I use to send a welcome message, but I've seen it doesn't work (almost no cool conversation starts).
My current message sounds like "glad to connect, how can I help you?"
Any idea on how to make it better?
I've searched online and found a bunch of "how to spam connection requests without sound spammy" but it's not what I'm looking for :)
LinkedIn’s messenger platform is often less than ideal. Try contacting them direct, email or text.
Also, proactively suggest ways you might serve them. And suggest 1-2 time windows for a brief chat.
Perhaps- “what can you help me with?”. Most connections are marketing related.