Here is the truth about LinkedIn outreach: most people treat it like email or cold calling, but it doesn’t work the same.

If you are copying and pasting AI generated scripts, you are wasting your time. Most people won’t reply unless they are in a very good mood or completely desperate. That’s not a strategy, that’s luck.

Why Most LinkedIn Outreach Fails

Let’s be honest. Most of us are not household names or massive companies with spotless reputations. So when someone gets a random message from you, the first thing they feel is distrust.

Then they open the message and see some tired opening line like:

- “I noticed we have some mutual connections…”

- “I help businesses like yours increase revenue by 300%…”

- “Would you be open to a quick chat?”

You sound like everyone else. Which means you get treated like everyone else. Ignored.

You’re a Human, Not a Robot

People do business with people. Not scripts. Not templates. Not some AI generated wall of text.

If you want to stand out, you need to act like a human. That means showing genuine interest, asking real questions, and not trying to close someone in the first message.

LinkedIn is a social platform. Treat it like one. Start conversations, don’t try to force sales calls out of strangers.

What to Do Instead: A Simple Framework

Here is how to approach LinkedIn outreach in a way that actually gets responses:

1. Do your research

Spend 2 minutes on their profile. Look at what they actually do, what industry they’re in, and whether they even fit your target. Don’t waste time blasting random people.

2. Lead with value, not a pitch

Instead of “Can we book a call?” try “I saw you’re working in [industry]. A lot of people there are dealing with [pain point]. How are you handling that?”

This shows you understand their world and opens a real conversation.

3. Ask genuine questions

Don’t interrogate them, but do ask something thoughtful. People like talking about their challenges if they feel you are genuinely interested.

4. Share insights without expecting anything

If you know something that might help, share it freely. A short tip, a link to a useful article, or a quick piece of advice. This builds trust and positions you as someone worth listening to.

5. Play the long game

Most of the time, your first message won’t land you a client. That’s fine. You are building relationships. Over time, people remember who gave them value without asking for anything. And when they need help, you are the one they reach out to.

Example Messages That Work Better

Instead of:

- “Hi John, I’d love to connect and see if you’re open to a quick call about how I can help you grow your business.”

Try something like:

- “Hi John, I saw you work in commercial solar. A lot of installers I speak to are struggling with long lead times and financing questions. Is that something you’re running into as well?”

Or:

- “Hi Sarah, noticed you posted about EV charging projects. One thing I’ve seen contractors struggle with is client acquisition. Curious how you’re approaching that side of things?”

These messages start a conversation. They don’t scream “pitch.”

The Big Mistake to Avoid

The biggest mistake people make is expecting something right away. Outreach on LinkedIn isn’t a vending machine. You don’t put in one message and get a client out.

Go in expecting nothing. Focus on connection, conversation, and value. That is what turns strangers into contacts, and contacts into clients.

The Bottom Line

If you want to succeed on LinkedIn, stop sounding like a robot. Your outreach should feel like a human conversation, not a pitch deck in disguise.

- Do your research

- Lead with value

- Ask real questions

- Share advice without expecting anything back

- Play the long game

That’s how you stop being ignored and start getting replies.