The Art of the Chase: How Persistence Turns Prospects into clients!
The road to winning new business? I know it all too well—it’s not glamorous, it’s not instant, and it’s definitely not easy. As a telemarketer, I’ve spent countless hours making calls, sending emails, and leaving voicemails, all in the hopes of turning a spark of interest into a real conversation. Trust me, customers rarely come knocking on their own. It’s more like a game of cat and mouse, where I’m constantly chasing, always trying to catch them at just the right moment.
The Follow-Up Struggle: The Chase Is Real
Let me walk you through what it’s like. You meet someone at an event, and they seem genuinely interested in what you’re offering. You’re excited, right? But then reality hits—when you try to follow up, it’s one missed call after another. They’re in a meeting, out of the office, away on leave… you name it, I’ve heard it.
Persistence Isn’t Pestering: It’s Professionalism
Here’s where it gets tricky. After a few attempts, it’s tempting to throw in the towel. Maybe you start worrying that you’re being a pest. I’ve been there. But if I’ve learned anything, it’s that persistence isn’t about being annoying—it’s about showing that you’re still there, still ready, and still have something of value to offer. If a prospect showed interest once, chances are, they’ll appreciate that you didn’t give up.
The Payoff: One Call Can Change Everything
Honestly, I’ve seen it happen time and time again. I’ll leave a series of messages, thinking I’m never going to get through, and then one day, they pick up. They remember me, and suddenly, we’re having that conversation I’ve been working toward for weeks. It’s a great feeling when that persistence pays off.
Organisation is Your Secret Weapon
But it’s not just about making calls—it’s about being organised and strategic. I rely heavily on my CRM to keep track of every conversation, every missed connection, every follow-up. When you’re managing multiple prospects, you can’t afford to lose track of who’s where in the process. Without that system, I’d be flying blind.
Slow and Steady: The Long Game in B2B Sales
And it’s not always a quick win, either. Especially in B2B, or when you’re selling something more complex—like a service or a high-value product—it takes time. People need reassurance that what you’re offering is worth it, that you can deliver on what they need. They’re not going to make a snap decision.
Marketing Gets the Interest—But I Close the Deal
Marketing can help spark that interest, but let’s be real—closing the deal? That’s on me. It’s about building relationships, one step at a time. It’s not just one conversation that does it. I’ve read that it can take up to seven interactions with a prospect before they’re ready to make a move. Seven! That’s why I keep going, because I know it can take time for someone to be ready.
Follow-Up Fear? Don’t Be! They’ll Thank You Later
And sure, I’ve had moments where I worried I was overdoing it with the follow-ups. But more often than not, when I finally connect, they thank me. “I’ve been meaning to get back to you,” they’ll say. Life gets busy, they get pulled in a thousand directions—it’s not personal. They just need a little reminder, and that’s where I come in.
Be Creative: Not Every Reminder Has to Be a Call
Sometimes, I get creative. If I know they’re tied up with a big project, I might send something in the mail or drop an email that doesn’t ask for their time, just serves as a nudge. It’s all about staying on their radar without being intrusive.
The Human Touch Matters
And while marketing plays a role, it’s no substitute for that personal connection. The big brands might have flashy ad campaigns, but for me, it’s about the one-on-one conversations. It’s about making sure my prospects don’t forget about me, that I’m still there when they’re ready.
Tenacity: The Key to Success
At the end of the day, persistence is key. Leaving five or six messages isn’t being pushy—it’s showing I care about what I’m offering and about them. It’s saying, “I’m still here, and I still believe I have something that can help you.”
The Moment of Truth: One Call Could Seal the Deal
So next time I’m leaving another message, hoping it’s the one that gets through, I remind myself: this could be the call where it all clicks, and that’s what makes it worth every effort.