These message chains explain the problem many salespeople have.
Salesperson: “Nobody listens to voicemails.”
Me: “Then don’t leave voicemails.”
Salesperson: “Images get emails blocked.”
Me: “Then don’t use images.”
Salesperson: “Prospects don’t respond to my DMs on LinkedIn.”
Me: “Then don’t send DMs.”
Here’s the thing.
Any medium (voicemail, video, email, DMs, direct mail) can be effective or not.
It’s not the medium; it’s the message.
Some people listen to voicemails. Some don’t.
Some emails with images get blocked when. Some don’t.
If all you focus on is the problem, then you’re the problem.
The way out?
Stop focusing on things you don’t control.
You don’t control if people respond to your message.
You don’t control if your email gets delivered.
You only control your message.
So let’s focus on writing messages that invite prospects to care and motivate them to want to learn more.
Here’s a good LinkedIn DM message I received that prompted me to respond:
Hey Josh – Love your posts. In particular, the video series you do with Jenna. Have you considered repurposing your YouTube videos for TikTok to expand your reach beyond LinkedIn? Happy to share some examples of what other creators are doing. Either way, thanks for the great content.
Here’s another example for SambaSafety:
Ben – I noticed you have a fleet of 5,000 which suggests you’re running annual MVRs. Question – If you run MVRs in July, how do you know there aren’t high-risk drivers heading into the winter months? Fleet managers with over 5k drivers are reducing crashes + claims by 23%. It involves continuous driver monitoring. Open to exchanging a DM to learn more?
These messages work because:
- Provides context.
- Is specific (over 5k drivers, creators with YouTube videos)
- Shines a light on the cost of inaction.
- Creates curiosity by a question that makes people think, “Hmm, I’m not sure.”
- Small ask that starts a conversation rather than asking for time.