Whether each of us will admit it or not, we have all “dropped the ball” when it comes to following up. Even when we use a CRM (Customer Relationship Management system), it is still possible to click past a reminder, telling ourselves we’ll get back to it tomorrow, tomorrow, tomorrow.
So, what’s the best way to handle these forgotten calls? Here’s a few things to consider:
1. Time moves quickly for all of us. If you discover that you’re a week late following up with a prospect, know that unless they were on the verge of signing a contract with you, or facing a serious problem that only your solution could solve (and if this was the case, it’s unlikely you’d have forgotten about them!), chances are they won’t take any notice. One of the things I hear most often when I’m diligently following up with prospects and clients is “Didn’t we just talk a few days ago?” or “I thought you were going to call me next week”” or “I need more time to review that proposal.” So when there’s a short gap between the when you said you’d follow up and when you are following up my best advice is … don’t mention it at all.
2. If the gap is longer than a week or two, start your follow up conversation with an apology. You don’t have to – and really shouldn’t – get into any of the reasons why you’ve been delayed. The prospect or the customer doesn’t need to know. But they do need to know that you are aware of your error – and able to apologize. For me, the conversation starts something like this: “Hi Linda, it’s Mary Jane calling from The Phone Lady and I am so sorry. I meant to follow up with you last month and I allowed it to slip past me. What are your thoughts or questions on that proposal I sent you?”
3. No gap is too long. Seriously. I know this sounds a bit bizarre, but I’ve actually followed up on prospects that somehow got buried in a system for two years. You know what … I made a sale. What did I say? Well, I can’t remember exactly (it was years ago) but the call likely went something like this: “Hi Linda, it’s Mary Jane calling from The Phone Lady. It’s been ages since we last spoke and I apologize for not providing better follow up. What are some of the challenges you and your sales team are facing today?”
Remember that all of us … and I do mean ALL of us … have at some point forgotten to do something for a prospect or client. The majority of people are empathetic when this happens … as long as it only happens once, maybe twice. So if you are staring at a lead that at one time you thought would be a fabulous client but you haven’t called them because you should have called last month or last year … put aside your trepidation and pick up the phone!
(This is my last planned post on follow up, however, if you have a story you’d like to share or a specific topic you’d like me to include in a post, please let me know in the comment section below.)
Enjoy your phone work everyone!
Great advice as usual Mary Jane.
Congratulations on the well deserved recognition. Keep blazing the trail !
steve
Thank you so much, Steve.
The information your organization is sharing is pushing me to re-focus with 40 years experience is much needed. Mary Jane, thanks for the great challenges you put in front of me. I am ensured that Mary Jane ability to get you to look at things different or if you tweak follow up, phone calls and always challenging yourself and asking yourself how can I make it better. If it’s working keep going the science of selling is very unique.
Wow, Frederick, a lovely testimonial. Thanks so much. It is lovely working with you. You’re enthusiasm is infectious.
Great advice! Most of us let some calls slop and feel really bad about it.
I believe we all let some calls slip away from us, Mario. But we don’t talk about it. Feels like I’ve “hit a nerve” so I’ll see if there are specific stories I can share in later posts. Thanks for your comment.
Congratulations on your award!
Thank you, Mary. Much appreciated.
Congratulations Mary Jane!
Your email is the one I read every time. You always give nuggets away and inspire me to be better in my phone work. (smile)
Wonderful to see that you were recognized in this fashion.
Take good care,
Jacqueline
Thank you, Jacqueline. I always appreciate your comments and feedback.
Huge congrats again Mary Jane. This is such a well deserved and earned recognition for all that you do to build a better Nova Scotia and Canada. You continue to inspire people around you….everyday! Your gentle wisdom and nudge of encouragement is often all it takes for someone to have the courage to take the leap. Thank you for all that you do! With gratitude always, Nicole.
Thank you, Nicole. You have been – and continue to be – one of my inspirations. Look forward to doing some projects together this year.