LinkedIn DM Templates

Loved your recent post

Hi [Name], I came across your post on [Topic] and it really hit home — you articulated something I've been thinking about for months. Would love to stay connected and follow your work. [Your Name]

Your work at [Company] caught my attention

Hi [Name], I've been following what [Company] is doing in [Topic] and your name keeps coming up. Impressive work. Would be great to connect. [Your Name]

Your perspective on [Topic] stood out

Hi [Name], I was researching [Topic] and came across your thinking on it — specifically [specific point or post]. It challenged a few assumptions I had. I work in [Your Field] and find myself at a similar crossroads. Would love to be connected and stay in touch with how you're thinking about this. No agenda — just respect for the work. [Your Name]

Your career trajectory is exactly what I'm studying

Hi [Name], I'm [Your Name], a [Your Role] working in [Your Area]. I've been mapping out career paths in [Topic] and yours is one of the most interesting I've come across. The move from [Role A] to [Role B] particularly stood out — not many people make that transition successfully. Would love to connect and maybe ask one or two questions when you have a moment. [Your Name]

Genuine admiration for your work in [Topic]

Hi [Name], I'll be honest — I don't send many cold DMs. But your work in [Topic] is the kind of thing that makes me want to reach out. I've been following your content for [timeframe] and what strikes me most is [specific observation]. It's rare to see someone with that combination of depth and clarity in this space. I'm [Your Name], and I work in [Your Role/Area]. There's no pitch here — I'm just genuinely curious about how you think about [specific aspect of their work]. If you ever have 15 minutes for a conversation, I'd find it incredibly valuable. Either way, happy to be connected. [Your Name]

We work in the same space

Hi [Name], I work in [Topic] too and your name kept coming up in conversations I respect. Had to connect. Looking forward to following your work. [Your Name]

Your article on [Topic] changed how I think about this

Hi [Name], I read your piece on [Topic] last week and shared it with three people before I even finished it. That doesn't happen often. The point about [specific argument] reframed something I've been stuck on for a while. Would love to be connected — I think we'd find common ground on a lot of this. [Your Name]

Something specific about your background caught my eye

Hi [Name], I was going through [Topic] spaces on LinkedIn and your profile stopped me in a way most don't. What stood out: you've built expertise at the intersection of [Area A] and [Area B] — which is exactly where I believe the most interesting work is happening right now. I'm [Your Name]. I run [Company/Role] in [Your Area]. We're not competitors — if anything, the problems you're solving are upstream of what we're working on. No specific ask. I just think there's a conversation worth having at some point. Connecting here first. [Your Name]

Following up from our connection

Hi [Name], Thank you for accepting my connection request. I wanted to say a proper hello. I'm [Your Name] — [one line about what you do]. Looking forward to staying in touch. [Your Name]

Circling back after [Event/Context]

Hi [Name], I wanted to follow up after [Event/Context] — I haven't stopped thinking about the point you made regarding [Topic]. I did a bit more digging on my end and found [interesting insight or resource] that I thought you might find relevant. Happy to share. Would love to continue the conversation when you have a moment. [Your Name]

Quick follow-up on our last conversation

Hi [Name], Following up on our conversation about [Topic]. Did you end up making progress on [specific thing]? Happy to share what we figured out on our end if useful. [Your Name]

I took your advice — here's what happened

Hi [Name], A few weeks ago you gave me some advice about [Topic] and I wanted to close the loop. I took your suggestion on [specific advice] and it made a real difference — [brief outcome]. I don't think I would have gotten there without that nudge. Thank you. And if there's ever anything I can return the favor on, don't hesitate. [Your Name]

Revisiting our conversation about [Topic]

Hi [Name], I hope you're doing well. I've been thinking about a conversation we had a while back about [Topic] and wanted to pick up where we left off. Since then, [relevant development or update]. It's shifted how I'm thinking about [aspect of the topic], and I think it changes the calculus a bit. I'd love your perspective on this if you have 10 minutes. I can share what I'm seeing and hear whether it aligns with what you're observing from your vantage point. Open to a quick call or happy to keep it in messages — whatever's easier for you. [Your Name]

Reconnecting — it's been a while

Hi [Name], It's been a while since we last talked. Wanted to check in and see how things are going with [Topic/Company]. I'm still working on [your current focus] — happy to share an update if you're curious. [Your Name]

Quick question about how you handle [Problem]

Hi [Name], I work with companies like [Company Type] on [Problem]. Curious — is this something your team is actively dealing with right now? Happy to share what's working for others if it's relevant. [Your Name]

I noticed something about [Company]

Hi [Name], I was looking at [Company]'s [growth signal — hiring, funding, expansion] and it looks like you're scaling [specific area] quickly. Companies at that stage often run into [specific problem] around [timeframe]. We've helped [similar companies] solve exactly that — [brief result]. Worth a 15-minute call to see if there's a fit? No pitch, just a conversation. [Your Name]

We helped [Similar Company] with [Result]

Hi [Name], I work with [Role/Team Type] teams on [Problem]. Recently helped [Similar Company or Company Type] go from [state A] to [state B] in [timeframe]. Looking at [Company], I think there might be a similar opportunity — especially given [specific observation about them]. Open to a quick chat to explore? Happy to make it worth your time. [Your Name]

A specific idea for [Company]

Hi [Name], I'll skip the usual sales intro and get to the point. I've been watching [Company] for a while. The work you're doing on [specific initiative] is impressive — it's clear you're serious about [goal]. The area where I think I can add value: [specific problem your product/service solves]. Companies building in this direction often hit a wall at [specific friction point], usually around the time they're at [stage/size]. We helped [Reference Company] solve that by [brief approach]. They went from [state A] to [state B]. I'm not sure if the timing is right for you — but if there's any chance it is, I'd rather spend 15 minutes finding out than not reach out at all. Interested? [Your Name], [Your Company]

Your post on [Topic] resonated — relevant to what I do

Hi [Name], Your post on [Topic] resonated — it's exactly the problem space we work in. We help [Company Type] [specific outcome]. Would it be worth a quick conversation? [Your Name]

Not a pitch — a genuine question

Hi [Name], I promise this isn't a copy-paste pitch. I do actually work in [Topic] and your approach at [Company] stood out as different. I'm curious: how are you currently handling [specific challenge]? I ask because it's an area I'm deep in and I'd be genuinely curious about your approach — not to sell, but because I might learn something. If there's value in the exchange, great. If not, no worries. [Your Name]

Three companies like yours are dealing with [Problem] right now

Hi [Name], Over the past month, I've spoken to [Number] companies building in [Space] and a clear pattern is emerging: [specific problem they all face]. It's not surprising given [context]. But it's one of those problems that's easy to miss until it's costing you real [time/money/customers]. I run [Company/Service] that solves exactly this. Here's what we've done for similar teams: - [Result 1] - [Result 2] - [Result 3] [Company] looks like it could be facing the same thing — especially given [specific signal]. Would a 20-minute call be worth your time? I can share what we're seeing across the market even if we're not the right fit for you. [Your Name]

Potential collaboration on [Topic]

Hi [Name], I've been following your work on [Topic] and think there might be an interesting collaboration opportunity here. I run [Your Project/Role] and see real overlap with what you're building. Would you be open to a quick chat? [Your Name]

Our audiences would benefit from working together

Hi [Name], I create content on [Topic] for [Audience] and you do the same for a similar crowd — but from a different angle. I've been thinking about a joint [webinar / post series / guide] that combines both perspectives. It would give both our audiences something they can't get from one source. Would you be interested in exploring this? Happy to put together a rough idea if the initial answer is yes. [Your Name]

A specific collaboration idea I'd love your thoughts on

Hi [Name], I'll lead with the idea since I think it's better than a generic 'let's collaborate' message. I've been building [Project/Content/Product] for [Audience] over the last [timeframe]. You've been doing similar work from the [Topic] angle. Here's the collaboration I had in mind: [specific idea — co-authored post, joint webinar, newsletter swap, product integration, etc.]. The value for both sides: [clear benefit A] and [clear benefit B]. I've done similar projects with [Mention or not] and they've consistently delivered [outcome]. If this sounds interesting, I'd love to jump on a quick call to flesh it out. If it's not a fit right now, no hard feelings — I'll keep following your work either way. [Your Name]

Your product + mine could be something interesting

Hi [Name], I build [Your Product] for [Audience] and you've built [Their Product] for a similar market. I see a natural integration: [specific integration idea]. It would solve [specific problem] that both our users face without either of us having to build it from scratch. Is this something you'd be open to exploring? Even a short call would help me understand if it's worth putting a proper proposal together. [Your Name]

Guest feature on [Your Platform]

Hi [Name], I run [Platform/Newsletter/Podcast] focused on [Topic] and your work would resonate strongly with my audience. Would you be open to being featured? Happy to share details on format and reach. [Your Name]

Wanted to say hello properly

Hi [Name], We're connected but I don't think we've properly introduced ourselves. I'm [Your Name] — I work in [Your Area]. Always happy to chat with people doing interesting things in [Topic]. [Your Name]

Would love your perspective on [Topic]

Hi [Name], I'm [Your Name], working in [Your Area]. I've been thinking a lot about [Topic] lately and find your perspective particularly interesting based on what you share. No specific ask — I'd just enjoy having a conversation with someone who's clearly been in the trenches on this. Open to a 20-minute call sometime? Happy to share what I'm seeing from my side too. [Your Name]

Building my network of people who actually know [Topic]

Hi [Name], I've been intentional lately about building relationships with people who have deep knowledge in [Topic] — not just general expertise, but people who've actually worked through the hard problems. You're clearly one of those people. The way you talk about [specific area] shows real first-hand experience, not just surface-level familiarity. I'm [Your Name]. I work in [Your Role/Area] and have been in [Topic] for [timeframe]. I'm not looking for anything specific — just want to know the right people so that when something relevant comes up (for either of us), there's already a real relationship to build on. Up for a 15-20 minute intro call? [Your Name]

Noticed you're based in [City] — let's connect

Hi [Name], I noticed you're based in [City] and work in [Topic] — same here. Always good to know people working on similar things locally. Let's grab a coffee sometime. [Your Name]

Long-time follower, first-time DM

Hi [Name], I've been following your work for a while but never reached out — not sure why it took this long. I'm [Your Name], working in [Your Area]. Your thinking on [Topic] has influenced how I approach [specific thing] more than once. I'd love to have a real conversation at some point. No agenda — just a genuine interest in getting to know you and how you think. [Your Name]

Your advice made a real difference

Hi [Name], I wanted to take a moment to thank you for your advice on [Topic]. I acted on it and it worked. [Brief result]. Genuinely appreciate you taking the time. [Your Name]

Thank you for the introduction to [Name]

Hi [Name], I wanted to close the loop on the introduction to [Person] — it led somewhere real. We had a great conversation and [specific outcome]. None of that happens without your intro. I owe you one. If there's ever anyone in my network who would be useful to you, please don't hesitate to ask. [Your Name]

Your talk at [Event] was excellent

Hi [Name], Your talk at [Event] on [Topic] was genuinely one of the best I've seen on this subject. The point about [specific takeaway] is going to stick with me for a while. Thank you for putting that together. [Your Name]

Thank you — here's the outcome of that conversation

Hi [Name], A few months ago you did something that made a bigger impact than you probably realized: [what they did — gave advice, made an intro, shared a resource, etc.]. At the time I wasn't sure how much it would matter. Looking back, it was one of the key inputs that led to [specific outcome]. I wanted to let you know because I think people don't hear that enough. When you help someone, you rarely see what happens next. In this case: [brief story of what happened]. Thank you. I hope I get the chance to return the favor. [Your Name]

Just wanted to say thank you

Hi [Name], This is one of those messages I should have sent earlier. Your [post / resource / comment / advice] on [Topic] helped me think through something I'd been stuck on. I ended up going with [decision] and it's been the right call. I know you probably don't remember the specific thing, but it mattered to me. Thank you. [Your Name]

Quick ask — do you know anyone at [Company]?

Hi [Name], I noticed you're connected with people at [Company]. I'm actively exploring opportunities there and would value a warm introduction if you know anyone who'd be open to it. Happy to explain more about what I'm looking for if helpful. [Your Name]

Would you be comfortable referring me to [Company]?

Hi [Name], I hope this isn't a presumptuous ask — but I'm exploring a [Role] opportunity at [Company] and I noticed you're connected with [Person/People there]. I've been following [Company]'s work for a while, particularly [specific initiative], and I think my background in [Your Area] would be a strong fit. If you feel comfortable making an introduction or dropping a word, I would be very grateful. If not, no worries at all — I appreciate the connection either way. [Your Name]

A referral ask — with full context so you can decide

Hi [Name], I want to make this easy for you to say yes or no to, so I'll give you the full context. I'm [Your Name], currently [Your Situation — looking for a new role, exploring a career move, etc.]. I'm specifically interested in [Company] for [specific reason — their work on X, their stage, their culture]. I believe I'm a strong fit because [brief, honest case — 2-3 sentences max]. Here's a quick summary of my background if you want to pass it along: [brief summary or attach LinkedIn]. I understand a referral asks you to put your name behind someone, and I don't take that lightly. If you don't know me well enough or it's just not a good time, I completely understand. No awkwardness either way. Thank you for reading this. [Your Name]

Could you introduce me to [Person]?

Hi [Name], I'd love to speak with [Person] about [specific topic — their experience, a potential opportunity, etc.] and I noticed you know them. Would you be comfortable making a brief introduction? I'd keep it focused and respectful of their time. Happy to draft a note you can forward if that makes it easier. [Your Name]

Thought of you for [Event Name]

Hi [Name], I'm hosting [Event Name] on [Topic] on [Date] and immediately thought of you when putting together the invite list. Would love to have you there — here's the link: [Link]. Let me know if you have questions. [Your Name]

Personal invite to [Event] — I think you'd add a lot

Hi [Name], I'm putting together [Event Name] on [Date] — a [format: roundtable / workshop / webinar] focused on [Topic]. The goal is [one sentence on purpose]. I thought of you specifically because of your work on [relevant aspect]. The conversations are small and intentional, and I think you'd add a real perspective that others won't have. Interested? Happy to share more details. [Your Name]

Would you join us for [Event]? Here's why I'm asking you specifically

Hi [Name], I want to be direct about why I'm reaching out: I'm organizing [Event Name] on [Date] and I'm being selective about who I invite. Here's the setup: [brief description — format, size, topic, goal]. We're keeping it to [X] people who have real depth in [Topic]. I thought of you because [specific reason — your post on X, your work at Y, your expertise in Z]. The kind of perspective you'd bring is exactly what I want in the room. Is this something you'd be open to? I can send a proper invite with full details if you'd like to see more before deciding. [Your Name]

Speaking opportunity at [Event]

Hi [Name], I'm organizing [Event Name] focused on [Topic] and would love to have you share your perspective on [specific angle]. Audience is [brief description]. Would you be open to discussing this? [Your Name]

Interested in opportunities at [Company]

Hi [Name], I've been following [Company]'s work and I'm genuinely interested in joining the team. I come from [Brief Background] and would love to understand if there's a fit. Is this something you'd be open to chatting about? [Your Name]

Exploring [Role] opportunities — [Company] is at the top of my list

Hi [Name], I'm [Your Name], a [Your Role] with [X years] of experience in [Topic]. I'm exploring new opportunities and [Company] is genuinely at the top of my list. What draws me specifically: [1-2 specific reasons — their product direction, team, approach to X]. It feels like a place where my background in [Area] would actually matter. Is there someone you'd recommend I speak with, or is this something you'd be open to discussing yourself? [Your Name]

I want to work at [Company] — here's why I'm reaching out to you specifically

Hi [Name], I'll be straightforward: I want to work at [Company] and I'm being intentional about who I reach out to. I reached out to you specifically because [specific reason — your role is adjacent to what I want to do / you've been there long enough to give an honest view / I respect your work on X]. About me: I'm [Your Name], currently at [Current Company] working on [Area]. Before that, [one line on background]. My real strength is [honest self-assessment — 1-2 sentences]. Why [Company]: [specific, genuine answer — not just 'you're a great company']. I've been watching [specific initiative or product] and it's the kind of problem I want to be working on. I'm not asking for a referral or any commitments — just a 20-minute conversation to learn more about what it's actually like to work there and whether my profile would be a fit. Would you be open to it? [Your Name]

Curious about the [Team/Department] at [Company]

Hi [Name], I noticed you work on the [Team/Department] at [Company] — which is exactly the area I've been researching. I'm a [Your Role] looking to make a move and [Company]'s approach to [specific area] is unlike anything else I've seen. I'd love to understand how the team is structured and what kind of profiles you look for. Even 15 minutes would be incredibly helpful. Happy to share my background in advance if useful. [Your Name]

Are you hiring for [Role] at [Company]?

Hi [Name], I saw [Company] is scaling and I'm actively exploring [Role] positions. My background is in [Brief Area]. Is the team currently hiring, or would you know who the right person to speak with would be? [Your Name]

I've been building toward a role like this for three years

Hi [Name], I know cold job inquiry DMs can feel like noise, so I'll try to earn your attention quickly. I've spent the last [X] years building expertise in [Topic] — specifically [narrow skill or area]. The work I'm most proud of: [brief, specific achievement]. Here's what that looks like on a resume: [one-line summary]. I've been following [Company] because [honest, specific reason]. The way you're approaching [specific problem] is different from everyone else in the space and it's the kind of challenge that genuinely excites me. I'm not looking for a favor — I'm looking for the right fit. If my profile doesn't match what you need, I'd rather hear that than waste your time. Would you be open to a 20-minute conversation to find out either way? [Your Name]