10 (Sell): Managing every part of the deal process from first calendar invite to close (John Barrows, Host of Make it Happen Mondays)
Jul 1, 2020
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John Barrows, CEO of JBarrows Consulting and host of Make it Happen Mondays, shares tactical sales tips including using trap questions, engaging prospects, and selling to CFOs. He also discusses managing expectations, improving sales rep success, and co-creating ROI. The podcast provides actionable takeaways like sending a meeting efficiency survey and using the subject line 'Did I lose you?'
Sending a summary email after a conversation can significantly increase response rates and close ratio in sales.
Having a daily routine that includes research on top accounts and using personalized outreach improves prospecting effectiveness.
Deep dives
Effective Meeting Control and Accountability with the Summer Email
One of the tactical tips shared by John Barrows is the use of the summer email. This email is sent after a conversation to summarize the key points discussed and hold the recipient accountable. By letting the recipient know in advance that the email is coming and asking them to review and confirm the accuracy of the summary, the response rates are significantly higher. John Barrows has seen a 90% close ratio when he receives a response to the summer email, compared to a 40% close ratio when there is no response.
Persistent Follow-up Strategies for Engaged Prospects
John Barrows emphasizes the importance of persistence in follow-up when a prospect is showing engagement. He suggests a strategy that involves multiple touchpoints after a missed follow-up. By replying all to the summary email sent earlier and asking for a reschedule, followed by a few more attempts, John recommends changing the subject line to 'Still Interested' to grab the prospect's attention. This approach helps salespeople get a 90% response rate, even if the response may be positive or negative, it keeps the conversation alive.
Effective Daily Routine and Prospect Research
John Barrows emphasizes the importance of having a daily routine for maximum productivity. He shares his routine, which involves starting the day with the right mindset, grabbing a coffee, and spending focused time researching top accounts and their executives on various social platforms. By leveraging tools like LinkedIn Sales Navigator and Feedly, he stays updated on trends and reads articles to gain insights. This practice allows him to personalize his outreach and demonstrate knowledge during prospecting.
Mastering Demos with Customized Presentations
During the podcast, John Barrows discusses the common pitfalls of demos and how to deliver more effective presentations. Instead of simply going through a slide deck and asking if things make sense, he recommends a tailored approach. By establishing the main priorities and objectives at the beginning of the meeting, salespeople can skip the irrelevant parts and focus on what aligns with the prospect's needs. Additionally, he advises engaging prospects by asking specific impact questions related to their business and current challenges, which prompts deeper discussions and provides valuable insights to gauge understanding.