When a prospect says they’ll get back to you, it can be frustrating. After all, you’ve put in the time and effort to build a relationship with them, and now you’re left hanging. But don’t despair. There are a few things you can do to handle this situation effectively.
1. Respect their timing.
First and foremost, it’s important to respect the prospect’s timing. If they say they need more time to think about your proposal or to talk to their team, don’t pressure them. Instead, thank them for their time and let them know that you’re available to answer any questions they have in the meantime.
2. Set a follow-up schedule.
Before you end your conversation, ask the prospect when it would be appropriate to follow up with them again. This will show that you’re respectful of their time and that you’re serious about building a long-term relationship.
3. Provide value.
In the interim between conversations, continue to provide value to the prospect. This could involve sharing helpful articles, blog posts, or case studies. You could also offer to provide them with a free consultation or audit. By demonstrating your expertise and value, you’ll stay top-of-mind with the prospect and increase your chances of closing the deal.
4. Personalize your follow-ups.
When you do follow up with the prospect, make sure your message is personalized and relevant to their situation. Don’t just send a generic email. Instead, take the time to write a message that addresses their specific needs and pain points.
5. Ask for a next meeting.
If you’ve followed up with the prospect a few times and they’re still not ready to make a decision, ask for a next meeting. This will give you another opportunity to address their concerns and build rapport.
Here are some real-life examples of how to handle a prospect who says they’ll get back to you:
Example 1:
You’re a salesperson and you’re following up with a prospect about a quote you sent them. The prospect says they need more time to talk to their team. You respond by saying:
“I understand. Please let me know when you’re ready to discuss further. In the meantime, here’s a link to a case study that shows how our product helped another customer save X% on their costs.”
This response is respectful of the prospect’s time and provides them with valuable information.
Example 2:
You’re a marketing consultant and you’re following up with a prospect about a proposal you sent them. The prospect says they’re not sure if they’re ready to invest in your services yet. You respond by saying:
“I understand that making a big decision like this can be tough. I’m happy to schedule a free consultation to discuss your needs in more detail and answer any questions you have.”
This response shows that you’re willing to go the extra mile for the prospect and that you’re confident in your ability to help them.
Example 3:
You’re a recruiter and you’re following up with a candidate about a job opening. The candidate says they’re interested in the position, but they need to talk to their current employer first. You respond by saying:
“That’s perfectly understandable. Please let me know when you’re ready to move forward. I’m happy to keep you updated on the status of the position and to answer any questions you have in the meantime.”
This response shows that you’re flexible and that you’re committed to building a relationship with the candidate.
By following these tips, you can effectively handle a prospect who says they’ll get back to you. Remember to be patient, respectful, and persistent. And most importantly, provide value to the prospect at every stage of the sales process.
