Why being too direct on LinkedIn backfires

Do you think she’ll get the job?

I don’t think so.

And the funny thing is:
that often has nothing to do with her skills.

But everything to do with how she starts the conversation.

Because this is exactly how LinkedIn works (and honestly, how life works too):

The tone sets the mood.

“Just be direct, you’ll get more out of it.”

Sounds logical.

But our data shows something completely different.

👇 What we repeatedly see in LinkedIn outreach analyses:

1. Direct = almost always a hard no

If you approach someone and immediately say what you want (“We are looking for a sales manager. Interested?” or “Can we jump on a call? I want to pitch something.”)

➡️ then in 99% of cases you get rejected immediately.

And that’s not just unfortunate.

That no is usually final.

No conversation.
No relationship.
No follow-up.

2. Open and personal = space

If you first make the connection and keep the conversation open

➡️ then you often see: 50% response, 50% silence.

But the difference?

You almost never get a hard no.

You get questions like:

• “What would you like to talk about?”
• “What exactly do you mean?”
• “Do we know each other?”

And honestly: perfect.

Because then you can tailor the conversation.
And plant seeds for later.

Zoolander quote: “Sales is… like… a vibe.” 😄

Many people call this “soft” or “vague.”

But actually, it’s just human.

You don’t start with your proposition.

You start with curiosity.

That’s how it works in sales and recruitment.

Sales:

Don’t start with your product. Start with the relationship.

For example:

“Great connecting with you. Would love to exchange knowledge sometime. Maybe we can learn something from each other. Shall we schedule something?”

You have a goal, but you keep the options open.

Recruitment:

Don’t ask:

“We are hiring a sales manager, are you interested?”

Instead ask:

“Would you perhaps be open to an exciting new opportunity?”

You keep the element of surprise open.
You make people curious.
And only later talk about the actual role.

So when someone says: “Being direct works better”

You can smile and say:

“The data shows the exact opposite.”

Being direct feels efficient.

But starting openly works more effectively.

Because you don’t sell in the first message.

You build a relationship.

Watch the full video here!