What Are Examples of Creative Follow-Up Techniques?
In the fast-paced world of sales, finding innovative ways to stand out can be the key to success. Our latest article brings insights from a CEO and a Sales Growth Associate, offering a glimpse into the techniques that make a difference. The opening insight highlights the effectiveness of sending personalized video messages, while the final tip explores the impact of offering free no-obligation trials. With ten expert tips in total, this article promises to spark new ideas for your follow-up strategy.
- Send Personalized Video Messages
- Stand Out with Video Follow-Ups
- Send a Thoughtful Care Package
- Maintain Presence with Informal Visits
- Use Personalized Video Messages
- Summarize Solutions in Video Messages
- Address Needs with Video Messages
- Provide Personalized Market Reports
- Personalize Follow-Up with Cooking Video
- Offer Free No-Obligation Trials
Send Personalized Video Messages
One creative follow-up technique I've used at Software House involves sending personalized video messages to potential clients after our initial meetings. Rather than relying solely on traditional follow-up emails, I record a brief video summarizing our discussion, addressing their specific pain points, and outlining how our solutions can meet their needs. This approach helps to reinforce the personal connection we established during our meeting.
The effectiveness of this technique lies in its uniqueness and the emotional connection it fosters. By seeing my face and hearing my voice, clients feel a greater sense of engagement and attentiveness compared to standard written communication. Additionally, it allows me to convey enthusiasm and passion for our services in a way that written words may not capture. I've found that this personalized touch not only stands out in a crowded inbox but also encourages clients to respond more promptly, ultimately moving them closer to making a decision. The combination of personalization and creativity has proven to be a powerful tool in closing deals and building lasting relationships.
Stand Out with Video Follow-Ups
One creative follow-up technique I've used successfully is sending a personalized video message to the potential client after an initial conversation. Instead of relying on the usual email or phone follow-up, the video adds a personal touch and helps me stand out from the competition. In the video, I briefly recap our conversation, address any specific concerns they raised, and outline how our solution directly meets their needs. This approach shows that I'm invested in the client's unique situation and that I value their business.
I think this worked because it builds a stronger connection with the client. It's easy to overlook a follow-up email or feel disconnected from a standard phone call, but a video makes the interaction more human. The client can see my enthusiasm and dedication, which helps build trust and keep me top-of-mind. It's a simple way to add a personal touch to an otherwise standard part of the sales process.
Send a Thoughtful Care Package
One especially creative follow-up technique I used that helped close a deal was sending the prospect a personalized "care package" related to their business challenges. In this case, the prospect had expressed concerns about keeping their customers engaged.
After they went quiet post-demo, I sent them a physical package that included a branded stress ball, a handwritten note, and a small book on customer-engagement strategies.
In the note, I referenced our previous conversations, drawing a funny connection to the stress ball. It proved I was listening, and it broke through the usual sales noise. The prospect ended up calling me, laughing, and asking how to restart the process.
Veering away from the digital with a tangible follow-up can go a long way!
Maintain Presence with Informal Visits
One creative follow-up technique that has proven effective for me is maintaining a visible presence through regular, informal visits. Even if there isn't a scheduled meeting or sales opportunity, stopping by to say hello and bringing a small, personalized gift can make a significant impact.
Frequent visits help establish credibility as a local resource, and by avoiding a direct sales pitch during these interactions, you can break down barriers and foster a more genuine connection. Additionally, leaving a thoughtful gift often brings a smile to their face and reinforces a positive association with your presence.
Use Personalized Video Messages
One creative follow-up technique I used is sending a personalized video message to the prospect. Instead of the usual email or call, I recorded a short video addressing their specific needs and concerns, highlighting how our solution could directly benefit them. This worked because it stood out, was unexpected, and showed that I had taken the time to focus on their business, adding a personal touch. People respond well to authenticity, and video makes it easier to convey enthusiasm and build rapport. It helped build trust and kept me top-of-mind, ultimately leading to closing the deal.
Summarize Solutions in Video Messages
One creative follow-up technique I used was sending a personalized video message summarizing how our solutions specifically addressed the client's pain points. This approach was more engaging than a standard email, making it easier to convey our value-proposition. It stood out to the client, demonstrated our dedication, and ultimately led to closing the deal.
Address Needs with Video Messages
One creative follow-up technique I've used is sending a personalized video message summarizing how our product can address the client's specific needs. It added a personal touch, helped differentiate us from competitors, and made the follow-up more memorable. By directly speaking to the client's pain points and demonstrating how we could help, it built stronger rapport and trust, ultimately leading to a successful deal closure.
Provide Personalized Market Reports
At Pheasant Energy, one creative follow-up technique I used involved providing a personalized market report to a hesitant prospect, highlighting how their mineral rights could gain value in specific regions. This data-driven approach demonstrated our deep understanding of their assets and gave them actionable insights. It worked because it added tangible value beyond a typical sales pitch, building trust and credibility—which ultimately led to closing the deal.
Personalize Follow-Up with Cooking Video
I've had the opportunity to work with various clients and close many deals. One creative follow-up technique that has helped me in closing a deal is sending personalized video messages. In one particular instance, I had been working with a couple who was looking to purchase their first home.
During our initial meeting, they mentioned their love for cooking and how they wanted to have a spacious kitchen in their new home. After showing them several properties, we found the perfect house with an amazing kitchen that ticked off all their requirements.
However, after our last viewing of the property, I didn't hear back from them for a few days. Worried that they might have lost interest, I decided to send them a personalized video message. In the video, I was cooking in my own kitchen and shared how this particular property reminded me of their love for cooking and how it could be the perfect space for them to create new memories together. I also added a few clips from our previous viewings of the property to jog their memory.
To my surprise, they were thrilled with the video and immediately scheduled another viewing of the property. During that visit, they fell in love with the house all over again, and we successfully closed the deal within a week.
Offer Free No-Obligation Trials
A creative follow-up technique that helped close a deal was using the 'Puppy-Dog Close.' After a demo, instead of a traditional pitch, the prospect was offered a free, no-obligation trial of the service. This technique worked because it allowed the client to experience the product's value firsthand, eliminating objections linked to uncertainty. By letting the product sell itself through real-world application, the client saw the tangible benefits, which built trust and confidence. This approach reduced hesitation and closed the deal by naturally aligning the product with the client's needs.
