I received an email recently that really put a smile on my face. It  accompanied a request to connect with someone via LinkedIn, which is a business-oriented social networking site. Like many sites, it features a generically worded invitation you may utilize when inviting others to connect. 

However, this invitation was different. Jaime didn't use the pre-set wording. Instead, she reminded me of the meeting she had attended in the past year at which I had been the guest speaker. She told me how much she enjoys my newsletters -- a lovely compliment to share. She then invited me to connect with her on the site.  

Her invitation stood out.   

I must confess that while I look at the profiles of the people I connect with, it is often a case of "out of sight, out of mind". By using only the generic, standard invitation "I'd like to connect with you on ________" , there is nothing to draw me into the person or their business.  

A personalized invitation, however, even from someone I've never met, will cause me to take a deeper, longer look at the profile. What do we have in common? Is there someone I know or something I can do that will be of immediate help? This person reached out to me, specifically, not just a suggested name on a list.

That can make all the difference when it comes to building a relationship.