“You never get a second chance to make a first impression.”
-Will Rogers
As marketing managers, we have to think creatively and use a wide range of marketing concepts to conceive novel ways of communicating with prospects. This job often comes with its share of ups and downs yet the biggest hurdle is to successfully engage the audience in the right manner and at the right time.
Professionals must realize that modern day customers are incessantly bombarded with countless generic and impersonal sales e-mails on a day-to-day basis. This has progressed into buyers becoming deeply irritated, encouraging them to delete such e-mails without even giving them a read.
With that in mind, I hereby share a few fresh and unconventional e-mail openings that put “Hi, my name is ….” to shame.
- “What do you think about (sensational, industry-relevant news)?”
There is nothing better than a thought-provoking/compelling question to get a prospect’s attention. Asking appropriate/relevant questions in a sales e-mail can not only pique prospect’s interest in a speedy fashion but also help distinguish you from competitors.
- “I loved your blog post/tweet on (an industry relevant topic)”
Bestowing genuine compliments on your potential customers is not only an exceptional way of starting a conversation but it also highlights that you have done thorough background research on them.
- 3. “Just like you, I am (interested in X cause or Y sport)”
the Sure shot way of breaking the ice between you and your prospect is to leverage commonalities between both the parties. This instills trust, builds positive rapport and therefore, clients are more likely to engage in your business if they resonate with you on a personal level.
- “Congratulations on your company recently launching a (campaign/product)”
Using trigger events to initiate a conversation is an incredibly efficient practice. You must keep your eyes peeled for the new achievements of clients and instead of using repetitive e-mail opening expressions, use such up-to-date information to start off the conservation on a positive note.
- “I came across this study and you would find it worthwhile (a particular topic)”
From the very first minute, you must find ways to add value to the customer and his/her organization. You can achieve this by finding interesting stories, statistics or studies which might be beneficial to the customer. This has bigger-than-expected results in the long run as it renders credibility and integrity to your work.
Conclusion
In today’s business environment of profound uncertainty and rapid expansion, it is important for every professional to innovate and subsequently implement new-fangled ideas which can successfully capture the attention of prospective buyers.
