From DMs to Real Conversations - The Relationship-Based Way to Use LinkedIn

How would your business change if you could consistently start real conversations with the right people instead of waiting for leads to find you? In this episode of The Sales Maven Show, Nikki Rausch continues the Mastering Excellence series by sitting down with LinkedIn strategist Sara Royf to unpack a smarter, more human way to use LinkedIn for lead generation. Rather than relying on spammy pitches, rigid scripts, or expensive paid tools, this conversation focuses on how relationship driven direct messaging can help you take control of your sales pipeline. Sara shares her journey from founding a nonprofit and scaling it to 115 chapters to raising nearly a million dollars organically using LinkedIn. That early success revealed something powerful. When you use LinkedIn intentionally, you do not have to wait passively for opportunities. You get to choose who you want to build relationships with and start conversations that actually lead somewhere. Throughout the episode, Nikki and Sara break down how smart sellers use LinkedIn in a way that feels natural, respectful, and effective. They explore why the goal of a first message is not to pitch or book a call but simply to get a genuine response. From there, the relationship builds over time through thoughtful engagement, relevant content, and personalized follow up. Sara explains her Inside Out Outreach Method, which starts with people already in your network before expanding outward. She also introduces the idea of "triggers," signals that help you identify who is more likely than average to want your services. This keeps your outreach focused and intentional rather than random or overwhelming. You will also hear why you do not need LinkedIn Premium to succeed, how content and direct messages work together to warm up leads, and how to avoid sounding scripted or transactional in the DMs. Nikki connects these ideas back to sales conversations, emphasizing that marketing books the call and sales closes it. If you have ever felt uncomfortable sliding into DMs or frustrated by cold outreach that goes nowhere, this episode offers a refreshing alternative. You will walk away with a clearer understanding of how to use LinkedIn as a relationship building tool, not a pitching platform, and how to show up as a real human while still driving real business results. This conversation is a must listen for consultants, coaches, and service based business owners who want to use LinkedIn confidently, authentically, and strategically. Nikki invites you to join the Sales Maven Society. Take advantage of this opportunity to work together with you and Nikki. Bring your questions, concerns, and sales situations; she provides answers and guidance. Join the Sales Maven Society here, click Join Today, and then checkout and use coupon code 47trial to get your first month for $47.00! For more actionable sales tips, download the FREE Closing The Sale Ebook. Find Nikki: Nikki Rausch [email protected] Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram Sales Maven Society https://calendly.com/salesmaven/work-with-nikki-discussion