The Sales Evangelist How My Coaching Client Got Referrals From A Rejection | Donald C. Kelly - 1989
Mar 30, 2026
A LinkedIn outreach story about turning a rejection into opportunity. Tactics for finding engaged conference attendees and starting conversations with short videos and voice notes. A lesson on asking for introductions after a 'no' and converting one refusal into multiple warm referrals. Tips on maximizing every interaction and follow-up to grow your pipeline.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Client Used Conference Engagement To Start Conversations
- Donald C. Kelly described a coaching client who used LinkedIn engagement around a conference to start conversations.
- The client messaged people who liked or commented on the conference post, sent a short intro video, and turned replies into meeting requests.
Send A Short Intro Video After Connecting
- Do send a short personalized video or voice message after connecting to show you're human and break through the noise.
- Donald C. Kelly recommends a brief face-with-name intro before any pitch to increase engagement on LinkedIn.
A No Can Become Five Referrals
- A prospect who says no can still be an advocate and valuable source of referrals.
- Donald C. Kelly reframed a 'no' as opportunity: the prospect used the software previously and then returned five warm referrals when asked.