Weekly, I meet many fellow business people at mixers, fundraisers, and networking events that have products and services I could potentially purchase. Of these hundreds of people I have met, do you know how many have actually followed up with me? Statistically speaking, Zero! Consequently, I was somewhat shocked and surprised when I received not one, but two, follow up notes in the mail today.
Sales people and small business owners, ‘Where is your follow up?’
When I meet someone and we exchange business cards, I follow up with at least a video e-mail (free service from www.eyejot.com) and if there is a mailing address, a post card. My follow up correspondence is not a ‘hard sell’ but rather a ‘nice to meet you, thanks for the conversation.’ While I know that most people are not in the market for health or life insurance at that moment, they might be in the future or they may know of someone who does need insurance. My follow up is to remind them that I am a decent fellow, who remembered our conversation and by-the-way, I sell insurance.
In the age where everyone is glued to their smart phone, face book, twitter, e-mail, Four Square, Hoot Suite, Linkedin (name your app), no one, it seems, has time to send a simple follow up e-mail or better yet, snail mail note. Am I supposed to take you seriously if you don’t at least try to connect with me? Guess what folks, I do buy from people I have met. Items purchased from mere acquaintances or recommendations include: website services, business cards, collateral printing, banners, home and auto insurance, books, software, and much more.
So I was stunned when I received a note from Les Lent of Sales Coach International and Michele Valencia of influensphere saying how much they enjoyed talking to me. Admittedly, both of these folks are in the business of helping folks like me hone my skills to create more sales. I guess I should expect no less from two professionals. Regardless, their notes left an impression on me. I now have two folks to recommend for life and sales coaching services.
Now, I wonder if Les and Michele would have sent me their notes if I had not contacted them first….hmmm?
