Wow guys guess what I just discovered?! It’s like the ultimate sales email fail! Seriously it’s a single sentence that can totally tank your follow-up email – and it’s way more common than you’d think! I’m buzzing to share this with you all.

A frase simples que é prejudicial para um e-mail de acompanhamento de vendas

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The Killer Phrase: “Sorry to Bother You Again” – Why It’s a Total Disaster

So picture this: you’re a sales rep you’ve sent a couple of emails and crickets. Silence. The dreaded void of no response. What do you do? Many reps I found out resort to the infamous “Sorry to bother you again” line. But OMG is this a bad move! Think about it: what does it actually say?

It’s basically admitting defeat before you even start! It screams “I know I’m annoying you and I’m probably wasting your time but I’m desperate so please PLEASE look at my email!” It’s like sending a message saying “Hey my sales pitch is so weak and uninteresting that I have to apologize for even trying to reach out to you again!” Doesn’t exactly inspire confidence does it? I mean who wants to buy from someone who’s already apologizing for their existence?!

The Psychology Behind the Apology

This isn’t just about politeness gone wrong; there’s a whole psychological element at play.

When you apologize you’re subconsciously admitting you’ve done something wrong.

In sales your “wrongdoing” is simply trying to sell something which is a pretty weird thing to apologize for! This whole thing is like a complete contradiction in terms.

I mean you’re selling a product or service; apologizing immediately makes you look super weak and not very confident in your product! You end up undermining your value proposition before even getting to the main part of your message.

This apology immediately positions you on the defensive like you’re already anticipating rejection which honey is super contagious!

Beyond the Words: The Deeper Problem

But the problem is deeper than just the phrase itself. Why would a sales rep even think to start an email with an apology?! This is the real question. I mean it’s super obvious! It’s usually because they’ve already had a few unsuccessful attempts and they’re grasping at straws. They’re not focusing on providing value – they’re focused on not being annoying. They’re prioritizing the prospect’s feeling of being bothered above the genuine value of what they offer. This shows that the rep is lacking in self-confidence and isn’t properly trained which reflects poorly on the company.

Reframing the Approach: Value First Apologies Never!

Instead of apologizing for reaching out focus on providing something valuable. Think about what would make the prospect want to hear from you. Maybe it’s a relevant case study an interesting article a personalized tip related to their industry… Anything that showcases your expertise and benefits them without making them feel like they’re being bothered. You could also use a different approach and just simply present the value proposition without needing to introduce yourself that way you’re giving them a reason to reply rather than being seen as someone who’s bothering them for no reason.

Alternatives to the Apology: A Sales Rep’s Survival Guide

Here are some alternatives you can use to replace the dreaded “Sorry to bother you again” phrase:

Instead of: “Sorry to bother you again but…” Try: “Following up on our last conversation I wanted to share…” (This assumes you had a previous conversation of course. If not adapt accordingly!)

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Instead of: “Sorry to bother you again but…” Try: “I have a quick question that might save you time…” (This presents your email as a problem-solver not a bother.)
Instead of: “Sorry to bother you again but…” Try: “I just came across this article that reminded me of our conversation and I thought you might find it useful…” (This shows you’re genuinely interested in helping them.)

These are just a few suggestions.

You could also simply skip the apology altogether and dive straight into the valuable content you want to share.

Remember you’re adding value and value isn’t a bother; it’s an asset.

Crafting Killer Follow-up Emails: A Step-by-Step Guide

Let’s break down how to craft a truly effective follow-up email:

So you wanna write killer sales emails that don’t make you sound like a whimpering puppy? Then ditch the “Sorry to bother you” nonsense and learn how to actually sell something! 🚀 Check out this guide to ditch the apologies and start closing deals! 😉

Start with a compelling subject line: Don’t be generic! Use something specific and relevant to the prospect and the value you’re offering. Think intrigue not apologies.
Personalize the message: Use the prospect’s name and refer to something specific from your previous interaction. This shows you’re paying attention not just spamming them with generic emails.
Provide value: This is crucial! Offer insights solutions or resources that are genuinely helpful to the prospect. Don’t just reiterate your sales pitch; offer something new and relevant.
Keep it concise: Respect the prospect’s time! Get to the point quickly and clearly. Nobody wants to read a wall of text in their inbox.
Include a clear call to action: Tell them exactly what you want them to do: schedule a call visit your website download a resource etc. Make it easy for them to take the next step.

The Long Game: Building Relationships Not Just Making Sales

The key to successful follow-up emails is to focus on building relationships not just making sales.

Every interaction should be viewed as an opportunity to deepen the connection with the prospect and establish yourself as a trusted advisor.

If you continually provide value and demonstrate your expertise they’ll be much more receptive to your sales pitch when the time comes.

Plus they’ll be more likely to refer you to other people which will increase your sales!

The Power of Persistence (Without Being Annoying)

Persistence is key in sales but it needs to be smart persistence.

This means carefully tracking your interactions analyzing what works and what doesn’t and adapting your approach accordingly.

Don’t just keep sending the same email over and over again; adjust your strategy to resonate with the prospect and their needs.

A good CRM system can help with tracking and analysis.

Conclusion: Ditch the Apology Embrace the Value

In the end ditching that “Sorry to bother you again” phrase is more than just about improving your email writing.

It’s about shifting your mindset from one of apology to one of confident value delivery.

It’s about understanding your prospect’s needs and providing solutions that benefit them rather than focusing on your own need to make a sale.

It’s about building relationships based on trust and mutual respect.

And that my friends is the true secret to sales success! So let’s go out there and craft some amazing follow-up emails that leave a positive valuable impression – no apologies necessary!