LinkedIn Intro Meeting Tips

Purpose of an Intro Meeting

The purpose of an intro meeting is to build trust, understand the other person’s needs, and explore ways to add value. Focus on creating genuine connections, as people do business with those they know, like, and trust. By listening actively and asking thoughtful questions, you can uncover opportunities to support them, whether through your services, insights, or connections. These meetings also help expand your network and leave a lasting positive impression.

Approach the conversation with curiosity and a mindset of service rather than focusing on making a sale. Let them share their story while gently steering the conversation toward how you can help. Use this time to build a personal connection, identify their needs, and provide value in a way that resonates. The ultimate goal is to create a meaningful relationship that leads to future opportunities while ensuring the other person feels respected and heard.

General Flow of the Meeting

1. Start with a Warm Introduction

• Greet them:

“Hey {First Name}! How are you?”

• Respect their time:

“Before we jump into anything, I want to make sure I respect your time. Are you still good for 15 minutes?”

2. Set the Stage: Why You’re Connecting

• Clearly explain your purpose for the meeting:

“The reason why I wanted to connect is because I’m looking to get to know the people in my community better, and this is the best way to do it! I’d like to see how we can provide each other value.”

• Keep it light and conversational. Smile—they’ll hear it in your tone.

3. Ask Questions to Get to Know Them

Asking thoughtful, open-ended questions is a powerful way to build connection and understand the other person’s background and goals. Focus on questions that explore both their personal and professional lives, tailoring your approach based on their responses to keep the discussion engaging and dynamic.

Personal & Family

• “How has everything been for you, especially during this crazy time?”

• “How has your family been?”

Professional

• “How has work or business been lately?”

• “Have you experienced lots of changes in your industry? Like what?”

• “What’s been the biggest change for you?”

Fun & Personal Interests

• “What do you enjoy doing in your free time?”

• “Have you done anything fun recently?”

💡 If something resonates with you, share a related experience—people connect over shared stories.

4. When They Ask, “What Do You Do?”

Avoid a canned pitch—make it engaging and relatable. For example:

Script for Financial/Insurance Professionals:

“You know how typically your life insurance agent, CPA, estate planning attorney, and financial advisor don’t speak to or coordinate with each other? Well, that’s what I do. I help coordinate your insurances, investments, tax plans, estate plans, and cash flow plans to create a cohesive financial strategy.”

General Script:

“You know how typically {mention a common problem you solve}? Well, that’s what I do. I help {specific people} by {how you solve the problem}.”

5. Gauge Their Motivation

Ask them:

“Just curious, why did you decide to connect with me?”

This question helps you understand their intent:

• Potential Client

• Center of Influence (COI)

• Networking Contact

6. Close the Conversation

Wrap up with a follow-up opportunity:

“Well, it’s been great speaking and getting to know you! Would you be open to another conversation? If you ever need any financial help, have questions, or want to learn more about how I can help, just let me know.”

7. Follow-Up Action

• If possible, schedule a follow-up meeting immediately.

• If not, send a follow-up email:

“It was great connecting! Let’s schedule a time for a more detailed conversation about how I might be able to help you personally or professionally.”

Key Tips for Success

• Be Curious: Show genuine interest in the other person by asking thoughtful, open-ended questions. Focus on learning about their background, goals, challenges, and interests. This not only helps you build rapport but also uncovers valuable insights into how you might be able to support or collaborate with them.

• Be Engaging: Keep the conversation light, fun, and conversational. People are more likely to connect with you if they enjoy the interaction. A warm tone, genuine enthusiasm, and even a smile—yes, they can hear it over the phone or on a video call—can make a significant difference in creating a positive first impression.

• Be Valuable: Shift the focus away from making a sale and toward solving problems or providing meaningful insights. Share how your expertise, resources, or connections could benefit them without coming across as pushy. People appreciate conversations that prioritize their needs and show a willingness to offer value.

• Be Authentic: Build genuine relationships by being yourself. Avoid overly rehearsed pitches and instead let your personality shine through. Authenticity fosters trust, and trust is the foundation of any successful business relationship. People are more likely to want to work with you if they feel they know the real you and believe in your sincerity.