Thursday at 2 PM! Just wanted to share a quick agenda so we make the most of the time: [1-2 bullet points]. Feel free to add anything you'd like to discuss. See you then!"
The Alternative to Links: Manual Coordination
Not everyone likes scheduling links. Some people prefer the back-and-forth of manual coordination because it feels more personal. If you sense someone prefers this approach, honor it.
How to coordinate manually:
- Offer 2-3 specific times. "I'm free Monday at 10 AM, Tuesday at 3 PM, or Wednesday at 1 PM. Do any of those work for you?"
- Wait for their response. Don't send the link unless they ask for it.
- Send a calendar invite once you agree on a time. Use Google Calendar, Outlook, or whatever tool you prefer.
Why some people prefer this: It feels collaborative, not automated. It signals that you're willing to invest time in coordinating with them personally.
Common Mistakes When Sharing Calendar Links
Here are the most common mistakes people make—and how to avoid them:
Mistake 1: The Link Dump
Bad: "Here's my Calendly: [link]."
Better: "I'd love to chat more about this if you're open to it. Here's my calendar if you want to grab a time: [link]. Totally fine if now's not the right moment—no pressure."
Mistake 2: No Context for the Call
Bad: "Let's schedule a call. Here's my calendar: [link]."
Better: "I think there's some interesting overlap between what you're working on and a project I'm involved in. Would a 20-minute call next week make sense? If so, here's my calendar: [link]."
Mistake 3: Too Many Options
Bad: "I'm free any day next week at any time. Just pick whatever works for you."
Better: "I'm pretty flexible next week. Tuesday or Thursday afternoons tend to work best for me—do either of those fit your schedule?"
Mistake 4: No Easy Opt-Out
Bad: "I need to get you on my calendar. When are you free?"
Better: "I'd love to connect if you're open to it, but no worries if now's not the right time. If you are, here's my calendar: [link]."
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I use Calendly or offer specific times?
Both work. If you're coordinating with someone senior or someone you don't know well, offering specific times feels more respectful. If you're rescheduling or they've already agreed to meet, a Calendly link is efficient. When in doubt, offer both: "I'm free Tuesday at 2 PM or Thursday at 10 AM, or if you prefer, here's my calendar: [link]."
How do I follow up if they don't book a time?
Send one polite follow-up 3-5 days later: "Hey [Name]—just wanted to circle back in case my last message got buried. Still happy to chat if you're interested, but no pressure if now's not the right time!" If they don't respond, move on. This approach is consistent with respectful follow-up strategies.
Is it okay to send a scheduling link in a connection request?
No. That's way too soon. Build some rapport first. Exchange a few messages, establish context, then suggest a call. Sending a link in a connection request feels transactional and spammy.
Next step: Keep the conversation human — Try ANDI Free.
