The Center for Sales Strategy - Sales Strategy Blog

Sales Strategy: Get Out Of The Non-Communication Abyss

Written by Matt Sunshine | August 8, 2024

Have you ever felt like you're shouting into a void, your messages disappearing into thin air? Welcome to the non-communication abyss—a place where sales strategies go to die. 

Let us help pull you out of this chasm and revolutionize your sales approach.

Understanding the Non-Communication Abyss

You've crafted the perfect pitch, and your product is stellar, but your prospects seem to have vanished into thin air.

Sound familiar?

You're not alone. Studies show that 48% of salespeople never follow up with a prospect, while 80% of sales require 5 follow-up calls after the meeting. These statistics paint a grim picture of the communication breakdown in modern sales.

The non-communication abyss is that dreaded space where messages are sent but never received, where follow-ups are forgotten, and where potential deals silently slip away. It's a place of missed opportunities and unfulfilled potential.

Strategies to Enhance Your Sales Communication

1. Embrace Multi-Channel Communication

Don't put all your eggs in the email basket. A recent report by Salesforce found that sales reps who use at least three communication channels see a 287% higher closing rate than those who stick to just one.

  • Email: For detailed information and follow-ups
  • Phone: For immediate responses and building rapport
  • LinkedIn: For sharing industry insights and staying top-of-mind
  • Video Messages: For personalized touches and complex explanations

2. The Power of Active Listening

Communication isn't just about talking; it's about listening. Implement these active listening techniques:

  • Paraphrase: Repeat back what you've heard to ensure understanding.
  • Ask Open-Ended Questions: Encourage prospects to share more about their needs and challenges.
  • Use Silence: Sometimes, a moment of silence can prompt your prospect to elaborate further.

3. Personalization

Personalization is your secret weapon in a world of automated messages and chatbots. Here's how to make it work:

  • Research your prospect's company and industry trends
  • Reference recent news or achievements in your communications
  • Tailor your solution to address their specific pain points

4. Follow-Up

Gone are the days of "just checking in" emails. Modern communication techniques demand value at every touchpoint. Try this instead:

"Hi [Name],

I came across this article on [relevant industry trend] and immediately thought of our conversation about [specific pain point]. I've outlined three key takeaways that could impact your [business goal]:

  1. [Insight 1]
  2. [Insight 2]
  3. [Insight 3]

I'd love to discuss how these trends align with your objectives. Do you have 15 minutes this week for a quick call?"

Action Steps

Ready to climb out of the non-communication abyss? Here's your action plan:

  • Audit Your Current Process: Where are the communication gaps in your sales cycle?

  • Develop a Multi-Channel Strategy: Map out how you'll use each channel effectively.

  • Create Value-Driven Templates: Draft email and message templates that provide genuine insights.

  • Implement a CRM System: If you haven't already, a good CRM is crucial for tracking and optimizing your communication.
  1. Continuous Learning: Stay updated on the latest communication techniques and sales strategies.

Escaping the non-communication abyss isn't a one-time event—it's an ongoing journey of refinement and adaptation.

By consistently applying these strategies and remaining attuned to your prospect's needs, you'll not only escape the abyss but soar to new heights of sales success.

*Editor's Note: This blog has been updated since its original post date.