Sales Skills / Make the First Contact Count / Lesson 19

LESSON 19 · MAKE THE FIRST CONTACT COUNT

Slide Into Messages Politely

Forty ways to message people politely on social platforms, so you start conversations they welcome.

A good message feels like a friendly nudge. Respect first, request second.

12 tipsEasy things to say7-day plan

12 tips that really help

These ideas come from Fanatical Prospecting (Jeb Blount), Cold Calling Techniques (Stephan Schiffman), The Little Red Book of Selling (Jeffrey Gitomer), and everyday practice. The first six help the most. Pick one and try it today.

TIP 1

Start with something about them

Mention a recent post, award or shared group so your message feels personal and welcome.

TRY THIS
Find one detail first.

TIP 2

Keep the first message short

Two or three sentences are enough to introduce yourself without overwhelming the reader.

TRY THIS
Write yours in under forty words.

TIP 3

Do not pitch in the first message

Open a conversation, not a sales presentation; interest and curiosity come first.

TRY THIS
Remove any selling language.

TIP 4

Ask a simple, relevant question

A question about their work invites a reply and shows you care about their view.

TRY THIS
Draft one question.

TIP 5

Connect before you message

A short note with the connection request explains why you want to connect and builds trust.

TRY THIS
Write a one-line note.

TIP 6

Be patient with replies

People are busy, so wait several days before a gentle follow-up.

TRY THIS
Set a reminder for day five.

TIP 7

Offer value early

A helpful article, idea or introduction shows you give first and ask later.

TRY THIS
Share one useful link.

TIP 8

Be professional and kind

Polite words, proper grammar and a respectful tone leave a positive impression.

TRY THIS
Proofread before sending.

TIP 9

Respect a no or silence

If someone does not respond after a polite follow-up, move on graciously.

TRY THIS
Decide your limit now.

TIP 10

Move to a call when it feels right

After a friendly exchange, propose a short call to explore how you might help.

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Write your invitation.

TIP 11

Use voice or video notes carefully

A short, warm voice message can stand out, but only if the person has welcomed it.

TRY THIS
Test with a colleague first.

TIP 12

Track conversations

Notes on who said what help you continue the relationship naturally.

TRY THIS
Add notes after each chat.

Easy things to say

When you are stuck, pick one of these. They work in many sales conversations.

OPEN

“Hi Maria, I enjoyed your post on hiring.”

REASON

“I am writing because we work with similar shops.”

OFFER

“I put together a short guide that may help.”

ASK

“Would you like me to send it?”

EXIT

“No worries at all if not.”

THANKS

“Thank you for your time.”

Your first week

One small action a day. Each day is only a little bigger than the last.

DAY 1
Write a three-line message

DAY 2
Personalise one detail

DAY 3
Send five messages

DAY 4
Track the replies

DAY 5
Follow up once

DAY 6
Learn from the answers

DAY 7
Adjust your opening

More lessons in “Make the First Contact Count”

Keep going. Small steps every day make a big change.

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