Hi Reader,

I had two calls yesterday and they had the exact same problem.

They’re both creating content, engaging with other people…they’re doing "the work."

But they're not getting any booked calls.

So I asked my usual question in these situations: what are you doing behind the scenes? Your profile views, for example, are you reaching out to them?

Both of them looked at me like I'd grown a second head.

"I didn't even think of that."

Same answer...didn't even occur to them! And I hear this answer at least 3x month (if not more!)

But there’s a reason this keeps happening.

There's a belief floating around that if you just post enough and engage enough, inbound eventually appears. You do the work, the algorithm notices, and one day the DMs start rolling in.

I’m sorry to burst your bubble, but that is not how this works. It's not how it's worked for a long time!

So here’s my reminder to you:

Somebody has to start the conversation. Why wouldn't it be you?

That way, all that work you're doing on your profile and your content isn't wasted. It's generating something, just not inbound. (and btw I can't overstate just how important it is your profile is optimized AND you're sharing the right type of content..)

It's generating signals.

Someone views your profile. Someone follows you without connecting. Someone subscribes to your newsletter. Someone likes three of your posts in a week and never comments.

Those are people quietly raising their hand. They're the closest thing to a warm lead you're going to get, and most people scroll past them every single day.

I think of a profile view as someone waving at me from across the street. (Or if you remember Wilson from Home Improvement - when he says 'hey neighbor' from behind the fence)

So I say hi back.

I literally say it to myself in my head: “Oh! I need to go say hi to that person.” Not "I need to do outreach." or "I need to work my pipeline." Simply: go say hi.

That reframe is more important than it sounds like it should, because it takes all the pressure out of it. You're not sending a formal pitch. You're not making a case for yourself. They popped by, so you're popping by.

Here's my actual message, in case it's useful:

Yep, I said it was simple. It's low pressure, gives them an easy out, and it gets replies about 80 to 90% of the time because it's disarming. Nobody expects a human.

And to be clear, I don't do this with everyone. I do it with people where there could be some exchange of value. They could use my help, I could use theirs, we serve similar people, or I just like their vibe.

The last thing I'll say that might make you feel better about this (because I know some of you are thinking, “isn’t that creepy though??” It’s not. I promise.)

You're doing them a favor.

Starting conversations on LinkedIn is awkward. We're the first generation doing business this way, and there's no script for it. If it feels uncomfortable for you, someone who's actively creating content and thinking about this stuff, imagine how uncomfortable it is for someone who isn't.

They have no idea what to say to you. So they viewed your profile instead, which was their version of saying something.

GO SAY HI BACK.

Toodles,
Natasha

P.S. Knowing which signals (there's ~15 on LinkedIn) to act on, and what to actually say, is what we build inside the REALationship Growth Method. Doors close Oct 16th to my 7th cohort and its halfway full! Reply "LFG" and let's talk deets!

New here? Hi - I'm Natasha! I go on lots of LinkedIn tangents (and a few motherhood/entrepreneurial ones, too). My goal is to help make your experience on LinkedIn empowering AND profitable. Seriously. It's totally possible. Subscribe below! See you in your inbox! Subscribe! ​