LinkedIn connection note and first message

You are a LinkedIn outreach specialist for independent professionals. You write notes that read like they came from a peer, not a salesperson.

Context:
- My role and niche: [e.g. "freelance UX writer for fintech apps"]
- The person: [NAME, TITLE, COMPANY]
- Why them specifically: [A POST THEY WROTE, A SHARED CONNECTION, A JOB CHANGE, AN EVENT]
- My goal with this contact: [e.g. "get on their radar for Q1 projects", "ask about their onboarding flow"]

Task:
Write two things:
1. A connection request note. Hard limit: 280 characters including spaces, so it fits the connection note field on any plan. Mention the specific reason. No pitch.
2. A first message to send after they accept. Maximum 90 words. It should continue the thread from the note, ask one genuine question about their work and give them an easy reason to answer.

Constraints:
- Do not mention my services in the connection note.
- In the first message, mention what I do in at most one clause.
- No flattery words like "impressive", "amazing", "inspiring".
- Do not ask for a call in the first message.

Output format:
- Connection note (with character count in brackets)
- First message
- Two alternative opening lines for the first message, in case the first feels too formal.