What’s your post-pitch plan? 5 steps to seal the deal

What to do after a sales pitch with a potential client, in five simple steps.

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You’ve found the perfect prospect and pitched like a pro, but the work’s not over yet. You need a rock-solid plan for what comes next and boost your chance of sealing the deal. 

Here’s our five-step plan for following up after a sales pitch.

How to follow up after pitching

Nailed the pitch? Great! But now’s not the time to get complacent. 80% of sales need five follow-ups after a meeting in order to close. So we’re sharing our five-step plan for what to do after pitching to a prospect: 

Step 1: Thank them for their time

The first thing you want to do is express your gratitude to the potential client for taking the time to hear you out. Sending a timely, personalised thank-you email is a great way to show your professionalism and appreciation.

Let them know when they can expect your proposal, and ask them if they have any additional questions or concerns. It’s all about keeping that conversation going and showing them that you’re there to support them every step of the way.

Step 2: Send your proposal

If you’ve done your sales pitch right, you’ll have listened as well as talked. Once you know what makes your prospect tick, it’s time to craft that killer proposal. Make it simple to understand, visually appealing, and tailor-made to address their specific needs. Show them the benefits they can expect and how you’ll help them smash their goals. 

And don’t forget to send the proposal when you said you will! Of course, take the time to put on your creative hat, pour your expertise into the proposal, and make it shine… but don’t leave them waiting too long. 

Step 3: Ask for their thoughts

You’ve sent a beautiful proposal, but what if it’s been a few days and things have gone quiet on the other end? Try sending a follow-up email asking them for thoughts and feedback.

You’ll be eager to close the deal, but keep it friendly and light on the pressure. Something simple like:

Hey [NAME],

Just checking in to see if you had any thoughts on the proposal I sent you on [weekday]? Give me a shout if there’s anything I can clarify for you.

Speak soon!

Be patient but persistent. They may be waiting for competitor proposals, need to clear it with other departments, or may just be weighing everything up. But make sure you keep in contact to avoid losing momentum. 

Step 4: Showcase your content and case studies 

If you’ve followed up and are still no closer to a “yes”, it’s time to break out the weapons in your sales arsenal. 

One fantastic way to build trust and squash the competition is to share case studies or testimonials from happy clients. When you show real-life examples of how your services have benefited others, it serves as valuable social proof: it’s reassurance that goes a long way in alleviating any doubts or concerns.

Also, dig into your sales enablement content bank (and if you don’t have one, here’s how to get started) to see if you have any valuable resources to send to them. Offer them articles, white papers, or videos that are directly related to their industry or the specific challenges they’re facing.

By sharing these resources, you’re not only demonstrating your value, but also positioning yourself as a reliable and knowledgeable partner on their quest – they’ll appreciate the extra effort. 

Step 5: See what’s stopping them

You’ve pitched, proposed, and given them some juicy content. So what’s stopping them? Well, ask them!

Follow up and ask them plainly and politely if there’s anything stopping them from giving you their business. Make sure to give them your full attention and truly listen to their feedback and concerns. 

Being adaptable is absolutely crucial here. Take their feedback on board and use it to customise your approach. Set clear expectations, but stay open-minded, and be willing to collaborate.

Remember, it’s all about creating a partnership where both parties are actively involved in shaping success. So, bite the bullet and ask what’s holding them back… then address it head-on! 

Nailing your post-pitch plan

Pitching to a potential client is a major accomplishment, no doubt about it. But the real work begins afterward. 

Each time you engage with a potential client is an opportunity to showcase your expertise and build long-term relationships. Following this five-step plan should help you get that much closer to a “let’s do it”. Good luck, and happy closing! 

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