Episode #10: Why You Keep Getting Ghosted in the DMs

Are people leaving you on read in the DMs? You probably didn't say the wrong thing, you skipped the most important step. In this episode of Rise to Alignment, messaging and sales strategist Lisbeth Graham breaks down her Read the Room Method: a 3-stage framework that helps service-based business owners identify exactly where someone is in their buying journey before they ever pitch their offer.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy getting ghosted usually isn’t your fault and what’s actually going wrongThe 3 stages of every lead: Cold, Tap Water (warm), and HotHow to work the room with cold leads without pitching too soonThe right way to slide into DMs with warm leads who are already lookingWhy hot leads still don’t buy and how to stay visible without being pushyThe one phrase you need to stop ending your DM conversations with (seriously)How to turn a fear-based objection into content that convertsYour homework: one action to take with each type of lead todayKey TakeawaysStage 1 — Cold (Work the Room)These are people who don’t know you yet. Your job here isn’t to pitch it’s to show up consistently in their stories, comments, and DMs and let your content do the heavy lifting. Think of it like working a party: you’re not handing out business cards, you’re getting to know people.Stage 2 — Tap Water (Warm Leads)These are people already putting their hand up posting about needing help, gawking at your content, or showing up in your stories daily. They’re not cold, but they’re not hot enough to buy from you yet. Your move: ask a curious question, not a pitch. Then follow up consistently, because most people won’t.Stage 3 — Hot (Make Your Move)Hot leads are ready they’re just waiting for someone bold enough to lead them. The barrier isn’t interest, it’s trust and fear of being burned again. Stay visible, address their fears through content, and when you reach out, come in with full confidence.Your Homework This Week 🔥Open your DMs and find one person in each stage. Then:Cold lead: Engage in their stories and comments. Follow up in a week. Keep building without pitching.Warm lead: Send a curious question — not a pitch. Voice memos work great here. Reference something specific they’ve shared.Hot lead: Send them something new. A freebie, a low-ticket offer, a strategy session. If they say no, move them back to warm and stay in touch.Resources MentionedThe Phoenix Experience (Monthly Membership) — https://lisbethgraham.co/thephoenixexperienceThe Sparkle the Conversation Challenge (Free 5-Day Challenge) — https://lisbethgraham.co/freechallengeFollow Lisbeth on Instagram —https://www.instagram.com/coachlisbethgrahamSEO Tags / KeywordsDM sales strategy, how to sell in Instagram DMs, how to stop getting ghosted, messaging that converts, sell without scripts, sell without discovery calls, service-based business coach, brand messaging for service providers, Instagram DM conversion, warm lead strategy, how to close in DMs, authentic sales strategies for coaches, messaging strategist, consistent sales online, faith-based business coaching, busy mom entrepreneur, non-sleazy sales strategy, relationship-based selling, storytelling sales method, how to get to $5k months