The LinkedIn DM Strategy That Gets Decision-Makers to Say YES (Without Sounding Salesy)

Welcome back to the Good Girls Get Rich podcast. I'm your host, Karen Yankovich. Let's talk about the truth that no one is saying out loud: if you're not using LinkedIn DMs strategically, you are leaving opportunities — and let's be real, income — on the table. #GoodGirlsGetRich  We want to hear your thoughts on this episode! Leave us a message on Speakpipe or email us at [email protected].   About The Episode and Highlights: In Episode 311 of the Good Girls Get Rich podcast, I'm taking you deep into the art and soul of messaging decision-makers on LinkedIn in a way that feels authentic, confident, and effective. If you've ever stared at someone's profile thinking "Wow, I'd love to work with her…" — and then totally froze, not knowing what to say — you're not alone. That hesitation? That fear of sounding like a spammy bot or a desperate sales pitch? We're tossing all of that out today. This isn't about cold-pitching. This is about relationship-building. It's about showing up in a way that positions you as a thought leader, not just another profile trying to "pick their brain." It's about LinkedIn messaging that opens doors, lands speaking gigs, builds partnerships — and yes, secures those dreamy high-ticket contracts. So let's walk through the exact LinkedIn DM strategy I use (and teach in my She's LinkedUp programs) to create business magic through intentional connection.   Why LinkedIn DMs Are Your Hidden Goldmine You've probably heard me say this before, but it bears repeating: LinkedIn DMs are the most valuable piece of real estate in your entire online business. Yes, visibility is important. Your profile needs to shine. Public content and PR get you noticed. But money doesn't come from likes and views. It comes from conversations. Your DMs are where real decisions get made. When you stop viewing LinkedIn as just another social platform and start treating it like a curated networking event for powerhouse women — that's when everything shifts. But here's the catch: how you message matters. A lot. Because most people are doing it wrong.   What Makes a Great LinkedIn DM? Let's get something straight: no one — and I mean no one — wants to read a long-winded pitch from a stranger. And no one's jumping on a 30-minute call just because you dropped into their inbox saying you can help them scale to seven figures. So, what works? Keep It Personal and Purposeful Start with something real. Mention a podcast they were on, a post they made, or a mutual connection. Let them know this message is meant specifically for them — not a mass blast. Example:  "Hi Sarah, I just listened to your interview on the Good Girls Get Rich podcast. Your take on redefining success for women over 40 hit me hard — I've been having that same conversation with my own clients lately." That's not just a message. That's a bridge. Explain Why You're Reaching Out — Briefly This isn't the time to outline your entire service suite. Just share why this feels like the right connection. Example:  "I work with women in transition who are looking to step into more visible leadership roles, and your work really aligns with that. I thought it might be worth connecting." Boom. No pressure. Just purpose. End With an Easy Yes This is where most people fall flat. Instead of launching into a sales pitch, simply extend an invitation. A "let's chat" that feels low-pressure and high-vibe. Example:  "If this feels aligned, I'd love to hop on a 15-minute call and explore some ways we might collaborate." Not only does that feel approachable — it's more likely to get a response. That's not a pitch. That's a possibility.   Voice Notes, Video Messages & What to Watch Out For Now, if you're feeling bold (and I know you are!), using voice or video messages can really help you stand out. There's something magical about letting people hear your energy and intention. But a word of caution: not everyone's in a place to watch or listen on the spot. And sometimes those messages sit unopened for days because people just don't have a minute to absorb them in the moment. So use these tools wisely. They're powerful — just make sure you're not making it harder for someone to respond.   Let's Talk Stats: Why This Works Here's what the data says — and you know I'm all about backing strategy with evidence. LinkedIn InMails (if you're not connected yet) have a response rate of 18–25%, which is more than double the 1–10% rate of cold emails. Short messages (under 400 characters) have a 22% higher response rate than longer ones. Messages referencing mutual connections, shared groups, or podcasts increase your chances of a response by up to 21%. And here's a bonus tip: Thursdays have the highest response rates for outreach on LinkedIn. So block off an hour every Thursday to make this your new revenue ritual!   Your Energy Speaks Before You Do And listen — none of this matters if you show up from a place of "pick me, pick me!" desperation. You're not begging. You're bringing value. You're not selling. You're inviting. The energy you lead with makes all the difference. If you don't feel 100% confident yet, that's okay. Borrow my confidence. Seriously. So many women in my community have said, "Karen, I heard your voice in my head while I was messaging — and I doubled my quote." You have permission to channel your boldest self until she feels second nature.   Imperfect Action Beats Perfect Planning Don't sit on this. Don't overthink it. Don't wait until your profile is perfect or it's Thursday at 10am. Open LinkedIn. Pick one person you'd love to connect with. Send a short, genuine, purposeful message. That's how momentum starts. That's how conversations turn into contracts. That's how you stop being invisible and start being unforgettable.   Want Help Crafting the Perfect DM? This kind of outreach is just one piece of what we cover inside She's LinkedUp — my signature program designed to help women like you become the most powerful, profitable version of themselves online. We just revamped the entire program, and it's more aligned than ever with ease, visibility, and results. If you want support mapping out your own high-ticket strategy and crafting messages that feel like YOU… hop on a free call with my team. Let's build a business that brings you back into your brilliance — starting with a single message.   Magical Quotes From The Episode: "Your LinkedIn DMs are the most valuable real estate in your business. It's not just visibility — it's where the real money happens." "Don't pitch. Invite. This isn't about convincing people — it's about creating conversations that matter." "If you're not feeling confident yet, borrow mine. Show up with the energy of the wealthy woman you're becoming." "Take imperfect action. Open LinkedIn right now, pick one person, and start the conversation. That's how momentum is built."   Resources Mentioned In the Episode: Connect with me on LinkedIn: Karen Yankovich Follow me on Instagram: @karenyankovich Book a Clarity Call here.   Help Us Spread The Word! It would be awesome if you shared the Good Girls Get Rich Podcast with your fellow entrepreneurs on Twitter. Click here to tweet some love! If this episode has taught you just one thing, I would love if you could head on over to Apple Podcasts and SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW! And if you're moved to, kindly leave us a rating and review. Maybe you'll get a shout out on the show!   Ways to Subscribe to Good Girls Get Rich: Click here to subscribe via Apple Podcasts Click here to subscribe via PlayerFM Good Girls Get Rich is also on Spotify Take a listen on Podcast Addict