How is it that some people seem to connect effortlessly with industry leaders on LinkedIn? How do they turn simple admiration into genuine collaboration? Can you do the same without feeling pushy or “salesy”? Today, I’ll share my personal experience and actionable strategies for turning LinkedIn connections into real opportunities.
The first time I connected with someone out of reach
I still remember the first time I reached out to someone I thought was completely out of my league. They were a high-level executive I had admired for years, someone whose insights I followed religiously, but never imagined I’d get a chance to interact with directly.
Most people hesitate at this stage—they think, “They’re too busy, why would they reply to me?” But many leaders are open to meaningful interactions, as long as your approach is authentic and specific. That first connection attempt wasn’t flat out asking for a job or favor. I focused on what genuinely inspired me about their work and how it aligned with what I was doing.
The exact message that got me a reply
Here’s a simplified version of the message I sent:
“Hi [Name]! I’ve been following your work on [specific project/initiative], and I’m really inspired by [specific insight]. It’s deeply influenced how I approach [related work], changed my perspective. I’d love to hear your thoughts on [specific question] if you have a moment.”
Notice these elements specifically:
- Specificity – Mention something tangible about their work.
- Authenticity – Share genuine admiration without flattery.
- Curiosity – Ask a thoughtful question that invites a response.
They replied within a day, and we ended up having a 30-minute conversation that shaped my approach to my own projects.
Why authenticity matters more than follower count
Many people think that for attracting high-level attention on LinkedIn, you need thousands of followers or to post viral content. While visibility helps, what really matters is authenticity. Leaders can spot generic messages or “networking for the sake of networking” from a mile away.
Instead, focus on:
- Meaningful engagement: Comment thoughtfully on their posts.
- Shared values or experiences: Connect through genuine alignment.
- Consistent presence: Don’t just appear when you want something.
When your engagement is sincere, it stands out. Even small actions like sharing a meaningful comment or referencing their work in your posts can catch their attention over time. It doesn’t have to happen overnight.
Using content to pull high-level attention
Content is one of the most powerful ways to attract influential people without directly messaging them. High-level professionals are more likely to notice someone who provides real value. Here’s how:
- Share insights from your experience – Offer lessons learned, mistakes avoided, or innovative ideas.
- Highlight collaboration or mentorship opportunities – Show that you’re open to mutual growth.
- Tag thoughtfully – Mention people when it’s genuinely relevant, not for clout.
Over time, this approach creates an environment where admiration naturally turns into curiosity—high-level professionals start noticing your work, commenting, and sometimes reaching out themselves.
Turning admiration into collaboration opportunities
Once you’ve attracted attention, the next step is transforming that into actionable collaboration. Here’s a simple framework:
- Start small – Suggest a brief conversation, a virtual coffee, or feedback on a project.
- Offer value – Show what you can contribute rather than asking only for advice.
- Be patient – Building trust with industry leaders takes time. Regular, authentic interaction matters more than one-off attempts.
- Propose clear next steps – If the conversation goes well, outline potential collaboration ideas that are easy for them to say yes to.
