Let's see how my 2026 marketing works? (For you, too?)

(Thankfully, this rarely happens on Searchfunder.) I wonder if this is happening to any other professional service providers? Especially the top players. Below is my boilerplate DM to the 78th LinkedIn member during 2025, someone completely unknown to me, who hadn't read my books or seen my YouTube videos, who sent me a series of DMs asking for a "brief meet-and-greet convo" during which I would be asked questions, where my answers would enable these people to proceed more effectively. (And then there were the people asking if I could discount my professional fee or provide some free service so they could test whether or not I know what I'm doing.) MY usual reply is to invite people to schedule a brief paid session during which I intend to deliver way more value than the meager investment they will pay to connect with me and get actionable answers to their questions. (Thankfully, nearly everybody does this; some of them first see my published information, because it's the most effective way to know details about my capability. It's also a good way to test the capability of anybody pitching expertise.) MY DM (which I hope I don't have to send to you): "I fully understand your situation. The reason 298 professional practices, including legal, accounting, consulting, and business valuation have paid me for my answers to their questions is I materially change their point of view and improve their deliverables. "I am 100% booked by people who've read my books. They know what I do, and they next want questions answered. If I were to chat with everybody who just has a question, which my answer could materially improve their POV, I wouldn't have time to serve the people needing my help. "Best wishes for your continued success." ---- The Post-it note I attach to my replies. (Feel free to use it or adapt it for your use.)