When someone accepts your LinkedIn request, the best first message is a short, warm note that thanks them, references why you connected, and opens a genuine conversation — not a pitch. The most common mistake is treating an acceptance as permission to sell: the instant sales DM is why so many people accept and then regret it. Instead, your goal for the first message is simply a reply. Below is exactly what to say after someone accepts your request, with templates by scenario. (These pair with the connection request templates that got you connected.)
The one rule: don't pitch first
An acceptance means "sure, I'll connect" — not "yes, sell me something." If your very first message is a pitch or a calendar link, you've confirmed their worst fear about accepting. The first message should earn a reply and a little goodwill. You can talk business later, once there's an actual conversation.
The simple structure
- 1.Thank them (briefly) or acknowledge the connection.
- 2.Reference why you connected — the post, shared tie, or interest.
- 3.Give or ask something small — a question, a compliment, a useful link.
- 4.No ask for their time or money. Yet.
Two or three sentences. That's it.
Templates by scenario
You connected because of their content > Thanks for connecting, {First}! I actually reached out after your post on {topic} — the point about {detail} stuck with me. Are you seeing {related thing} play out the same way?
You're in the same industry > Appreciate the connect, {First}. Always good to have more {role}s in the network. What are you focused on at {company} these days?
They're a prospect (play the long game) > Thanks for connecting, {First}! No pitch — I just like following people doing interesting work in {space}. Curious: what's the biggest thing on your plate this quarter?
A mutual connection linked you > Great to be connected, {First} — {mutual name} speaks highly of you. I've been meaning to reach out since I work with {audience} on {thing}. What are you working on at the moment?
They accepted after viewing your profile > Thanks for connecting, {First}! Saw you'd checked out my profile — always happy to chat with people in {space}. Anything I can help point you toward?
You met in person / at an event > Good to connect properly, {First}! Enjoyed our chat about {topic} at {event}. Let me know if there's ever anything useful I can send your way.
You want advice (not to sell) > Thanks for connecting, {First}! I admire how you've approached {thing}. Would you be open to me asking one quick question about it sometime? No rush at all.
When (and how) to bring up business
If there's a real reason to talk business, get there after a genuine exchange — usually message two or three, and only once you understand their situation. Lead with their problem, keep it low-pressure, and make the ask small. The cold message templates show how to frame it without sounding like spam.
Never let a new connection go cold
Here's what actually happens: you connect with someone promising, mean to follow up, get busy, and three weeks later the moment's gone. Multiply that across every accepted request and you're leaking relationships. Conextly closes that gap for LinkedIn — it tracks every new connection and conversation so none slip, and drafts a warm, personalized first message (and the follow-ups) based on why you connected and what's on their profile. You approve each one; the follow-through stops depending on your memory. See how it works, and the full prospecting playbook.