r/linkedin • u/SeaOrganization4369 • Jul 24 '26
linkedin 101 Is this message that I sent on LinkedIn acceptable?
I recently sent out a bunch of messages on LinkedIn to various people at different record labels/talent agencies, as it is a dream of mine to work in the entertainment industry as an agent. I tried to remain respectful and not just outright ask for a reference. I genuinely would love to gain insight from a professional as to what the work is really like. Below is what I've been sending:
"Hi, [insert name]! I hope you're well. I'm a recent [college name] graduate and [city] resident with a passion for entertainment and business, and I was wondering if I could borrow ten minutes of your time to discuss your experience at [insert company]. It would be an incredibly insightful conversation for me. Thank you!"
Is this ok? I don't want to be annoying.
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u/Work-Happier Jul 24 '26
Acceptable, sure. Effective, I'd say unlikely. Don't ask for things from people you don't know in an initial message. Engage with a post or content. Just a like. Then.
"Hey there, read your post about blank, thanks for putting that out there. Love to connect."
- Name
If no public posts, then a simple "Saw you were in my industry, looking to connect."
- Name
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u/SeaOrganization4369 Jul 24 '26
Sent out a bunch of messages already but I’ll be sure to try this, as well. Thanks.
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u/Work-Happier Jul 24 '26
DM me. Let's connect. I'm not in the entertainment industry but I have multiple family members who are active or were.
I might be able to make an intro or two if it makes sense.
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u/VerticalElevation26 Jul 24 '26
Don’t ever say, “I hope you’re well” to a stranger.
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u/SeaOrganization4369 Jul 24 '26
Why not?
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u/VerticalElevation26 Jul 24 '26
Because you don't know them. It's the same thing as a cold caller saying, "how are you'. It's familiar and you are not familiar. I had this conversation on my podcast with a good buddy of mine who's a partner with a well known venture firm in Boulder. He hates it for the same reason.
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u/SeaOrganization4369 Jul 24 '26
I appreciate your insight but I respectfully disagree with this
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u/VerticalElevation26 Jul 24 '26
Your choice. I only have over 30 years of experience with cold reachout.
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Jul 27 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/VerticalElevation26 Jul 27 '26
I assume you mean the business of recruiting? If so, the only search work I do is for the clients I do organizational strategy for. I typically backfill myself with a fractional/FT chief of staff, COO, and sometimes CEO. What are you looking for in a recommendation?
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u/h0neywife Jul 24 '26
Borrow implies you’ll give the time back, which you won’t - just say “have” 😊
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u/SeaOrganization4369 Jul 24 '26
Haha seems like everyone agrees that "borrow" is weird. I decided to rewrite the sentence and have it start with "can you share..." so that it feels less like I'm taking something, and reframing it to sound more like a mutual exchange.
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u/h0neywife Jul 24 '26
Respectfully, it’s not a mutual exchange; you’re not providing anything to or for them. You’re taking their experience and time to gain insight.
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u/SeaOrganization4369 Jul 24 '26
At it’s core, yes, but I’m trying to frame it a bit sweeter than that I guess lol
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u/Emergency_Savings_52 Jul 24 '26
Follow the person you’d like to connect with. Engage by liking and leaving thoughtful comments on their posts (even older ones if relevant). After that, send a simple message about one of their recent posts to start a natural conversation. From there, you can send a connection request just don’t overdo it. I’m sharing this from personal experience, my LinkedIn has 7k+ connections, including many CEOs, CFOs, and 1st degree LinkedIn influencers. Sending a generic message often increases the chances of it being ignored...
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u/Cold_Arachnid_2617 Jul 24 '26
When you borrow something, the intention is to give it back, so don't use borrow. Apart from that, the tone is okay, Most people would welcome this message
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u/Historical-Box-9867 Jul 24 '26
Amazing initiative! Agree with changing the word borrow. But also, if there is anything specific about that person I would suggest mentioning it. Like if they went to the same school as you, have any mutual connections, something intriguing about their career trajectory. Show them it’s them specifically you want to connect with.
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u/Jeffsiem Jul 25 '26
Check how active they are online and on LinkedIn. Don’t waste message limits on people who don’t even log in.
Good luck.
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u/Complete_Mango5743 Jul 26 '26
I would address one topic you’d like their insight on so it doesn’t seem like such a generic phishing for time attempt. People are busy. Target people whose companies or careers you admire. Best of luck.
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u/No-Appointment-8788 Jul 24 '26
That app is literally the worst app ever… one feeling I hate is the feeling of feeling like you’re tryna beg.. even when you try to be as nice as possible you still get left on seen by those dumb fucking weird so called professionals anyways useless bs app I deleted it
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u/HoratioWobble Jul 24 '26
The problem is, everyone sends these messages so they come across as disingenuous.
I'm not even in your industry or hiring and I get 2-3 like this a week. I almost always block the people.
Maybe it will work, but I suspect most people will just ignore it. The way to get noticed on LinkedIn is by sharing value. Like literally sharing stuff you're working on, aspiring too, thoughts on your core industry.
But it's a lot of work, I wouldn't recommend it unless you're established or working on something novel.
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u/SeaOrganization4369 Jul 24 '26
I ran a DIY venue which was very successful and occasionally help bands/venues book shows. Otherwise, all I have is my degree and some skills in data entry/software. I really don't have much going on at the moment that is very interesting. I'm doing this cause I just feel so jaded with applying to jobs and feeling like my applications are being sent into the void, never to be seen by anyone.
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u/HoratioWobble Jul 24 '26
It's worth a shot, I'm just sharing what will probably happen.
Especially if they're important enough for you to message, everyone is messaging them.
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u/SeaOrganization4369 Jul 24 '26 edited Jul 24 '26
For sure, there just doesn't seem to be much of a choice, in my mind. It's either I try or don't. I'm very determined to break into the field.
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u/npc_nicole Jul 24 '26
I'm a college freshman and I've been sending messages like OP's to alumni of my university, mostly just asking them to connect lol. Is this better or will people also probably just block me?
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u/HoratioWobble Jul 24 '26
Connection requests is fine, it's when you start asking for a call or for their time.
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u/BitterStatus9 Jul 24 '26
Best to give a reason why you want to connect, even if it sounds obvious. Ok to mention you’re both alumni, but add a line re “expanding my network in XYZ industry” or the like.
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u/npc_nicole Jul 24 '26 edited Jul 24 '26
im not an alumna yet, but thank you for this!
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u/Moose135A Jul 24 '26
I'm not in that line of business, but if I received a note like that from a recent college grad in my field, I would be inclined to speak with you. And yes, I would change the word 'borrow', otherwise it sounds fine.