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0 sats \ 4 replies \ @fauxfoe 14 Jun \ parent \ on: 🤝 SN Sellers & Business Club AGORA
Well, I took some time out from chasing my first client to... chase my second client. That went pretty poorly, tbh. I heard about a company that could use our services and cold emailed them through their website. I didn't think that would work very well, so I cold called the CEO's cell number (which I got off a friend). No response to either. Ah well, this was a "take the shot" kind of moment and I shouldn't be bummed that it went nowhere. But I'm bummed.
I am still on track to chase that first client tho. Bid is just about done, and will come in at a lower number than originally hoped -- we have been disqualified from part of the RFP for being too new, which I mostly expected but hoped we'd squeak through.
Sales is really boring sometimes, I know. Don't let yourself be affected by failures or negative responses. Learn from it!
Cold emails we know does not or rarely converts leads on the first interaction. You put a seed there. Calling the CEO without any notice isn't really good, especially if your friend just give you the number without ensuring first the CEO would be available or waiting to receive your call. CEOs are busy man... CEOs delegate others to execute... The next step is usually to call the company directly to whatever public number they have listed publicly, telling them you sent out an email, and you'd like to talk with the responsible person.
Don't give up, keep reaching out to this company if you think you can provide real value to them. They will be happy to pay back accordingly ;)
Same for the RFP. First one is gone, as you mention it was expected. Next one you'll be in a better position.
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Sales is really boring sometimes, I know. Don't let yourself be affected by failures or negative responses. Learn from it! Cold emails we know does not or rarely converts leads on the first interaction. You put a seed there. Calling the CEO without any notice isn't really good, especially if your friend just give you the number without ensuring first the CEO would be available or waiting to receive your call. CEOs are busy man... CEOs delegate others to execute... The next step is usually to call the company directly to whatever public number they have listed publicly, telling them you sent out an email, and you'd like to talk with the responsible person. Don't give up, keep reaching out to this company if you think you can provide real value to them. They will be happy to pay back accordingly ;) Same for the RFP. First one is gone, as you mention it was expected. Next one you'll be in a better position. As @lunin mentioned here #995163, is a step-by-step process. You need to learn about the process, then you'll learn to trust the process!
I totally agree - I used to run a company myself, and over the years, countless people have tried to sell me things.
The only times I actually bought something were when someone provided real value upfront. This could be a small but useful service, an unexpected insight or a result before the pitch. That proved their value — no words needed.
The same applies to hiring: want a job? Show how you’ll add value before even asking for the job.
It's the "pay it forward" (a cool movie btw) principle — not with money, but with proof. Give value, earn trust, close deals.
Stick with it and good things will come.
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Pay it forward is a big part of the sales strategy. The company I'm submitting a bid on has a need I can fill, but how do they know they can rely on me? To get them to give me (a brand new company) the time of day, I've been helping them already. They email me problems and I turn around some work product. It's basically me showing them that we have the skills and can deliver on small things so maybe they can trust us with big things.
You can take this too far. In my other business, I sometimes did this for years before getting a (underwhelming) sale. Honestly, it's one of the reasons I think that business scuffles. Knowing where to draw the line is hard.
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Cold calls usually don't work... but this one got me a meeting. The CEO emailed me this morning.
I don't normally do cold calls, but this one felt different. I got a tip that the CEO was personally involved in looking for a service I can provide. He has a multi-million dollar problem that I can solve for 10% to 15%. That's a good deal for him and me, it's a problem EVERYBODY in this industry is desperate to solve immediately, and everybody is scrambling for a solution partner. This is, essentially, a game of speed dating as firms try to pair up on a VERY tight timeline.
My solution is less favorable in the market because my company is small, brand-new, doesn't yet have the right facilities, etc. It will be hard to convince a board to rely on me. If I want to make a sale, I have to tightly fit as the solution to the right company that will take the chance because I am well-fit to their need.
This company might be my only good fit. And I'm guessing he doesn't have a ton of good fits for his situation. That seemed like a good moment to take a chance on a cold call. Low percentage shot, but a little higher than most cold calls.
I still have no idea whether my new business is viable, but at least it won't be for lack of trying.
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