Do you feel uncomfortable sending “cold emails” to potential clients who don’t even know you? Keep reading to learn how to earn trust with potential clients before you present your proposal.
After a brief introduction of yourself, such as, “Hello, My name is ________, I’m a [include your job title] at [your workplace]”, consider using any of these opening lines to begin your proposal. Today, in the digital world, email is the most critical channel for business dealings.
Being able to set a strong, friendly, and direct introduction email to a perspective client is an essential skill. Read this again and again: friendly and direct is the key.
The slow approach: Works well for building trust
- If you are looking to create a bond with a potential client, taking your time to build a bond with the potential client is a safer option. You can do this by reaching out to them for advice on what they are good at. Letting them know that they are the experts in their area will boost their interest in you (people respond well to compliments and questions in their knowledge).
Consider these opening lines after you introduced yourself:
“Hoping to get your advice on X.”
OR
“I know you’re an expert in (topic). I thought of you when I saw X and wanted to share it with you”.
Why do they work? It lets the other person know that they are the expert, and you are humbled to ask them for their expertise.
You will create a bond or at least a conversation with the potential client. From there, you can continue building trust with that individual by asking more questions about their knowledge before you introduce your proposal to them and hopefully secure a meeting with them.
If you’re able to get a meeting from them, make sure to follow these tips:
1. Research your contact before getting in touch.
2. Work around your contact’s schedule.
3. Come prepared for the meeting.
4. Ask specific questions.
Also consider these tips when you are going to reach out to your potential client:
1. Start with a positive tone.
2. Come prepared with specific details.
3. Make sure you are asking the right person.
4. Don’t pretend you already know the solution.
The direct approach: Great for getting to the point more efficiently
The following open liners are all fantastic to use because they are straightforward, polite, and to the point! Why is this efficient? It truly does keep your message more concise and quick which may be beneficial for your potential client. So if you’re not wanting to create a bond a trust with them right away, make sure you keep it quick and polite!
So after you briefly introduced yourself, as seen above, continue with one of these opening lines:
“I have an idea to address (pain point)”
OR
“I help companies like yours solve by…”
OR
“What would it mean to you if your business was able to achieve (benefits)”?
Other things to consider
When you are sending a message to someone, make sure you have these tips in mind:
- Make is personable for both ends: Show your personality and prove that you have done your research on that potential client.
- Be concise, don’t write a book! They likely won’t read emails that are too long
- Don’t try to use too many formal words, but don’t make it too casual – find the perfect balance!
So what now?
Now is a great time to practice! Create some examples on your own (even save a few as templates to use later on!) and then send them to a colleague or a friend who knows English well and request for feedback. Or, you can always send your examples to us and we can make sure that you are doing them correctly!
Good luck!
Your teacher,
Dawn
