In this episode I'm breaking down the attraction marketing strategy that nobody actually explains, including how to find the platform where strangers discover you, what to post there that's different from everything else you're creating, and why consistency is less about the algorithm and more about your message.

What we cover:

• What a top of funnel platform actually is and how to find yours
• The four types of attraction content that make someone stop and follow you
• Why going viral is not the goal and what to focus on instead
• The real reason your content isn't converting even when you're posting consistently
  

If you are a service based business owner who is posting consistently but still not attracting the right clients, this episode is for you.

Free 5-Day Challenge: Spark the Conversation Find the exact words your people use so your content starts calling in the right ones. https://lisbethgraham.co/freechallenge

Done For You Messaging and Positioning: Born to Sell A 7-day intensive starting at $2,000. I do all the research and hand you a custom 30+ page playbook. Email me at hello@lisbethgraham.co

Follow me on Instagram: @yourmessagingrebirth
Follow me on Threads: @yourmessagingrebirth

This is the raw, honest Season 2 opener where Lisbeth shares the real story behind her business pivot and it starts with a military family relocation from Jacksonville to San Diego that was anything but smooth. You'll hear about the neighbor drama, the chaos of packing up 10,000+ pounds of household goods, driving cross-country while genuinely ill, and the moment she realized something profound: toxic environments don't just stress you out emotionally; they literally make you sick.

But here's what matters: once she left Jacksonville, everything shifted. Her health improved. Her energy returned. And she had a massive realization about what her clients actually need and it's not what she thought.

You'll learn:

• How toxic environments silently drain your health (and what happens when you leave one)
• Why most content creators are actually stuck in a "content paralysis" that no calendar can fix
• The real reason your clients freeze at the blank screen—and it's not what you think
• Why Lisbeth is pivoting her entire strategy toward content messaging and positioning
• How to create a "plug and play" content system that works even on your worst days

If you've ever wondered why you feel sick, stressed, or stuck, whether it's in your business or your environment, this episode is for you.

Ready to simplify your content and eliminate the overwhelm? Follow Lisbeth on Instagram at www.instagram.com/yourmessagingrebirth to learn more about her evolved content messaging and positioning strategy, or tune in next week for the deep dive into exactly how this works.

And you've already convinced yourself you'll just scale back and slow down. But what if you didn't have to choose?

In this episode, you'll learn how to sign clients this summer without burning out or turning your business into a full-time hustle while your kids need you most.

The secret isn't working harder or posting more, it's getting crystal clear on your message so the right people know exactly why they should hire you.

You'll learn:

• How to reframe the "I don't have time to market" mindset and focus on what actually drives sales (hint: it's not more content)
• The difference between messaging (about them) and positioning (about you), and why clarity in both changes everything
• The exact 3-part summer content plan: pain, proof, and case studies that position you as the expert without oversharing your secrets
• How to create one core piece of content per week and repurpose it strategically across platforms
• A realistic summer schedule built around your life, not your business, so you can work 2-3 focused hours a day and still move forward

If you're ready to stop stressing about doing it all and start showing up with a plan that actually works, this episode is for you.

Ready to simplify your message and attract clients this summer?

Grab the free Spark the Conversation Challenge start speaking directly to your ideal client in their own words.

Primary SEO Keywords:

• Summer business strategy for service providers
• How to sign clients with kids at home
• Content strategy for busy entrepreneurs
• Clear messaging for service-based businesses
• Simplified content plan for coaches
• How to attract clients without burnout
• Messaging vs positioning
• Summer marketing plan for moms in business
• Content repurposing strategy
• How to work 2-3 hours a day and sign clients

Secondary / Meta Keywords:

• Service-based business summer goals
• Messaging clarity for coaches
• Content that converts to clients
• Bare minimum business plan summer
• How to reset business goals for summer
• Homeschool mom business strategy
• Simple content batching for service providers
• Pain-aware content strategy
• Positioning yourself as an expert
• Client attraction without posting more
• Summer content schedule for entrepreneurs
• DM sales strategy without scripts
• How to show proof in your content
• Case study content ideas
• Outreach strategy for service providers
• Working on your business vs in your business
• Minimal marketing that drives sales
• Content ideas for service-based business owners
• How to be present with kids and grow your business
• One core piece of content strategy
• Message-to-market fit for coaches
• CEO time for busy business owners
• Summer visibility strategy
• How to reverse engineer client goals
• Voice of customer messaging

WHAT THIS EPISODE COVERS

• Why skipping messaging basics is the actual reason for inconsistent income, not effort, not content volume
• The difference between a demographic target audience and a specific person and why only one gets you DMs
• How to find the real pain point (hint: it's not the one they're talking about publicly)
• The 'why you' question, what makes you different from every other person who does what you do
• A one-sentence homework challenge that will reveal exactly where your messaging is breaking down

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Basic 1 — The Who:

• 'Busy moms' is a demographic. A mom who runs a service-based business and can't figure out why her DMs are dead despite posting every day, that's a person.
• Getting specific doesn't shrink your audience. It sharpens your message so the right people finally feel seen.
• Knowing your specific person also tells you where to show up. You stop trying to be everywhere and start being exactly where she is.
  

Basic 2 — The Pain Point:

• The pain point they post about publicly isn't the real one. The real one is what they're thinking about at 2am wondering who's going to help them.
• You can't know the real pain point until you talk to your people. That's what the Spark the Conversation Challenge is built for.
• If your offer doesn't match your audience's actual problem, you don't have a business, you have a drip of random sales.

Basic 3 — The Why You:

• 'I help you manage your social media so you can focus on growing your business' is a job description. 'I help service providers drowning in content creation get their time back with a done-for-you system so they can close in the DMs instead’, that's a reason to choose you.
• The why you isn't about your title or your service. It's about what you do for your specific person that nobody else is saying quite like that.
  
  👉  Spark the Conversation Challenge — Free 5-Day: lisbethgraham.co/freechallenge

  👉  The Phoenix Experience — Monthly Mentorship: lisbethgraham.co/thephoenixexperience

WHAT THIS EPISODE COVERS

• The 5-part foundation prompt every service provider needs before sending another DM
• Why 'I help everyone' is the fastest way to speak to no one and how to get specific without losing people
• How to dig past the surface-level pain point to the thing that actually keeps your person up at night
• The difference between your program (the vehicle) and your framework (the route) and why both matter
• How to write a transformation that's emotional and real, not just a generic outcome

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Part 1 — Target Audience:

• You're not alienating people by getting specific. You're filtering out the people who were never going to buy from you anyway.
• The more specific you are, the easier it is to know where your person hangs out, which platform, which community, which room to be in.

Part 2 — Pain Point:

• Don't stop at describing a behavior. Dig into what she believes about that behavior. That's where the real pain lives.
• Ask: what does she think about herself because of this problem? What does she believe is possible or impossible?

Part 3 — Program / Offer:

• She's not buying your service. She's buying the outcome of your service. Name the tangible, physical thing she walks away with.
• 'Virtual assistant services' is not a program description. 'Done-for-you backend system that gives you your time back' is.

Part 4 — Framework:

• The framework is the route. The program is the car. Walk them through what month 1, 3, 6 looks like, make it feel like a journey with real pit stops.
• Sharing your route publicly won't get you copied. It'll get you clients. They can't duplicate you.

Part 5 — Transformation:

• So you can spend time with family' is too vague. 'So you can tuck your babies in and actually watch your favorite show while your business runs smoothly' is real.
• The transformation is emotional. It's not the destination, it's what she feels when she gets there.
  
  👉  Spark the Conversation Challenge — Free 5-Day: www.lisbethgraham.co/freechallenge

  👉  The Phoenix Experience — Monthly Mentorship: www.lisbethgraham.co/thephoenixexperience

WHAT THIS EPISODE COVERS

• Why over-explaining is actually a confidence problem and how it reads to your audience
• The 3-part framework: Why your person needs you → What your offer actually is → Proof it works
• Why fake screenshots have tanked trust online and what real proof looks like
• How to stop giving the how away for free while still educating your audience
• A simple homework challenge to audit your last 5 pieces of content

KEY TAKEAWAYS

The Why (Problem Awareness):

• If your person doesn't see their problem in your message, they'll never believe you're the solution. Make them stop the scroll and think: she's talking about ME.

The What (Consideration):

• Tell them what's included, not every detail, but enough to know if it's right for them. If you skip this, you're leaving money on the table.
• Don't be afraid to share your price. It filters out the people who were never going to buy anyway.

The Proof (Decision Making):

• Screenshots alone don't land anymore, not in the age of AI fakes. Proof only holds strong value when it's tied to the Why and the What. Otherwise it's just noise.
• Real proof isn't just testimonials. It's showing someone: here's the problem you have, here's what I did for someone just like you, here's how I can help you too.

BUYER'S JOURNEY NOTE

This episode naturally speaks to all three stages: Problem Awareness (the over-explaining problem), Consideration (the framework itself), and Decision Making (the proof conversation). Use it to pull in new eyes AND move warm leads closer to yes.

👉  Spark the Conversation Challenge — Free 5 Days: https://www.lisbethgraham.co/freechallenge

👉  The Phoenix Experience — Monthly Mentorship: https://www.lisbethgraham.co/thephoenixexperience

What This Episode Covers:

• The real reason your DMs are quiet (hint: it's not that you're not doing enough)
• How writing to 'everyone' is actually writing to no one and how to fix it fast
• The story of how Liz's own messaging completely transformed after one uncomfortable conversation
• The 'name your person' method: why it works and how to apply it today
• 3-part homework you can implement immediately after hitting play

Key Takeaways:

On talking to the masses vs. your one person:

If your content is for everyone, it lands with no one. The moment you name your person, give her an identity, a name, a face, your entire content strategy becomes cleaner, faster, and way more magnetic.

On Liz's own story (the Cassie moment):

Liz was the self-described 'everything coach' — offer, market research, messaging, sales, systems. It took her copywriter calling her out to realize she'd been doing messaging and sales all along. Stepping into that one lane lifted a weight she didn't know she was carrying.

On the simplicity of this shift:

You don't need a new strategy. You need to picture one person sitting across from you at a coffee date and talk directly to her. That's it. That's the whole shift.

Buyer's Journey Stage:

This episode speaks directly to the Consideration stage, where your listener knows something is off with their content. They've been trying things. They're comparing approaches. This episode shows them exactly what's been missing and positions Liz's method as the clear, simple answer.

CTAs:

👉 Join the FREE 5-Day Spark the Conversation Challenge: https://www.lisbethgraham.co/freechallenge

👉 Learn more about The Phoenix Experience: https://www.lisbethgraham.co/thephoenixexperience

But the second you sit down to create content? You freeze up. You sound stiff, weird, and nothing like the person your friends actually know and love.

In this episode, I'm breaking down why this happens and how to fix it , so you can finally stop sounding like a business robot and start talking like YOU.

IN THIS EPISODE, WE COVER:

• Why extroverts freeze up when it's time to post (even though you're naturally talkative IRL)
• The real reason you're using business jargon instead of talking like a real person
• How over-explaining is killing your message (and making people's eyes glaze over)
• The simple trick to make content creation feel like texting your best friend
• Why you need to stop studying what everyone else is doing and remember what YOU actually sound like
• How to create a repeatable system so you're not reinventing the wheel every time you post

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

1. Name your person Give your ideal person a name. When you can envision your person, you can create content that sounds like you're just talking , not performing.

2. Stop consuming, start creating You've watched so many other people's content that you don't even know what YOUR voice sounds like anymore. The more you consume, the more you Frankenstein together what worked for 5 different coaches , and that's why it feels off.

3. Use their language, not business jargon When you know your audience's actual words , what they say, how they say it , the business jargon won't even come out of your mouth. You'll speak like they do because you're talking to a homie, not delivering a corporate press release.

4. You're over-explaining to death You think if you just explain it ONE more way, they'll finally get it. You're giving them the entire encyclopedia when they just need the Cliff Notes.

5. Create a framework If you offer multiple services that feel similar, create a framework that ties them together. Give it a name. Make it yours. Now every piece of content you create can tie back to a specific part of YOUR framework , and you become known for it.

WEEKLY HOMEWORK:

Go have real conversations with your people. Ask them:

• What are you struggling with right now?
• What do you wish you knew?
• When you think about [your topic], what comes to mind?

They're going to tell you EXACTLY what your message needs to be , in their own words. Then just use those words in your content.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Spark the Conversation Challenge (FREE) A 5-day challenge where you'll create your own copy mining blueprint in just 20 minutes a day. https://lisbethgraham.co/freechallenge

The Phoenix Experience (Monthly Membership) My monthly membership where we go deep on your messaging foundation. By month one, you'll be confident in who you serve, what their pain points are, and their exact language. https://lisbethgraham.co/thephoenixexperience

ABOUT THE HOST:

Lisbeth Graham is a messaging and DM sales strategist who helps service-based business owners stop sounding like robots and start selling confidently in the DMs , without scripts, discovery calls, or cold pitching.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your path. , Proverbs 3:5-6

The ones watching every single story you post.

Tapping through. Seeing it all. But never saying a word.

Never sliding into your DMs. Never buying.

You tell yourself they'll come to you when they're ready. But here's the truth: they won't.

They're waiting for YOU to take the lead. And if you don't?

Someone else with stronger leadership will step in and turn them into paying customers.

In this episode, I'm breaking down the Watch, Wait, Move Method: a simple 3-step framework for turning silent leads into real conversations (and eventually, sales) without feeling pushy, salesy, or awkward.

This isn't about pitching everyone who watches your stories.

It's about reading the room, spotting the signals, and stepping into the conversation at exactly the right time.

What You'll Learn:

• Why silent leads aren't cold, they're warm and waiting for you to make the first move
• The difference between a cold, warm, and hot lead (and why most people get this wrong)
• How to watch for patterns in your story views to identify who's actually interested
• What signals to wait for before you slide into the DMs (so you're never pushy)
• How to move confidently into a sales conversation without scripts or weird pitches
• Why staying visible matters more than posting every single day (and how to do it without burning out)
• My real-life example of sliding into a 5K+ follower account's DMs (even though I was intimidated as hell)

If You're Ready to Stop Waiting and Start Selling:

Join the Spark the Conversation Challenge (free 5-day challenge) to nail down who you're talking to, what their pain points are, and the exact language they use, so you can confidently step into DM conversations and close sales.

🔗 Click here to access

Or, if you're ready to go all in, join The Phoenix Experience my monthly membership where I teach you to build fire-hot messaging, confidently sell in the DMs, and stop guessing what to post. We do weekly workshops, live challenges, and I'm in there with you in the DMs helping you close. $97/month (prices going up to $197 in June).

🔗 Access Info here

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your path. — Proverbs 3:5-6

Liz introduces her signature "Layer the Onion" framework: a three-question method that helps you peel back the surface-level problem your audience thinks they have and get to the root pain point that actually makes them say, "Oh my God, that's me." You'll also learn why sharing your framework openly (yes, all of it) is what sets you apart, why showing people the route, not just the destination, is the key to converting content, and why posting your prices is the single best filter you have as a business owner.

If your messaging feels vague, you keep attracting people who aren't ready to invest, or you're burned out from posting without results — this episode is the reset you need.

In this episode you'll learn:

• The "Layer the Onion" method: 3 questions that get you to your audience's root problem

• Why posting your framework is not giving away your secret sauce, it's your biggest sales tool

• How to show people the route to the destination (not just the dream outcome)

Want to go deeper every single week? The Phoenix Experience monthly membership is where Liz coaches you live on messaging, sales, and DM strategy — without scripts. Link below.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Most people don't have a lead problem, they have a messaging problem. Specifically, their content doesn't clearly name who they serve or what root pain point they solve.

• The Layer the Onion method uses 3 questions to get to the root: (1) What do people come to you for? (2) What do they really mean by that? (3) And what does that actually mean?

• Don't sell the destination, show them the route. Walk your audience through what month 1, month 3, and month 6 looks like working with you.

HOMEWORK / ACTION STEPS

Liz gave us three tangible action steps at the end of this episode. Do them before you record another piece of content:

1. Audit your last 5 content pieces. Ask yourself: am I talking about the surface-level problem, or the root? Be honest.

2. Check your Instagram bio or last 3 posts. Are you naming your framework? Sharing results? Making it clear why your approach is different? If not — write a post about what life looks like for your audience in just one month of working with you.

3. Post your price. If you haven't done it this month — do it. Post it, put your phone down, go for a walk, and come back. Then tell Liz you did it.

LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED

•  The Phoenix Experience (Monthly Membership) — https://lisbethgraham.co/thephoenixexperience

• Sparkle the Conversation Challenge (Free 5-Day Challenge) — https://lisbethgraham.co/freechallenge

•  Follow Lisbeth on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/coachlisbethgraham

SEO TAGS

messaging strategy for coaches, messaging strategy for service providers, how to attract the right leads, content strategy for entrepreneurs, sales without scripts, authentic selling, DM sales strategy, how to fix your messaging, lead generation for service-based businesses, Rise to Alignment podcast, Lizbeth Graham, Layer the Onion framework, how to post your prices, business messaging tips, how to talk to your target audience, service provider content strategy, messaging for online business owners, how to sell confidently, business clarity,

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 Episode

• Why getting ghosted usually isn’t your fault and what’s actually going wrong
• The 3 stages of every lead: Cold, Tap Water (warm), and Hot
• How to work the room with cold leads without pitching too soon
• The right way to slide into DMs with warm leads who are already looking
• Why hot leads still don’t buy and how to stay visible without being pushy
• The one phrase you need to stop ending your DM conversations with (seriously)
• How to turn a fear-based objection into content that converts
• Your homework: one action to take with each type of lead today

Key Takeaways

Stage 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:

1. Cold lead: Engage in their stories and comments. Follow up in a week. Keep building without pitching.
2. Warm lead: Send a curious question — not a pitch. Voice memos work great here. Reference something specific they’ve shared.
3. 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 Mentioned

• The Phoenix Experience (Monthly Membership) — https://lisbethgraham.co/thephoenixexperience
• The Sparkle the Conversation Challenge (Free 5-Day Challenge) — https://lisbethgraham.co/freechallenge
• Follow Lisbeth on Instagram —https://www.instagram.com/coachlisbethgraham

SEO Tags / Keywords

DM 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

It’s because your foundation is shaky and when the foundation is off, your content won’t convert.

In this episode, I’m breaking down my simple framework: Foundation → Motion → Conversion/Conversation so you can stop guessing what to post and start creating content that actually leads to DM conversations and clients (without scripts).

You’ll learn the 3 biggest reasons your content isn’t turning into sales:

• You don’t know who you’re talking to (so your message can’t land)
• Your content isn’t specific enough to repel the wrong people
• You’re over-consuming information and under-creating (doom scroll = confusion)

The 15-minute reset (your weekly homework)

Set a 15-minute timer and do this:

Step 1 (5 min): The “I Help Who” message
Fill in this framework:

• I help [WHO]
• who are stuck with [PROBLEM]
• get [RESULT]

Example from Lisbeth:
“I help service-based business owners who are stuck with inconsistent clients get clients inside of the DMs with confidence.”

Step 2 (5 min): Pull real words from your DMs
Go into:

• DMs
• comments
• past client conversations

Pull 3 real phrases your people actually say. Save them into a “copy mining” doc.

Step 3 (5 min): Post one thing (keep it simple)
Choose ONE:

• A hook using their exact language
• A poll question to start conversation
• A natural DM to someone you can help

Reminder: you’re not “salesy.” You’re confident when you believe your offer solves the problem.

Join: Spark the Conversation Challenge
5 days | 20 minutes a day | build your copy-mining blueprint (pain points, desires, exact words) so your content finally hits.

Join: The Phoenix Experience (membership)
Weekly workshops/hot seats + community feedback + expert speakers + monthly Sales Arena to build your selling muscle and handle objections confidently.

Timestamps

00:00 Why you don’t need more content — you need a stronger foundation
00:20 Intro + who Lisbeth helps (DM sales without scripts)
01:00 The promise: stop feeling scattered + get aligned messaging
01:25 The 3 parts: Foundation, Motion, Conversion/Conversation
02:10 Reason #1: you don’t know who you’re talking to
03:10 Why market research changes everything
04:10 Why posting more makes it worse (noise + misalignment)
05:05 Reason #2: your content isn’t specific enough
06:10 “Everybody” positioning = messy message + wrong clients
07:10 Spark the Conversation Challenge (copy mining blueprint)
08:20 Why narrowing your message makes people see you as the expert
09:20 Reason #3: information overload + doom scrolling
10:40 The 15-minute reset overview
11:10 Step 1: “I help who” framework
12:10 Step 2: pull 3 phrases from DMs/comments
13:10 Step 3: post one simple thing (hook/poll/DM)
14:10 Homework: Spark challenge + DM 3 people
15:10 Phoenix Experience invite + Sales Arena + objections
16:10 Wrap up + see you next week

You’re not using testimonials like receipts.

In this episode, I’m breaking down how to turn real client wins into content that sells for you — meaning: people don’t just “like” your posts… they DM you.

You’ll learn:

• how to share results in a way your future clients can see themselves in
• how to use the exact words your clients used when they said yes
• a simple “I help who…” template to tighten your messaging fast
• how to open DMs without being awkward (because the goal is conversation, not a pitch)

And yes — I’m giving you homework so you can actually implement this this week.

Burn the script. Use the receipts. Let your message do the heavy lifting.

What we’re talking about today

You’ve gotten results. Your clients have gotten results.

But your message still isn’t clicking.

This episode is about the missing piece: testimonials + receipts — and how to use them inside your content so your people go from “watching” to messaging you.

Homework (3 parts)

1. Fill out the message template: who / before-after / how
2. Write 3 hooks using your client’s exact words (overwhelmed, confused, unclear, stuck, quiet DMs, etc.)
3. Start ONE DM this week with ONE question (conversation > pitch)

Join Spark the Conversation Challenge

If you don’t know your audience’s words yet, this is your move.

Spark the Conversation Challenge is 5 days, about 20 minutes a day, and you’ll build a copy-mining blueprint (pain points, desires, exact wording) so your messaging stops being vague and starts calling in real buyers.

The Phoenix Experience

If you want help tightening your message and using testimonials with confidence so you can sell in the DMs without scripts or discovery calls, check out The Phoenix Experience.

Tags

testimonials, client testimonials, social proof, receipts marketing, DM sales, selling in the DMs, messaging strategy, content strategy, service-based business, how to get clients, marketing for coaches, Instagram DM strategy, Threads marketing, audience clarity, market research, sell without scripts, burn the script

Timestamps

00:00 Why your message is off even with results

01:00 Testimonials = receipts your future clients need

03:00 Step 1: Share results in content (not just your website)

06:00 Step 2: Use the exact words clients used when they said yes

10:00 Plug: Spark the Conversation Challenge (copy-mining blueprint)

12:00 Step 3: “I help who…” messaging template (who / before-after / how)

17:00 Step 4: Open DMs with one simple question

22:00 Hook → story → CTA → DM flow

26:00 What NOT to do (the “CVS receipt” DM)

29:00 Homework + Phoenix Experience invitation

31:00 Next week teaser: what you actually need (not more content)

You don’t need a perfect script to sell in the DMs. You need a simple process that helps you:

1. get the right people in your DMs,
2. build a real personal connection, and
3. use permission-based selling so you can invite people to your offer without feeling pushy or salesy.

I’m Lisbeth Graham, messaging and sales strategist for mission-led service providers, and since 2023 I’ve helped over a dozen women sell confidently in the DMs without scripts.

By the end of this episode, you’ll know exactly what to do to make DM conversations feel natural, intentional, and way less awkward.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why your DMs feel awkward when you don’t know who you’re talking to
• How to stop “talking to everyone” and start messaging your actual ideal clients
• What to say when you know you can help someone (without being weird or salesy)
• Why market research is the secret weapon for better messaging + better sales
• How to use permission-based selling (so you’re not dumping info or pitching too soon)
• The exact flow for inviting someone to your offer: transformation → what’s included → price → question

Chapter markers (no timestamps needed)

You can paste these as “chapters” even without timecodes:

• Why your DMs feel awkward (and it’s not a script problem)
• Step 1: Get the right people in your DMs
• Step 2: Personal connection first
• When it’s okay to go direct (and when it’s not)
• Market research: the hidden purpose of every DM
• Permission-based selling (how to invite without being salesy)
• Offer flow: transformation → details → price → question
• Homework + what’s coming next week

Free 5-day challenge

Monthly Membership

The DM process I teach (the simple framework)

Step 1: Get the right people in your DMs

Step 2: Start personal first (not business first)

Step 3: Use market research to guide every conversation

Step 4: Permission-based selling (the game-changer)

Step 5: Share your offer in this order

DM sales, selling in the DMs, Instagram DMs, permission based selling, market research, target audience, messaging strategy, service based business, sell without scripts, sell without being salesy, lead generation, client conversations

In this episode, I’m breaking down my simple rhythm for turning Threads replies into real leads, moving those conversations into Instagram DMs, and then nurturing people into clients without scripts or awkward cold pitching.

You’ll learn:

• how I use Threads to start conversations (not close them)
• how to spot your people fast using the For You page + keywords
• how to bridge to Instagram the right way (without “going in for the kill”)
• what to say in stories/DMs to keep it natural and not salesy
• how to track leads, follow up consistently, and convert when timing is right

And if you don’t know your target audience yet, I’ll walk you through my Spark the Conversation Challenge (5 days, 20 minutes/day) so you can build a copy-mining blueprint from real conversations.

What you’ll learn today

• Why Threads is a visibility tool (and what to do after visibility hits)
• How to turn replies and comments into warm DM conversations
• Why I don’t recommend selling inside Threads DMs
• The “3 types of people” filter: connector / client / conversation
• The simplest way to start a DM without sounding like a robot
• Why follow-up is the real reason most people aren’t closing
• How to nurture in stories without being online all day

Spark the Conversation Challenge (free/low-cost lead magnet)

5 days, 20 minutes a day inside Circle.
By the end, you’ll have your Copy Mining Blueprint:

• the words your audience uses
• pain points + desires
• what they’ve tried
• what they actually want
  …and you’ll turn it into messaging that calls in the right people.

The Phoenix Experience (membership)

For mission-led service-based business owners who want:

• a clear message + clear audience
• leads through stories + Threads
• confident selling in the DMs (without scripts)
• weekly workshops, monthly experts, and implementation support

Learn how to turn Threads replies into warm Instagram DM conversations, nurture leads through stories, and sell without scripts or cold pitching using a simple Threads → DMs → clients rhythm.

• Why DM sales don’t require scripts or discovery calls
• The real reason you feel “busy” but your sales still aren’t moving
• How to use PACE to build consistent momentum without living online
• Why engagement is the fastest path to clients (when you’re talking to the right people)
• How to make your offer feel clean, ready, and trustworthy (so people actually say yes)
• How to keep content simple — and still make it convert

The PACE Framework (Proceed at Consistent Execution)

This is the exact breakdown I followed:

1) 50% Engagement
Half your business time goes to conversations: replying, commenting, Threads keyword searches, story engagement, and real connection.

2) 40% Offer Readiness
Because if you stay ready… you don’t have to get ready.
Get the backend clean: onboarding, payments, client flow, clarity, and what you’re actually delivering.

3) 10% Simple Content
One simple piece. Start with the easiest platform for you (mine was Threads), then repurpose into stories to nurture and invite people into the DMs.

Homework

Try this once this week:

• 15 minutes: engage + DM your audience (be normal, don’t be weird)
• 10 minutes: review your offer readiness (if 5 people paid today, are you ready?)
• 5 minutes: post one simple piece of content (a story is enough)

If you want help with your audience + message…

If you don’t know your audience yet (and you’re tired of guessing), start with my free Spark the Conversation Challenge — it’s 5 days, 20 minutes a day, and you’ll walk out with a copy-mining blueprint: pain points, desires, exact words your people use, and the clarity to create content that finally lands.

And if you want ongoing support to build a clear message, sell through stories, and close in the DMs (without discovery calls)… The Phoenix Experience is for mission-led service providers who are ready to burn the script.

Timestamps

00:02 Solo parenting + husband deployed + still signed 12 clients in the DMs
00:58 Why this isn’t about scripts or being online 24/7
01:24 The foundation: audience clarity → message → DM conversations
02:30 Where “PACE” came from (February 2024)
04:21 The quiet-time moment: “PACE” drops in
05:25 CrossFit/Hyrox pacing → business pacing
06:52 PACE meaning: Proceed at Consistent Execution
07:22 The 3 things that stayed: engagement, offer, content
08:12 Why 50% engagement changed everything
09:11 Stop hiding in backend tasks (lovingly)
10:16 Threads keyword search + finding your people
11:14 Audit your conversations: are you talking to your people or randos?
12:41 Why audience clarity makes the offer easier
13:40 Offer readiness + “stay ready” truth
16:48 Spark the Conversation Challenge pitch
17:41 The 10% content rule + keeping it simple for 90 days
19:55 Homework: 30-minute PACE practice
21:09 Phoenix Experience membership invite
23:08 Wrap + next watch prompt

• Why “posting more” isn’t the fix when sales are slow
• How to use Stories to create leads → conversations → clients
• The 3 types of stories that move people into your DMs
• Easy market research story prompts (that don’t take all day)
• My 5-part story selling sequence (problem → reframe → micro tip → proof → CTA)
• How to DM people who engage without sounding awkward or salesy
• Why “Burn the Script” works better than perfect lines and copy-paste pitches
• The weekly homework to start seeing momentum

Chapters

• 00:00 Why you’re not getting sales (and it’s not posting more)
• 01:10 Who I am + how I’ve helped women sell in DMs since 2023
• 02:05 How I signed 12 clients through DMs (no sales calls)
• 03:40 The season that forced me to simplify (solo parenting + homeschool)
• 08:20 The Stories Playbook: 3 story types that convert
• 09:45 Market research stories: one question a day
• 13:50 Why your first story should be engaging (Shannon McKinstry shoutout)
• 18:10 Story selling sequences: 3–5 slides + what to include
• 22:15 Offer stories: how to ask for the sale clearly
• 24:35 Homework for the week: post, DM, copy-mine
• 27:00 What’s coming next week

Story Prompts You Can Steal

Use one per day:

• “What’s the hardest part about getting clients right now?” (poll)
• “The hardest part about ______ is ______.” (fill in the blank)
• “Do you want help with A or B?” (A/B vote)
• “Tap here if you’re struggling with ______.” (tap)
• “How many stories do you actually watch?” (poll)

Links + Resources

• Free 5-Day Challenge — Spark the Conversation: https://lisbethgraham.co/freechallenge
• Join My Membership: https://lisbethgraham.co/thephoenixexperience
• Mentioned: Shannon McKinstry — https://www.instagram.com/shannonmckinstrie/

Call to Action

If this episode helped you, do me a favor: leave a quick review and share it with a service-based friend who’s tired of sales calls and wants a simple DM strategy that actually feels human.

Keywords

Instagram stories to DM sales, DM sales without scripts, how to sell in the DMs, service-based business marketing, story selling strategy, market research on Instagram, selling without sales calls, conversations that convert, alignment business coach, Burn the Script

If you’ve ever stared at your inbox and thought, “I don’t know who to talk to,” this episode is for you. Your DMs don’t feel awkward because you need a better script—they feel awkward because you don’t have enough context.

In this episode, I’m breaking down my FIRE Method for DM market research so you can start conversations with confidence, collect real audience language, and build content + messaging that actually lands—without sounding salesy.

I’m Lisbeth Graham, a business alignment coach for service-based pros. Since 2023, I’ve helped over a dozen women get clear on their audience, align their offer, and confidently sell in the DMs without scripts. Burn the script.

What you’ll learn

• Why DMs feel “salesy” even when you’re not pitching
• The difference between cold outreach and warm context (and why it matters)
• The FIRE Method:
  • Ignite: who to DM (warm people only)
  • Spark: what to ask (3 question types)
  • Flame: how to use their words for hooks, content, and offer messaging
• The exact DM openers to start research convos without being weird
• Your simple homework: 3 warm contacts, max 3 questions

The FIRE Method (quick breakdown)

IGNITE (who to DM):
Start with warm people:

• engaged with your posts
• replied to your stories
• past conversations
• people in your community

SPARK (what to ask):
Ask questions in 3 categories:

• Pain: “What’s the hardest part of ___ right now?”
• Attempts: “What have you tried so far?”
• Outcome: “If this was solved, what would change for you?”

FLAME (how to use it):
Save their exact words and use them for:

• hooks
• content topics
• messaging
• offer refinement
• sales page language

Try this DM opener (copy the structure, not my exact words)

• “Hey ___, quick question—can I ask you something?”
• “Hey ___, I’m doing a little research. What’s the hardest part about ___ right now?”
• “You mentioned ___ before—what’s feeling most frustrating about it lately?”

Your homework (keep it simple)

1. Pick 3 warm contacts
2. Ask no more than 3 questions total
3. Save their exact words in a doc (your “copy bank”)
4. Use one sentence as a hook in your next post

🔥 Free 5-Day Spark the Conversation Challenge:
Join here → Challenge

✨ New membership coming soon: The Phoenix Experience
If you want weekly support with audience clarity, offer alignment, messaging, and simple DM sales—this is for you.
Reply “PHOENIX” to my email list or DM me on IG and I’ll send details when it opens.

📲 Follow me on Instagram: instagram.com/coachlisbethgraham

Mentioned in this episode

• DM Market Research
• Audience clarity + offer alignment
• “Burn the script” approach to sales

Keywords / tags (optional)

DM sales, Instagram DMs, market research, target audience, ideal client, offer alignment, messaging, content hooks, story selling, sales without scripts, service-based business, women in business

Core lesson

• Demographics aren’t enough
• You can help everybody… but you shouldn’t
• Target audience is the center of everything (your spider diagram)

Why it matters

• If you’re having 20–40 DM convos and closing 1–2, something is off
• The pause is the hard part, but it’s the move

Homework

• Poll your audience
  • “If you’re a ___, would you want an offer that solves ___?”
  • Let the answers guide you (even if it stings)

CTA

• Free 5-day challenge (for now)
• REMINDER: like + download

In 2026, we’re done duct-taping strategies onto a shaky foundation. If you don’t know exactly who you serve, nothing you try will stick—content, offers, DMs, emails… all of it.

In this episode, I’m breaking down why “just because you can help them” doesn’t mean you should. I’ll share what I learned the hard way (2014 me, 2022 me… both a little chaotic), why “busy moms” isn’t enough, and how your target audience becomes the center point that everything in your business connects to.

What you’ll learn

• Why “more information” isn’t your problem
• The difference between having a demographic and having a real audience
• Why your DMs won’t convert when your audience is unclear
• How your target audience becomes the center of your entire business
• A simple homework prompt to test your offer with real people

Homework (do this today)
Poll your audience:

• “If you’re a ___, are you interested in an offer that solves ___?”
  Then pay attention to the answers. That’s data.

Free resource
Grab my free 5-day challenge here (for now):

lisbethgraham.co/free-challenge

Connect / next steps

• Subscribe to the channel
• Share this with a friend who keeps “over helping” everybody
• Want support getting clear? DM me “PHOENIX” and I’ll tell you what Phoenix Arising looks like right now.

She emphasizes the importance of understanding one's target audience, moving beyond demographics to truly grasp their pain points and needs.

Lisbeth shares her personal journey, including her struggles with imposter syndrome and the lessons learned from her experiences.

She encourages listeners to engage with their audience and offers a free five-day challenge to help identify their target audience's needs.

Free 5-Day Challenge: Target Audience Alignment
https://lisbethgraham.co/freechallenge

Takeaways

Understanding your target audience is crucial for sales.

It's not just about demographics; focus on pain points.

Engaging with your audience can reveal their true struggles.

Listening to your audience can lead to better business strategies.

Personal experiences can shape your coaching approach.

Taking a step back can provide clarity in business.

Asking the right questions can uncover valuable insights.

A free resource can help identify your target audience.

Consistency and systems are key to managing time effectively.

Sales success often requires understanding your audience deeply.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Rise to Alignment

02:41 Understanding Your Target Audience

07:30 The Importance of Pain Points

10:24 Engaging with Your Audience