The "Voice Note Test"

Before sending any message:

1. Record yourself saying the message out loud
2. Listen back to it
3. Ask: "Would I say this to someone at a networking event?"
4. If no → rewrite the message
5. If yes → send it

The Mutual Connection Leverage

When possible:

• Research the mutual connection
• Reference specific context: "We both know Sarah from the FinTech meetup"
• Sometimes ask the mutual connection for a warm introduction

The Content Strategy

Once connected:

• Like and comment thoughtfully on their posts
• Share relevant industry insights
• Tag them in useful content (sparingly)
• Congratulate on company milestones