10 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
10 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

What is my next step...? (newbie question)

by sadiecopywriter
8 replies
So, I met this person at a networking party who seemed interested one of my services.

We exchanged biz cards and talked about a follow up. Today I emailed her, but never got a response.

I'm new to getting clients offline. She'd actually be my first that I went out and got on my own (Usually I work on outsourcing sites.)

What should my next step be?
#step
  • Profile picture of the author Warrior Ben
    Hi Sadie,

    Since you have her business card, you probably also have her phone number. Call her up and tell her you really enjoyed meeting her at the networking event and would like to set up a time to meet in person to discuss your services.

    When you call, recommend a specific date and time and say something along the lines of, "How does Monday at 2pm work for you?" That puts the onus on her to accept the meeting or propose a different time.

    When you are meeting with her make sure to not just do a data dump of the services you offer and how it could benefit her. Start out by asking questions about her business and start a conversation that you will lead into talking about your services. Really listen to what she is saying and frame your responses around that.

    I hope this helps and best of luck landing the deal!

    -Ben
    Signature
    The Best of Warrior Ben: My Most Popular Warrior Forum Posts
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4874200].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author TopKat22
    Did she happen to mention how best it was to reach her? Phone, email.

    Not everyone checks their email every minute or even day, so give it some time.

    Then I you get no email response, call. Maybe the email is getting caught in a spam filter.

    Advice for the future, whenever I met a prospect, I would always firm it up a bit better but without coming on too strong.

    Like well, I certainly look forward to us finishing/continuing this discussion, may I call or email you tomorrow or the next day (always give them only 2 choices, never leave it open ended like next week or some time soon). If those two days don't work, state another one.

    Good luck.
    Signature
    44 days in and we broke the $10K a month recurring bench mark.

    Guaranteed 60% Opt In Rate Traffic-Real People-Fresh Today-High Quality Biz Opp traffic![/URL]
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4874202].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author felborfm88
    I would definitely suggest a phone call over an email. Even though you have already made a great contact point by meeting in person and exchanging business cards and details, a friendly phone call to setup a meeting time is a good follow up strategy. Emails sometimes do get lost or overlooked or even sent to the spam filter. With a phone call you at least know you have the persons attention.
    Signature
    financial advisors vancouver
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4874371].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author sadiecopywriter
    Do you think I should call tomorrow? Or is it rude on Saturday? I know her place is open on Saturdays so the odds are pretty good she'll be there.

    I don't want to seem desperate or pushy. What do you think?
    Signature

    Mercedes
    Need Free & Legal images for your books & blogs?
    Check out the FREE Little Black Book of Royalty Free Images.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4874381].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Kelvin AIP
    haha... don't mean to laugh at u, but this just reminds me of dating and when's too early or just enuf time to contact the prospective date!

    if she's open tomorrow, that shud b fair game to follow up and give her a friendly call mentioning that u were just following up n werent sure if she got ur email ok.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4874860].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author David Miller
      Odds are you've got her cell phone. I usually assume that any number I get is a cell. With that in mind I send them a text message. Something simple and make sure you include your name. I've sent messages like this:

      i know we're both busy these days so when you get a minute to chat, now you've got my number. BTW this is dave miller, we met at the networking meeting..have a great day!

      The advantages are clear:
      1. everyone reads a text msg so there's no doubt the message was received
      2. if the person was SERIOUS about going further they will call
      3. the ball is in their court, if they don't call just move on to a real prospect.

      I've done this a lot....and it works!
      Signature
      The big lesson in life, baby, is never be scared of anyone or anything.
      -- FRANK SINATRA, quoted in The Way You Wear Your Hat
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4879516].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author ferclint20
    You should call her on Saturday. That is fine because it's an office hour of hers. Just don't push her a bit.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4880198].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Jason Kanigan
    Best to call because then you'll get instant feedback. Don't bother leaving a voicemail or a message. Say who you are and what you want only when you get the prospect on the phone. Remind her of where and when you met, and then remind her of the service you were talking about. Then, ask her: "What was it about that service that got your attention?", be quiet and let her tell you.

    What you want is for your prospect to start sharing with you what, if anything, is a problem in her world that your service could be a solution for. You want to find out quickly whether she has a real, urgent need or not. Lots of offline sales tips at www.kanigan.ca.
    Signature
    >> How To Grow Your Online Business [FREE Training Video, No Opt-In, from 10+ Year Vet]

    >> For Agency Founders: The Fast Shortcut To Selling SEO, Leadgen, Webdesign & Other Services
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4880633].message }}

Trending Topics