Be specific, switch channels, add "no need to respond," and keep it short. AI over-explains; humans get to the point.
The idea
The ratio of human to AI content in your feed, inbox and DMs is plummeting, and people now scan messages for signs of life. So we go back to the chain of trust: when you can't trust the message, you trust the messenger, and then whoever introduced you. One lazy, obviously templated message snaps that link, and you get filed under "spammer," or worse, "bot." Every interaction has to clear a higher bar: personal, relevant and clearly from you.
How to do it
Reference something specific. A recent post, a conversation you had, a mutual connection.
Switch channels. Saw something on their LinkedIn? Text them about it. AI can't do that at scale, for now.
Add "no need to respond." A bot would never volunteer less engagement, and it tends to increase replies.
Keep it short and direct. AI tends to over-explain. Humans get to the point.
Example
Last December I was going through my contacts one morning and wished someone a Merry Christmas. They don't celebrate Christmas. The reply was instant: "Automation fail!" A human had actually sent it, but the default assumption now is that there's nobody behind the curtain.
The Human Premium: As AI floods every channel, trusted human relationships become the main filter for attention. When you can't trust the channel, you trust the person.
The Chain of Trust: Trust travels through people. Beth trusts Jack, Jack trusts me, so Beth gives me five minutes. One careless, templated message can snap the link.
The Channel Switch: Respond on a different channel than the one the news came through: a LinkedIn post gets a text, an email gets a call.
No Need To Respond: End check-ins with "no need to respond." Taking away the obligation makes people feel cared for, and they reply more often.