The Day My Content Started Getting DMs (Not Just Likes)

I remember the first time my inbox lit up after posting on LinkedIn.

Up until then, I had been living off likes and the occasional comment. It felt good: validation, reach, a little dopamine hit.

But nothing moved the needle for my business.

Then one day, a post landed differently. Instead of “Nice post!” or “Totally agree,” I had 2 separate people send me a DM. Not to congratulate me. Not to add another emoji. They wanted to talk…

About their business. About working together. About the problems they were facing that I might solve.

That day shifted everything for me.

Because the truth is: likes don’t pay the bills. Conversations do.

The Tip: Writing with Narrative Leadership

So, what changed?

I had started writing with what I now call Narrative Leadership.

Instead of posting ideas in a vacuum, I began sharing stories that positioned me as a guide in someone else’s journey.

Narrative Leadership is about:

• Telling real stories — not fluff, not clichés, but actual experiences that show what you’ve learned.

• Showing vulnerability — revealing your struggles, not just your wins. That’s what invites people in.

• Casting vision — not only what you did, but what’s possible for your reader if they step into the same story.

When you lead with a story, you create resonance. When you add vulnerability, you create trust. And when you cast vision, you create desire.

That’s the formula behind every DM that ever turns into a deal.

The Business Lesson: Sara Blakely and Spanx

If you think this is just about LinkedIn posts, think again.

Sara Blakely, founder of Spanx, built a billion-dollar brand using the exact same principle.

She didn’t lead with technical fabric specs or manufacturing processes. She told the story of being a frustrated woman with no good undergarment options, cutting the feet off her pantyhose before a party, and realizing there had to be a better way.

Her vulnerability was disarming. She admitted she had no background in fashion design, no investors, no roadmap. Just a crazy idea and the willingness to tell the story over and over again.

What happened? Her story didn’t just sell products—it built trust. Women who heard her story saw themselves in it. They didn’t feel like they were buying spandex; they felt like they were part of a revolution.

And that’s the power of Narrative Leadership. Sara didn’t just sell a product. She invited millions of people into her story.

Bringing It Home

The day my content shifted from likes to DMs wasn’t about going viral. It wasn’t about a new hack or algorithm trick. I finally realized that people want to connect with a story and they want to know if you can guide them through their own.

So here’s the question for you:

👉 Are you chasing likes, or are you writing in a way that earns DMs?

That’s the difference between creating noise and building a business.

If you’re ready to turn your content into real conversations that move the needle, I can help.

Through my Creative Catalyst Method, I work with founders and executives to build a content system that doesn’t just get attention, but it drives opportunity.

If you want posts that start filling your inbox (instead of just your notifications), hit reply with the word “Catalyst” and let’s talk.