Ever hit the “send” button on your email too quickly and then wished you could pull it back? And if you try Outlook’s “Recall Message…” all it really does is highlight to the recipient that you made a mistake.
Here’s a perfect example of not proofing before you email. And this was a cold call email blast to me from someone I don’t know. Think I’ll be responding to this email with anything but “unsubscribe?”
I received a telemarketing call today. When will telemarketers ever learn? I first get the silence as their auto-dialing software realizes I picked up the line so it transfers me to a call center rep. Then he mispronounces my last name and company name. That’s 3 strikes right there. But I’m usually interested in the pitches of others, especially cold callers, so I told him to continue. He was pitching mailing machines. I told him we do everything electronically and weren’t interested. So he looked at his script and asked, “Can I send you an email about our services?” To his credit, he laughed with me after realizing how absurd his question was. If they don’t use their own service how can they expect their customers to?
The blog postings about “Morale Killer or Career Limiting Move” have been some of the favorite postings in our blog based on the number of comments. The email below was sent in by one of the Inquisix readers who wanted to share a “thanks-for-nothing” moment by their boss. The subject line of the email (and the title of this post) must have been a kick in the gut to the sales rep receiving this email. Names have been deleted to protect both the innocent and the guilty. And like the first posting of the “Morale Killer or Career Limiting Move” some key information that I wondered about is missing. I’ll share that information as I get it.
But until then, what are your thoughts?
* Surprised the prospect was nice enough to actually follow-up and say, “No thanks”?
* As the sales rep, how would you use this email internally?
* Any ideas on how to get back to this prospect and get another chance?
From: Divisional Manager at Potential Prospect [and decision maker]
To: Sales Rep
Cc: Prospect’s peer
Subject: We are not moving forward with your company
Hi [Sales Rep]. I hope that this email finds you well. I wanted to get back to you and let you know that we will not be going forward with your company. While I truly enjoyed talking with you, I wasn’t overly impressed with the sales approach of [your sales manager]. When a company is selling a service I would expect that the sales approach would be directed to the individual in charge of managing that service. The majority of the conversation was directed to [prospect’s peer] who is not the decision maker. I have to say that a couple of times I thought I would get up and leave, however, I chose to stay because I did not want to appear unprofessional. I feel compelled to make a personal recommendation to your sales manager] to make sure that sales conversations be directed to the individual responsible for making the decision as to whether or not to purchase the product.
Have a nice summer – take care,
[Divisional Manager]
All About Referral Selling 