Dear John – Saying Goodbye to Prospects in the Sales Process

I don’t know how you feel about Karma, but I believe that in order for things to come into your life you need to make room for them.  The same goes for your Sales funnel.

If you have stagnant, energy-draining deals in your funnel, you must move them forward or move them out. It’s kind of like you have a mental bank account.  Stagnant deals are like the buddy who’s always borrowing a buck and promises to repay you. But you never see the money, and trust me, you’ll never see these deals.

If you continue to let the stagnant deals take up space in your mental bank account, it makes it tough for your mind to be “right” about the real deals that are in the funnel and out in the world waiting for you.

What to do?

How to get your sales process back on track?  I like to write  “Dear John” or “Goodbye notes” to these prospects.  It’s not that they’re bad people – it’s just bad timing, or maybe they don’t know how to say “no.”  Let them off the hook.  It could sound something like this……..

Dear (insert your prospect name here):

We have been talking about (insert your solution here) for several months.  It seems that something has changed and working on this issue is no longer a priority.  I’ve enjoyed working with you, but I am going to back away.  If this issue becomes a priority for you again, please feel free to contact me.  Good luck to you.

Thank you,

Brooke

Simple and to the point.

Sometimes walking away is the wake-up call that your prospect needs.  However, your intent is truly to walk away; this isn’t a “move.”  If they won’t let you go, consider that just a bonus.