What to Do When a Prospect Leaves You Hanging
Ever tried calling a prospect at the agreed time, only to be met with nothing but the sound of silence? Frustrating, right? You shoot them a quick follow-up email to set another time, but still—crickets. You kept your end of the deal, yet all you get in return is radio silence.
So, what’s a small business owner like you to do when your success hinges on a prospect who just isn’t responsive?
How to Handle No-Show Clients After a Missed Meeting
Here are some tried and true strategies that’ll help you navigate this tricky territory:
-
Assume There’s a Good Reason
Life happens, and there are plenty of reasons a prospect might miss a call. Instead of jumping to conclusions, keep an open mind. This perspective helps prevent miscommunication in the future. -
Keep It Cool
You might feel a touch of annoyance at the time you lost. We all get that. Nonetheless, it’s vital to keep your messages professional and calm. The last thing you want is to let frustration seep into your communication. -
Avoid Guilt Trips
Guilt trips don’t help anyone; they just create bad vibes. Instead of making your prospect feel bad, aim for a friendly nudge. Positivity breeds more productive conversations! -
Don’t Be a Pest
Harassment is a slippery slope. Nobody enjoys being stalked by emails or calls. Keep outreach respectful and professional. A little persistence is okay; crossing the line into annoyance isn’t. -
Be Transparent
If you couldn’t reach them, say so. If they missed your Zoom, acknowledge it. Being upfront establishes trust and keeps communication clear. -
Add Value in Your Follow-Up
Use any follow-up email as a chance to offer value. What insights were you planning to share during the call? Send them helpful resources they can benefit from. -
Suggest Rescheduling
Chances are, they wanted to attend but something came up. Propose another time to catch up. Tools like Calendly make scheduling easy, avoiding unnecessary back-and-forth. - Know When to Move On
If they miss several meetings, it’s time to have a heart-to-heart. State something like, "We’ve tried to connect multiple times. Is this still a priority for your company?" This’ll force an answer and guide you in your next steps.
A Casual Follow-Up Email Template
You probably have a go-to email template for these situations. But rather than sticking to plain copies, personalize your outreach. Here’s a template to inspire you:
Subject: Missed Our Call – Let’s Catch Up!
Hola [Prospect],
I called you at (XXX) XXX-XXXX today and it went to voicemail. I wanted to discuss [insert topic], so I’m sending over some information to catch you up. Here’s what I’ve got for you:
- [Link to resource #1]
- [Link to resource #2]
Let’s find a time to discuss this further! You can pick a spot on my calendar right here: [insert scheduling link].
Best,
[Your Name]
For a More Casual Approach
If you have a more laid-back rapport, why not have a little fun with your message?
Subject: Looks like we missed each other!
Hey [Prospect],
I tried reaching you for our meeting today. Ironically, now I have time to finally tackle my messy desk—it’s like a time capsule of old snacks and ignored paperwork!
But on a serious note, I’m looking forward to catching up. I wanted to cover [insert topic]. Here’s some info to get you started:
- [Link to resource #1]
- [Link to resource #2]
Let me know what you think, and let’s set up a new time to chat: [insert scheduling link].
Best,
[Your Name]
Prevention Is Key
To avoid future no-shows, sending an hour-before reminder can set expectations and pave the way for a smoother chat.
And remember, never stop evaluating your approach. Understanding why a prospect might not show up can offer vital insights. Were they unsure about the call details? Did they have a reason for missing it? These reflections can enhance your strategy, setting you up for success in future interactions.
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Hit us up — and let’s transform your online game.
Source:
https://blog.hubspot.com/sales/no-show-prospects-templates
