(how being real builds real connections)
I’m working with a team at a manufacturing company.
It’s only been a few months, but they’re absolutely crushing it on LinkedIn – 10-20x engagement AND conversations.
One of them didn’t even have a profile, but his first posts? 18-20 likes with only 30 connections. (Not bad!)
He already knew to connect with those who liked his posts.
(Remember: likes are quiet “hellos” from the lurkers.)
But I asked if he was including a note with his connection requests.
He said no.
(Now, there are two camps on this: send a note or don’t send a note. Both sides are convinced the other approach will lead to immediate pitch-slaps. Read more about this here. My take? It depends).
Most people in his situation would either send nothing or copy some generic template.
But he is in a genuinely unique position.
So I suggested something that felt completely authentic to his situation:
“Hey, thanks for the like – I just got on LinkedIn a month ago and genuinely appreciate all the support I can get (given I only have 30 connections!)”
He literally IS new. 30 connections. First week posting.
That’s it. No pitch. No ask. Just honest appreciation with real vulnerability.
Why This Worked (And Why It Matters)
Serendipitously, the next day, I learned there’s actually a term for what he did: “shock the narrative.”
It’s about creating a surprising turn that changes how people understand the situation.
Most connection requests follow predictable patterns:
- Generic (no note)
- Templated (“I’d love to connect”)
- Pitch-heavy (“I help companies like yours…”)
His message shocked the narrative because it flipped the script entirely.
Instead of trying to impress or sell, he showed genuine vulnerability.
Instead of pretending to be established, he owned being new.
Instead of following LinkedIn “best practices,” he is authentically himself.
People aren’t expecting that level of honesty from a connection request – and it completely changes how they respond to him.
This is how you actually connect with people. Being real. Being human.
When you show up authentically, you give others permission to do the same. And that’s where genuine relationships begin.
Your voice is your competitive advantage
Everyone’s following the same playbooks.
Everyone’s using the same templates.
Everyone sounds the same.
That’s your opportunity.
The voice that feels “too casual” or “not professional enough” is often exactly what makes you memorable.
This week’s challenge
Think about one “rule” you’ve been following on LinkedIn that doesn’t feel natural to you.
Maybe it’s:
— Always posting at specific times
— Following a particular content formula
— Engaging in a prescribed way
What would happen if you broke that rule and did what felt authentic instead?
That’s where you’ll find your voice. That’s where you’ll shock the narrative. That’s where real connection happens.
Don’t play it safe.
BE yourself.
The platform needs more real humans, not more “perfect” professionals.
Until next time!
Natasha
P.S. I teased out doing a workshop on my LinkedIn and got lots of responses. If I put together a live workshop on ‘What’s Working on LinkedIn Today,” would you join? Reply YES and I’ll share the details!