In the last article, we talked about positioning.
Not pitching.
Not spamming.
Not “Hey girl” messages.
Positioning.
Because once people see you as credible, stable, and valuable, conversations become easier.
Now let’s talk about what most network marketers struggle with:
What do you actually say after they respond?
Because starting a conversation is one thing.
Moving it forward professionally is another.
And this is where most people self-sabotage.
The Biggest Mistake in LinkedIn DMs
Most network marketers rush the process.
Someone accepts their connection request…
And within 3 messages:
“Are you open to making extra income?”
“Can I show you a quick video?”
“I think you’d be perfect for my team.”
That’s not relationship building.
That’s ambushing.
And professionals can smell it immediately.
Remember:
LinkedIn is not Facebook.
It’s not Instagram.
It’s not TikTok.
It’s a professional environment.
You must move like a professional.
The Real Goal of a LinkedIn Conversation
Let’s simplify this.
The goal is not:
❌ To close in the DMs
❌ To send your company link
❌ To recruit in 5 messages
The goal is:
✔ To identify relevance
✔ To build curiosity
✔ To earn the right to a conversation
That’s it.
DMs are for discovery.
Appointments are for decisions.
Step 1: Lead With Curiosity, Not Opportunity
After someone accepts your connection:
Instead of:
“Are you open?”
Say something like:
Appreciate the connection. What are you currently focused on this year — business growth, career advancement, retirement planning?
That question does three things:
- It shows interest.
- It gathers information.
- It reveals alignment.
You’re not pitching.
You’re diagnosing.
Step 2: Identify the Gap
When they respond, listen for:
- Income goals
- Financial stress
- Career dissatisfaction
- Retirement concerns
- Business expansion goals
Now you can ask:
That’s solid. Quick question — do you currently have a structured plan in place for that?
Simple.
Non-threatening.
Professional.
If they say yes:
Nice. When was the last time you reviewed it?
If they say no:
That’s more common than you think.
Now you’re inside a real conversation.
Why This Works (Psychology Behind It)
People don’t resist conversations.
They resist pressure.
When you:
- Ask thoughtful questions
- Stay calm
- Avoid urgency tactics
- Avoid hype
You trigger comfort.
And comfort builds trust.
And trust builds appointments.
Step 3: Establish Authority Without Bragging
Once the gap is visible, position yourself.
Not as a salesperson.
As a resource.
You might say:
I spend most of my time helping professionals get clarity around protection, debt strategy, and long-term planning.
A lot of people think they’re set until we review things together.
Notice:
No income claims.
No company hype.
No “financial freedom.”
Just education.
Step 4: The Soft Invite
This is where most people blow it.
They get excited.
They push too hard.
Instead, say:
If you ever want a second set of eyes on what you currently have in place, I’m happy to take a look. No pressure — just education.
That’s it.
Let them respond.
Silence is powerful.
Professionals appreciate calm confidence.
The 3 Types of Responses You’ll Get
1. Interested
“Yeah, I’d be open.”
Great. Move to scheduling.
2. Curious but Hesitant
“Maybe later.”
Respond with:
No problem. When would be a better time to revisit it?
3. Cold
No response.
Wait 7 days.
Follow up lightly:
Quick question — have you reviewed your financial strategy this year yet?
Then stop.
No chasing.
Moving From DM to Appointment
Once someone shows interest:
Keep it simple.
Let’s schedule 20 minutes to review things. I’ll ask a few questions, and if there’s a gap, I’ll show you options. Fair?
Simple agenda.
Clear expectations.
Low pressure.
That’s professional.
For Business-Building Conversations
When someone is entrepreneurial:
Instead of:
“Join my team.”
Try:
I also mentor professionals who want to build an additional income stream in financial education.
Not sure if that’s something you’d ever explore, but I thought I’d mention it.
Pause.
Curiosity > Convincing.
If they ask for details:
Now you move to an appointment.
Never explain the business fully in DMs.
Why Most Network Marketers Fail on LinkedIn
They:
- Rush
- Overexplain
- Send videos too soon
- Talk compensation too early
- Try to close in text
Professionals don’t join businesses in chat bubbles.
They join after structured conversations.
If you treat LinkedIn like a professional networking event instead of a group chat, your results change.
The Power of Patience
This is long-term strategy.
Some people will:
- Engage for 2 weeks
- Schedule after 30 days
- Join after 90 days
That’s normal.
LinkedIn is not a “quick close” platform.
It’s an authority platform.
And authority compounds.
The Formula
Conversation
→ Relevance
→ Gap
→ Authority
→ Invite
→ Appointment
Not:
Pitch
→ Resistance
→ Ghost
Compliance Reminder (Especially Important)
Keep everything:
- Educational
- General
- Non-hype
- Non-income specific
If referencing retirement programs, keep it factual and neutral regarding the Social Security Administration.
If referencing your affiliation, simply state:
I work with Primerica focusing on financial education and protection strategies.
No claims.
No guarantees.
Professional always wins.
Final Thought
LinkedIn isn’t about volume.
It’s about leverage.
Five real conversations are more powerful than fifty pitches.
If you master:
- Calm communication
- Strategic questioning
- Authority positioning
- Soft invitations
You won’t feel like you’re recruiting.
You’ll feel like you’re leading.
And leaders build teams.
Your Next Step
This week:
- Start 5 new conversations.
- Ask real questions.
- Diagnose before you present.
- Invite softly.
That’s it.
Small disciplined actions.
Big long-term leverage.
Because in this industry…
The professional wins.
💫 You were never given a dream without also being given the power to make it come true.
— Napoleon Russ
