You did everything:
- Optimized your LinkedIn profile.
- Crafted the right kind of content for your target audience.
- Posted consistently and regularly.
- Received audience engagement through likes and comments.
But when it came to the inbox? Crickets.
Or worse, you sent out a few messages and got either a cold “Not interested” or no response at all. Yikes. But understandable.
You could be a professional exploring partnerships, a fresher hoping to build some good industry connections, an entrepreneur trying to land clients, or even a founder looking to grow their business. Justifiably, silence from an unresponsive message hits like a ton of bricks.
But here’s a truth you might find eye-opening: Your next big deal, job offer, or client might not come from the content you post but from your DMs.
Not the spammy kind, and not the cold-pitch kind. But the strategic, relationship-first kind.
So, let’s talk about how you can do that—the right way.
- Don’t Pitch First, Rather Start a Conversation
The biggest mistake you can ever make is treating DMs like cold calls. Sending a “Hi, I do XYZ, do you need help with that?” is a guaranteed skip, tuck, and roll.
What You Can Do Instead: Send a message based on something real. A comment they made, a post they shared, or a common interest. Consider it as the opening line at a networking event, not the sales table.
For Example: “Hey Adam, I saw your post on scaling early-stage teams. Curious—how did you approach hiring your first marketing lead?”
Note: Opening with a greeting and a subtle—not overwhelming—observation you’ve made, followed by a question asking them about something, works pretty good. It’s specific. It’s curious. It invites conversation.
- Follow the 80/20 Messaging Rule
The golden ratio: 80% value and 20% ask. It means that most of your messages should be about the other person. What they do, what they need, and what they’ve achieved. Save the pitching for later, once you’ve built context and curiosity.
For Example: If someone runs a podcast show that you would love to be featured on, don’t shoot them with a “Can I be a guest?”
Instead, lead with: “Just finished your episode with Amanda on bootstrapping SaaS. Loved your question on pricing—made me rethink our model. Curious how you decide who you bring on?”
- Personalization Beats Automation Every Time
Yes, there are tools available today that let you send 100 messages a day. But most people can spot these automated messages from a mile away. Remember, nothing says “I don’t value your time” like a generic message, so choosing personalized messages over automated ones is the best way to go.
For Example: You can consider sending 5 high-quality DMs a week that are personalized, purposeful, and relevant. Use their name, reference their work, be clear on why you’re reaching out, and keep it short and real.
Bad – “Hi, I help businesses grow. Let’s connect.”
Better – “Hi Anthony, your post on feature-problem fit hit home. We’re tackling something similar in FemTech. Would love to exchange notes.”
- Make It Easy For Them to Say Yes
Once you get a conversation moving, the next step isn’t a pitch; it’s a next step. Make it easy for the other person to take action—play their hand in response to yours. Don’t drop a Calendly (a business communication platform) link out of nowhere. Don’t rush to play another hand immediately, but instead suggest a soft move.
For Example: “If it’s helpful, I can share a quick idea we used to cut churn by 20% last quarter. Want me to send it over?”
Respectful communication builds lasting rapport. It makes people feel valued and not sold to.
- Master the Art of a Follow-Up
The deal doesn’t fizz out or die when your message gets ignored by the other person. People get busy, and messages get buried. The key? Follow-up—politely, respectfully, intentionally, and without pressure.
For Example: “Hey Amy, just circling back here. Not sure if you saw my earlier message—happy to resend it. If now’s not the right time, all good!”
Short, simple, no guilt-tripping.
- Shift From Being Transactional to Being Trustful
Your inbox isn’t a vending machine—it’s a relationship bank. Every message you send to someone is either adding trust or withdrawing from it. And your goal? Be the person they remember, not the one they mute.
So, don’t just chase the deal. Add an insightful or well-thought-out comment, celebrate a win, share a helpful resource, or even ask for their opinion. Over time, people will begin to associate your name with value. And when they do need what you offer, guess who they’ll message first?
Yes, YOU.
Final Thoughts: Your DMs are a Goldmine—If You Treat Them Like a Garden
Nurture, don’t spam.
Be human, not robotic.
Give before you ask. Then, ask with respect.
It takes more time, yes, absolutely. But it builds something stronger: relationships that turn into revenue.
So, which DM tactic has worked for you in the past, or backfired? It’s alright, just share your story in the comments section and let’s build better conversations together.
More Related Articles Visit: https://theglobalpreneur.com/category/blog-and-insights/
For Connect with Us:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-globalpreneur
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheGlobalpreneur/
Twitter (X): https://x.com/T_Globalpreneur
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/TheGlobalpreneur
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theglobalpreneur