Finding someone interesting in the directory is only the first step. Connect is the feature that lets you reach out to them directly, without needing to know their email address or wait for a formal introduction. It is available on every member card in the directory and on every member profile page.
How Connect Works
Connect is a platform-mediated messaging feature. When you send a Connect message:
- You click the Connect button on a member's card or profile page
- A dialog opens where you write a subject line and your message
- The platform sends a branded email to the recipient on your behalf
- The recipient's email client shows a reply-to address pointing to your email, so they can reply directly to you
The recipient does not need to log in to the platform to respond. They simply reply to the email and their reply goes straight to your inbox.
Connect dialog showing subject line field, message body, and Send button
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Rate Limits
To keep the directory a respectful space, Connect messages are limited to 5 per day per member. This limit resets each day. If you hit the limit, the Connect button will let you know and invite you to try again tomorrow.
The limit encourages thoughtful outreach rather than bulk messaging. A small number of well-crafted messages is far more effective than many generic ones.
Booking Time Directly
If a member has added a booking link to their profile (such as a Calendly or Cal.com link), you will see a Book Time button alongside the Connect button on their card and profile page. Clicking it opens their scheduling page in a new tab.
Booking links are visible in the directory by default. Members can choose to hide their booking link from their profile settings if they prefer.
Writing a Good Connect Message
A strong Connect message is short, specific, and genuine. Here are a few tips:
Lead with context. Mention how you found them and what caught your attention. Referencing a specific skill tag or something in their bio shows you paid attention.
State your purpose clearly. Are you hoping to get advice on a career transition? Looking to swap notes with someone in a similar role? Say it in one or two sentences. Ambiguous outreach tends to go unanswered.
Make it easy to say yes. Suggest a specific format for the conversation, such as a 20-minute video call or a quick back-and-forth over email. Giving the other person a low-effort way to respond increases the chance they will.
Keep it brief. Three to five sentences is usually enough. Longer messages can feel like a bigger commitment before any relationship has been established.
Example Connect message with subject line 'Quick question about your product career path' and a concise 4-sentence message body
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A good message respects the other person's time and makes it clear why you are reaching out. Most people in the community are glad to connect when approached thoughtfully.