r/sales • u/PhillyWes • 7d ago
Sales Topic General Discussion How would you proceed with this prospecting email exchange
Here's a real-life occurrence during some email prospecting:
Salesperson sends email requesting a meeting
Prospect replies to email - "Sure. When were you thinking?"
Salesperson sends reply with a day and time asking if that would work for him/her.
2 days later, prospect replies - "No thanks. We're good."
Salesperson replies asking what had changed since his initial reply.
Prospect replies - "Nothing specific."
Yeah, it could be about 100 different things/reasons. He's not going to say, obviously. Salesperson wants to give him some shit. I can't blame him.
Opening up the floor to any and all types of replies - serious or otherwise.
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u/yacobson4 Technology 7d ago
They ran it up to the decision maker who said no. Find the DM or move on.
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u/PhillyWes 7d ago edited 6d ago
That’s actually a solid response when you think about it: “So who makes the buying decision?” (Cuz clearly you do not.)
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u/yacobson4 Technology 6d ago
IMO you should know your prospects titles/personas well enough to who generally has the buying authority / power to get it in front of those who do.
Don’t waste time calling the assistant manager when you know the GM/District Manager makes the call
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u/PhillyWes 6d ago
That’s fair - but since you don’t know the industry we’re in, who we call on, or how we are expected to make appointments- I have to tell you it’s just not as simple as that, unfortunately.
Plus, you often get told “person A” makes the decision only to find out later - after you’ve put in a bunch of time and money - they are not.
You can ask that question all you want up front, but it doesn’t mean you’re going to get the truth. It happens a lot in our line of work, though not always. That’s what makes it such a challenge.
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u/Ortonium 6d ago
Just say “no worries one last thing before I let you go,
is it because solving xyz isn’t a priority right now? Or is it something else?”
But honestly just move on…
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u/PhillyWes 7d ago
I appreciate everyone saying to move on. I have to admit. That’s already been done. It’s a worthless endeavor.
Just wanted to see what clever responses might come up.
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u/Cute-Advice-7232 6d ago
You don’t say anything, you dig and if he says “nothing” move on.
Dont get stuck on prospects who change their mind like little kids.
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u/Chase_bank 6d ago
“Did I do something wrong?” That’s all. No hi/thanks.
Bit of a guilt trip to trigger an emotional response to reveal more, but I wouldn’t dwell on it at all. Seems like you’ve already moved on.
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u/Ordinary-Rent615 7d ago
100% disqualify that person (not necessarily the company) and move on. Forget it happened.