u/sneakerfashionblog

Every time I consult with founders/entrepreneurs before shipping or product launch, I spend more time on the messaging than every other part of sales.

Why?

Because in sales, messaging has only one goal - to push the prospect to take action - in this case, make a purchase.

One of the first questions I ask before anything is this - is the message framed the exact way the prospect ask talks about the impact online?

The mistake many founders make is thinking that messaging should speak to pain points. That is true though, but only if your goal is visibility or awareness.

If your goal is conversion, your messaging should speak to impact the problem has on the business or outcome of solving the problem as soon as possible. It shouldn't just speak to the impact or outcome, but should speak to it the exact way the prospect talks about it.

Here is an example:

Customer problem:

I am tired of my finance team wasting 15 hours every week manually fixing invoice errors.

Message 1:

We help finance teams automate invoice processing.

Message 2:

We help finance teams process invoices faster and reduce manual errors.

Two different messages speaking to the same problem. However, only one can trigger action and it's definitely not message 1.

Another example.

Customer problem:

I want to stop straining my voice during high notes and sing confidently during solos.

Message 1:

I offer classical voice training for choristers.

Message 2:

I teach choristers how to sing high notes without straining their voice.

To a customer who has the above problem, which message will trigger action?

Same offer. Different messaging.

These are the things that shape sales before outreach even begins.

And no!

They are not new knowledge, they are just not applied.

If I clearly understand what a problem is costing me, I will act faster. If I can vividly see the outcome of solving the problem, objections reduce naturally.

As a matter of fact, the right messaging handles 50% of the sales objection.

Every time I consult with founders/entrepreneurs before shipping or product launch, I spend more time on the messaging than every other part of sales.

Why?

Because in sales, messaging has only one goal - to push the prospect to take action - in this case, make a purchase.

One of the first questions I ask before anything is this - is the message framed the exact way the prospect ask talks about the impact online?

The mistake many founders make is thinking that messaging should speak to pain points. That is true though, but only if your goal is visibility or awareness.

If your goal is conversion, your messaging should speak to impact the problem has on the business or outcome of solving the problem as soon as possible. It shouldn't just speak to the impact or outcome, but should speak to it the exact way the prospect talks about it.

Here is an example:

Customer problem:

I am tired of my finance team wasting 15 hours every week manually fixing invoice errors.

Message 1:

We help finance teams automate invoice processing.

Message 2:

We help finance teams process invoices faster and reduce manual errors.

Two different messages speaking to the same problem. However, only one can trigger action and it's definitely not message 1.

Another example.

Customer problem:

I want to stop straining my voice during high notes and sing confidently during solos.

Message 1:

I offer classical voice training for choristers.

Message 2:

I teach choristers how to sing high notes without straining their voice.

To a customer who has the above problem, which message will trigger action?

Same offer. Different messaging.

These are the things that shape sales before outreach even begins.

And no!

They are not new knowledge, they are just not applied.

If I clearly understand what a problem is costing me, I will act faster. If I can vividly see the outcome of solving the problem, objections reduce naturally.

As a matter of fact, the right messaging handles 50% of the sales objection.

Every time I consult with founders/entrepreneurs before shipping or product launch, I spend more time on the messaging than every other part of sales.

Why?

Because in sales, messaging has only one goal - to push the prospect to take action - in this case, make a purchase.

One of the first questions I ask before anything is this - is the message framed the exact way the prospect ask talks about the impact online?

The mistake many founders make is thinking that messaging should speak to pain points. That is true though, but only if your goal is visibility or awareness.

If your goal is conversion, your messaging should speak to impact the problem has on the business or outcome of solving the problem as soon as possible. It shouldn't just speak to the impact or outcome, but should speak to it the exact way the prospect talks about it.

Here is an example:

Customer problem:

I am tired of my finance team wasting 15 hours every week manually fixing invoice errors.

Message 1:

We help finance teams automate invoice processing.

Message 2:

We help finance teams process invoices faster and reduce manual errors.

Two different messages speaking to the same problem. However, only one can trigger action and it's definitely not message 1.

Another example.

Customer problem:

I want to stop straining my voice during high notes and sing confidently during solos.

Message 1:

I offer classical voice training for choristers.

Message 2:

I teach choristers how to sing high notes without straining their voice.

To a customer who has the above problem, which message will trigger action?

Same offer. Different messaging.

These are the things that shape sales before outreach even begins.

And no!

They are not new knowledge, they are just not applied.

If I clearly understand what a problem is costing me, I will act faster. If I can vividly see the outcome of solving the problem, objections reduce naturally.

As a matter of fact, the right messaging handles 50% of the sales objection.

Every time I consult with founders/entrepreneurs before shipping or product launch, I spend more time on the messaging than every other part of sales.

Why?

Because in sales, messaging has only one goal - to push the prospect to take action - in this case, make a purchase.

One of the first questions I ask before anything is this - is the message framed the exact way the prospect ask talks about the impact online?

The mistake many founders make is thinking that messaging should speak to pain points. That is true though, but only if your goal is visibility or awareness.

If your goal is conversion, your messaging should speak to impact the problem has on the business or outcome of solving the problem as soon as possible. It shouldn't just speak to the impact or outcome, but should speak to it the exact way the prospect talks about it.

Here is an example:

Customer problem:

I am tired of my finance team wasting 15 hours every week manually fixing invoice errors.

Message 1:

We help finance teams automate invoice processing.

Message 2:

We help finance teams process invoices faster and reduce manual errors.

Two different messages speaking to the same problem. However, only one can trigger action and it's definitely not message 1.

Another example.

Customer problem:

I want to stop straining my voice during high notes and sing confidently during solos.

Message 1:

I offer classical voice training for choristers.

Message 2:

I teach choristers how to sing high notes without straining their voice.

To a customer who has the above problem, which message will trigger action?

Same offer. Different messaging.

These are the things that shape sales before outreach even begins.

And no!

They are not new knowledge, they are just not applied.

If I clearly understand what a problem is costing me, I will act faster. If I can vividly see the outcome of solving the problem, objections reduce naturally.

As a matter of fact, the right messaging handles 50% of the sales objection.

Every time I consult with founders/entrepreneurs before shipping or product launch, I spend more time on the messaging than every other part of sales.

Why?

Because in sales, messaging has only one goal - to push the prospect to take action - in this case, make a purchase.

One of the first questions I ask before anything is this - is the message framed the exact way the prospect ask talks about the impact online?

The mistake many founders make is thinking that messaging should speak to pain points. That is true though, but only if your goal is visibility or awareness.

If your goal is conversion, your messaging should speak to impact the problem has on the business or outcome of solving the problem as soon as possible. It shouldn't just speak to the impact or outcome, but should speak to it the exact way the prospect talks about it.

Here is an example:

Customer problem:

I am tired of my finance team wasting 15 hours every week manually fixing invoice errors.

Message 1:

We help finance teams automate invoice processing.

Message 2:

We help finance teams process invoices faster and reduce manual errors.

Two different messages speaking to the same problem. However, only one can trigger action and it's definitely not message 1.

Another example.

Customer problem:

I want to stop straining my voice during high notes and sing confidently during solos.

Message 1:

I offer classical voice training for choristers.

Message 2:

I teach choristers how to sing high notes without straining their voice.

To a customer who has the above problem, which message will trigger action?

Same offer. Different messaging.

These are the things that shape sales before outreach even begins.

And no!

They are not new knowledge, they are just not applied.

If I clearly understand what a problem is costing me, I will act faster. If I can vividly see the outcome of solving the problem, objections reduce naturally.

As a matter of fact, the right messaging handles 50% of the sales objection.

You have followed the rules of reaching out to your client.

You made the conversation about them.

You listened 80% of the time.

The client told you their problem and what it is costing them.

You established that they have a problem your product solves.

You even sent the brief.

Then suddenly, the client stops talking.

They have ghosted you.

When it happened the first time, you convinced yourself that you may not have handled the sales conversation well enough.

Then it happens again. And again.

Now you are doubting your ability to sell.

It is not you. IT IS THE CLIENT.

Let me tell you something about sales that most people learn the hard way.

Every successful salesperson knows about a particular type of client who will ghost you even when they have the exact problem your product solves. I call them "window shoppers." These people are aware of the problem, curious about the solution, but not yet in a position to actually buy.

Having the problem is one factor.

But

Do they have the money to buy?

Are they willing to buy right now?

That is why qualifying your leads can never be overemphasised. In qualifying your leads, you are looking for people with the problem, the budget, and the urgency to act.

All three factors must be present in a prospect before you push the sales conversation further. Otherwise, focus on nurturing them.

Here are the buying signals I look out for before pushing the conversation forward, particularly for high-ticket or subscription-based offers:

For B2B:

1. Are they hiring? - If they are hiring, the budget exists.

2. Did they recently expand? - If yes, they are in growth mode and so are actively making investment decisions.

3. Are they running ads? - If they are spending money on paid advertising, they are building.

4. Did they attend or host industry events? - If yes, they are investing in visibility.

5. Are they raising capital or did they recently close a funding round? - If yes, they are also in growth mode and actively making investment decisions.

For B2C:

1. Did they recently experience a lifestyle change? - Lifestyle changes (new job, promotion, relocation, new business) usually create buying windows.

2. Are they publicly talking about the problem you solve? - If yes, there is a 70% possibility that they are actively looking for relief.

3. Do they follow or engage with accounts in your category? - Attention tells you intent.

4. Are they asking questions? - If they are asking questions in communities, forums, or groups related to your offer, they are actively seeking the answer.

A prospect with the problem but no budget belongs on the waiting list.

A prospect with the problem, the budget, and the urgency just needs a little push to accelerate buying decision.

Know whom to spend minimal or maximal time with.

You have followed the rules of reaching out to your client.

You made the conversation about them.

You listened 80% of the time.

The client told you their problem and what it is costing them.

You established that they have a problem your product solves.

You even sent the brief.

Then suddenly, the client stops talking.

They have ghosted you.

When it happened the first time, you convinced yourself that you may not have handled the sales conversation well enough.

Then it happens again. And again.

Now you are doubting your ability to sell.

It is not you. IT IS THE CLIENT.

Let me tell you something about sales that most people learn the hard way.

Every successful salesperson knows about a particular type of client who will ghost you even when they have the exact problem your product solves. I call them "window shoppers." These people are aware of the problem, curious about the solution, but not yet in a position to actually buy.

Having the problem is one factor.

But

Do they have the money to buy?

Are they willing to buy right now?

That is why qualifying your leads can never be overemphasised. In qualifying your leads, you are looking for people with the problem, the budget, and the urgency to act.

All three factors must be present in a prospect before you push the sales conversation further. Otherwise, focus on nurturing them.

Here are the buying signals I look out for before pushing the conversation forward, particularly for high-ticket or subscription-based offers:

For B2B:

1. Are they hiring? - If they are hiring, the budget exists.

2. Did they recently expand? - If yes, they are in growth mode and so are actively making investment decisions.

3. Are they running ads? - If they are spending money on paid advertising, they are building.

4. Did they attend or host industry events? - If yes, they are investing in visibility.

5. Are they raising capital or did they recently close a funding round? - If yes, they are also in growth mode and actively making investment decisions.

For B2C:

1. Did they recently experience a lifestyle change? - Lifestyle changes (new job, promotion, relocation, new business) usually create buying windows.

2. Are they publicly talking about the problem you solve? - If yes, there is a 70% possibility that they are actively looking for relief.

3. Do they follow or engage with accounts in your category? - Attention tells you intent.

4. Are they asking questions? - If they are asking questions in communities, forums, or groups related to your offer, they are actively seeking the answer.

A prospect with the problem but no budget belongs on the waiting list.

A prospect with the problem, the budget, and the urgency just needs a little push to accelerate buying decision.

Know whom to spend minimal or maximal time with.

You have followed the rules of reaching out to your client.

You made the conversation about them.

You listened 80% of the time.

The client told you their problem and what it is costing them.

You established that they have a problem your product solves.

You even sent the brief.

Then suddenly, the client stops talking.

They have ghosted you.

When it happened the first time, you convinced yourself that you may not have handled the sales conversation well enough.

Then it happens again. And again.

Now you are doubting your ability to sell.

It is not you. IT IS THE CLIENT.

Let me tell you something about sales that most people learn the hard way.

Every successful salesperson knows about a particular type of client who will ghost you even when they have the exact problem your product solves. I call them "window shoppers." These people are aware of the problem, curious about the solution, but not yet in a position to actually buy.

Having the problem is one factor.

But

Do they have the money to buy?

Are they willing to buy right now?

That is why qualifying your leads can never be overemphasised. In qualifying your leads, you are looking for people with the problem, the budget, and the urgency to act.

All three factors must be present in a prospect before you push the sales conversation further. Otherwise, focus on nurturing them.

Here are the buying signals I look out for before pushing the conversation forward, particularly for high-ticket or subscription-based offers:

For B2B:

1. Are they hiring? - If they are hiring, the budget exists.

2. Did they recently expand? - If yes, they are in growth mode and so are actively making investment decisions.

3. Are they running ads? - If they are spending money on paid advertising, they are building.

4. Did they attend or host industry events? - If yes, they are investing in visibility.

5. Are they raising capital or did they recently close a funding round? - If yes, they are also in growth mode and actively making investment decisions.

For B2C:

1. Did they recently experience a lifestyle change? - Lifestyle changes (new job, promotion, relocation, new business) usually create buying windows.

2. Are they publicly talking about the problem you solve? - If yes, there is a 70% possibility that they are actively looking for relief.

3. Do they follow or engage with accounts in your category? - Attention tells you intent.

4. Are they asking questions? - If they are asking questions in communities, forums, or groups related to your offer, they are actively seeking the answer.

A prospect with the problem but no budget belongs on the waiting list.

A prospect with the problem, the budget, and the urgency just needs a little push to accelerate buying decision.

Know whom to spend minimal or maximal time with.

I read on one subreddit how a particular business spent tons of money planning a product launch, but ended up not making as many sales.

Funny enough, people showed up - of course, their branding and marketing were solid- but not many bought as much.

The business lost both the leads and the money they were supposed to make from the leads just because they didn't plan ahead of time for sales.

They spent everything on marketing.

Let me point this out.

Not everybody who has a need for your product and attends the launch ends up buying immediately.

From my experience, 70% of those who didn't buy immediately end up buying within the space of one to three months.

Now, if you are a founder or an entrepreneur and you spend tons of time and money planning the launch and marketing without planning for sales, you need to retrace your steps to avert loss on time.

At this point, let me establish this:

Marketing and sales mean different things. Though similar, though they cater to the same product, they don't share the same process/ approach.

Marketing is everything that is geared towards bringing awareness to your product and getting it closer to the target audience. Sales, on the other hand, are everything that leads to the exchange of your product for money.

One may now ask,

What do you plan for in sales?

Which part of sales do you plan for?

My submission.

Plan for every part of the sales process, from the moment a prospect indicates interest to two to three months after they have made a purchase.

Plan how to capture the people who come into your funnel through marketing.

Plan how to engage them.

Plan how long you should engage them before they buy.

Plan the tools to use.

Plan the process. Do you jump on a call at the beginning or in the middle?

Plan after-sales service.

Plan for feedback.

Plan for the cost of acquiring that customer

Plan for objections and how to handle them.

Plan where you want to make the product available - website, walk-in store or anything.

Plan how to reach the sales target - the data you wish to collect.

Plan discounts and freebies you intend to give so you don't be at a loss after the sales.

Plan how to collect payment

Plan how to handle payment issues

Plan the return policy.

Plan customer service before and after the sales

Plan for follow-ups

Plan up-selling.

Plan for retention

Plan! Plan!! Plan!!!

Every successful salesperson knows that you don't leave sales to chance.

You plan ahead of sales.

I read on one subreddit how a particular business spent tons of money planning a product launch, but ended up not making as many sales.

Funny enough, people showed up - of course, their branding and marketing were solid- but not many bought as much.

The business lost both the leads and the money they were supposed to make from the leads just because they didn't plan ahead of time for sales.

They spent everything on marketing.

Let me point this out.

Not everybody who has a need for your product and attends the launch ends up buying immediately.

From my experience, 70% of those who didn't buy immediately end up buying within the space of one to three months.

Now, if you are a founder or an entrepreneur and you spend tons of time and money planning the launch and marketing without planning for sales, you need to retrace your steps to avert loss on time.

At this point, let me establish this:

Marketing and sales mean different things. Though similar, though they cater to the same product, they don't share the same process/ approach.

Marketing is everything that is geared towards bringing awareness to your product and getting it closer to the target audience. Sales, on the other hand, are everything that leads to the exchange of your product for money.

One may now ask,

What do you plan for in sales?

Which part of sales do you plan for?

My submission.

Plan for every part of the sales process, from the moment a prospect indicates interest to two to three months after they have made a purchase.

Plan how to capture the people who come into your funnel through marketing.

Plan how to engage them.

Plan how long you should engage them before they buy.

Plan the tools to use.

Plan the process. Do you jump on a call at the beginning or in the middle?

Plan after-sales service.

Plan for feedback.

Plan for the cost of acquiring that customer

Plan for objections and how to handle them.

Plan where you want to make the product available - website, walk-in store or anything.

Plan how to reach the sales target - the data you wish to collect.

Plan discounts and freebies you intend to give so you don't be at a loss after the sales.

Plan how to collect payment

Plan how to handle payment issues

Plan the return policy.

Plan customer service before and after the sales

Plan for follow-ups

Plan up-selling.

Plan for retention

Plan! Plan!! Plan!!!

Every successful salesperson knows that you don't leave sales to chance.

You plan ahead of sales.

I read on one subreddit how a particular business spent tons of money planning a product launch, but ended up not making as many sales.

Funny enough, people showed up - of course, their branding and marketing were solid- but not many bought as much.

The business lost both the leads and the money they were supposed to make from the leads just because they didn't plan ahead of time for sales.

They spent everything on marketing.

Let me point this out.

Not everybody who has a need for your product and attends the launch ends up buying immediately.

From my experience, 70% of those who didn't buy immediately end up buying within the space of one to three months.

Now, if you are a founder or an entrepreneur and you spend tons of time and money planning the launch and marketing without planning for sales, you need to retrace your steps to avert loss on time.

At this point, let me establish this:

Marketing and sales mean different things. Though similar, though they cater to the same product, they don't share the same process/ approach.

Marketing is everything that is geared towards bringing awareness to your product and getting it closer to the target audience. Sales, on the other hand, are everything that leads to the exchange of your product for money.

One may now ask,

What do you plan for in sales?

Which part of sales do you plan for?

My submission.

Plan for every part of the sales process, from the moment a prospect indicates interest to two to three months after they have made a purchase.

Plan how to capture the people who come into your funnel through marketing.

Plan how to engage them.

Plan how long you should engage them before they buy.

Plan the tools to use.

Plan the process. Do you jump on a call at the beginning or in the middle?

Plan after-sales service.

Plan for feedback.

Plan for the cost of acquiring that customer

Plan for objections and how to handle them.

Plan where you want to make the product available - website, walk-in store or anything.

Plan how to reach the sales target - the data you wish to collect.

Plan discounts and freebies you intend to give so you don't be at a loss after the sales.

Plan how to collect payment

Plan how to handle payment issues

Plan the return policy.

Plan customer service before and after the sales

Plan for follow-ups

Plan up-selling.

Plan for retention

Plan! Plan!! Plan!!!

Every successful salesperson knows that you don't leave sales to chance.

You plan ahead of sales.

I read on one subreddit how a particular business spent tons of money planning a product launch, but ended up not making as many sales.

Funny enough, people showed up - of course, their branding and marketing were solid- but not many bought as much.

The business lost both the leads and the money they were supposed to make from the leads just because they didn't plan ahead of time for sales.

They spent everything on marketing.

Let me point this out.

Not everybody who has a need for your product and attends the launch ends up buying immediately.

From my experience, 70% of those who didn't buy immediately end up buying within the space of one to three months.

Now, if you are a founder or an entrepreneur and you spend tons of time and money planning the launch and marketing without planning for sales, you need to retrace your steps to avert loss on time.

At this point, let me establish this:

Marketing and sales mean different things. Though similar, though they cater to the same product, they don't share the same process/ approach.

Marketing is everything that is geared towards bringing awareness to your product and getting it closer to the target audience. Sales, on the other hand, are everything that leads to the exchange of your product for money.

One may now ask,

What do you plan for in sales?

Which part of sales do you plan for?

My submission.

Plan for every part of the sales process, from the moment a prospect indicates interest to two to three months after they have made a purchase.

Plan how to capture the people who come into your funnel through marketing.

Plan how to engage them.

Plan how long you should engage them before they buy.

Plan the tools to use.

Plan the process. Do you jump on a call at the beginning or in the middle?

Plan after-sales service.

Plan for feedback.

Plan for the cost of acquiring that customer

Plan for objections and how to handle them.

Plan where you want to make the product available - website, walk-in store or anything.

Plan how to reach the sales target - the data you wish to collect.

Plan discounts and freebies you intend to give so you don't be at a loss after the sales.

Plan how to collect payment

Plan how to handle payment issues

Plan the return policy.

Plan customer service before and after the sales

Plan for follow-ups

Plan up-selling.

Plan for retention

Plan! Plan!! Plan!!!

Every successful salesperson knows that you don't leave sales to chance.

You plan ahead of sales.

I read on one subreddit how a particular business spent tons of money planning a product launch, but ended up not making as many sales.

Funny enough, people showed up - of course, their branding and marketing were solid- but not many bought as much.

The business lost both the leads and the money they were supposed to make from the leads just because they didn't plan ahead of time for sales.

They spent everything on marketing.

Let me point this out.

Not everybody who has a need for your product and attends the launch ends up buying immediately.

From my experience, 70% of those who didn't buy immediately end up buying within the space of one to three months.

Now, if you are a founder or an entrepreneur and you spend tons of time and money planning the launch and marketing without planning for sales, you need to retrace your steps to avert loss on time.

At this point, let me establish this:

Marketing and sales mean different things. Though similar, though they cater to the same product, they don't share the same process/ approach.

Marketing is everything that is geared towards bringing awareness to your product and getting it closer to the target audience. Sales, on the other hand, are everything that leads to the exchange of your product for money.

One may now ask,

What do you plan for in sales?

Which part of sales do you plan for?

My submission.

Plan for every part of the sales process, from the moment a prospect indicates interest to two to three months after they have made a purchase.

Plan how to capture the people who come into your funnel through marketing.

Plan how to engage them.

Plan how long you should engage them before they buy.

Plan the tools to use.

Plan the process. Do you jump on a call at the beginning or in the middle?

Plan after-sales service.

Plan for feedback.

Plan for the cost of acquiring that customer

Plan for objections and how to handle them.

Plan where you want to make the product available - website, walk-in store or anything.

Plan how to reach the sales target - the data you wish to collect.

Plan discounts and freebies you intend to give so you don't be at a loss after the sales.

Plan how to collect payment

Plan how to handle payment issues

Plan the return policy.

Plan customer service before and after the sales

Plan for follow-ups

Plan up-selling.

Plan for retention

Plan! Plan!! Plan!!!

Every successful salesperson knows that you don't leave sales to chance.

You plan ahead of sales.

I read on one subreddit how a particular business spent tons of money planning a product launch, but ended up not making as many sales.

Funny enough, people showed up - of course, their branding and marketing were solid- but not many bought as much.

The business lost both the leads and the money they were supposed to make from the leads just because they didn't plan ahead of time for sales.

They spent everything on marketing.

Let me point this out.

Not everybody who has a need for your product and attends the launch ends up buying immediately.

From my experience, 70% of those who didn't buy immediately end up buying within the space of one to three months.

Now, if you are a founder or an entrepreneur and you spend tons of time and money planning the launch and marketing without planning for sales, you need to retrace your steps to avert loss on time.

At this point, let me establish this:

Marketing and sales mean different things. Though similar, though they cater to the same product, they don't share the same process/ approach.

Marketing is everything that is geared towards bringing awareness to your product and getting it closer to the target audience. Sales, on the other hand, are everything that leads to the exchange of your product for money.

One may now ask,

What do you plan for in sales?

Which part of sales do you plan for?

My submission.

Plan for every part of the sales process, from the moment a prospect indicates interest to two to three months after they have made a purchase.

Plan how to capture the people who come into your funnel through marketing.

Plan how to engage them.

Plan how long you should engage them before they buy.

Plan the tools to use.

Plan the process. Do you jump on a call at the beginning or in the middle?

Plan after-sales service.

Plan for feedback.

Plan for the cost of acquiring that customer

Plan for objections and how to handle them.

Plan where you want to make the product available - website, walk-in store or anything.

Plan how to reach the sales target - the data you wish to collect.

Plan discounts and freebies you intend to give so you don't be at a loss after the sales.

Plan how to collect payment

Plan how to handle payment issues

Plan the return policy.

Plan customer service before and after the sales

Plan for follow-ups

Plan up-selling.

Plan for retention

Plan! Plan!! Plan!!!

Every successful salesperson knows that you don't leave sales to chance.

You plan ahead of sales.

I read on one subreddit how a particular business spent tons of money planning a product launch, but ended up not making as many sales.

Funny enough, people showed up - of course, their branding and marketing were solid- but not many bought as much.

The business lost both the leads and the money they were supposed to make from the leads just because they didn't plan ahead of time for sales.

They spent everything on marketing.

Let me point this out.

Not everybody who has a need for your product and attends the launch ends up buying immediately.

From my experience, 70% of those who didn't buy immediately end up buying within the space of one to three months.

Now, if you are a founder or an entrepreneur and you spend tons of time and money planning the launch and marketing without planning for sales, you need to retrace your steps to avert loss on time.

At this point, let me establish this:

Marketing and sales mean different things. Though similar, though they cater to the same product, they don't share the same process/ approach.

Marketing is everything that is geared towards bringing awareness to your product and getting it closer to the target audience. Sales, on the other hand, are everything that leads to the exchange of your product for money.

One may now ask,

What do you plan for in sales?

Which part of sales do you plan for?

My submission.

Plan for every part of the sales process, from the moment a prospect indicates interest to two to three months after they have made a purchase.

Plan how to capture the people who come into your funnel through marketing.

Plan how to engage them.

Plan how long you should engage them before they buy.

Plan the tools to use.

Plan the process. Do you jump on a call at the beginning or in the middle?

Plan after-sales service.

Plan for feedback.

Plan for the cost of acquiring that customer

Plan for objections and how to handle them.

Plan where you want to make the product available - website, walk-in store or anything.

Plan how to reach the sales target - the data you wish to collect.

Plan discounts and freebies you intend to give so you don't be at a loss after the sales.

Plan how to collect payment

Plan how to handle payment issues

Plan the return policy.

Plan customer service before and after the sales

Plan for follow-ups

Plan up-selling.

Plan for retention

Plan! Plan!! Plan!!!

Every successful salesperson knows that you don't leave sales to chance.

You plan ahead of sales.

You are an entrepreneur.

You have a new product you would be rolling out in a few months.

You spend tons of time planning your branding.

You spend tons of money planning your marketing and advertising.

But spend zero time and money planning sales.

You are a founder.

You spend tons of time planning your product launch and shipping.

You spend tons of money planning influencing marketing.

But when it comes to planning sales, you suddenly do not have time or money anymore.

I want to ask you.

What magic do you intend to do to make sure you recover all the money spent on branding and advertising?

How do you want to engage those who do not buy immediately or do you have a trick to make them buy immediately?

Except you want to end up crashing online on how you didn't recover the money you spent on marketing and production, you should seat down and plan for sales.

If you don't know how to do it, get a sales expert to guide you.

You are a founder.

You spend tons of time planning your product launch and shipping.

You spend tons of money planning influencing marketing.

But when it comes to planning sales, you suddenly do not have time or money anymore.

I want to ask you.

What magic do you intend to do to make sure you recover all the money spent on branding and advertising?

How do you want to engage those who do not buy immediately or do you have a trick to make them buy immediately?

Except you want to end up crashing online on how you didn't recover the money you spent on marketing and production, you should seat down and plan for sales.

If you don't know how to do it, get a sales expert to guide you.

You are an entrepreneur.

You have a new product you would be rolling out in a few months.

You spend tons of time planning your branding.

You spend tons of money planning your marketing and advertising.

But spend zero time and money planning sales.

You are a founder.

You spend tons of time planning your product launch and shipping.

You spend tons of money planning influencing marketing.

But when it comes to planning sales, you suddenly do not have time or money anymore.

I want to ask you.

What magic do you intend to do to make sure you recover all the money spent on branding and advertising?

How do you want to engage those who do not buy immediately or do you have a trick to make them buy immediately?

Except you want to end up crashing online on how you didn't recover the money you spent on marketing and production, you should seat down and plan for sales.

If you don't know how to do it, get a sales expert to guide you.

You are an entrepreneur.

You have a new product you would be rolling out in a few months.

You spend tons of time planning your branding.

You spend tons of money planning your marketing and advertising.

But spend zero time and money planning sales.

You are a founder.

You spend tons of time planning your product launch and shipping.

You spend tons of money planning influencing marketing.

But when it comes to planning sales, you suddenly do not have time or money anymore.

I want to ask you.

What magic do you intend to do to make sure you recover all the money spent on branding and advertising?

How do you want to engage those who do not buy immediately or do you have a trick to make them buy immediately?

Except you want to end up crashing online on how you didn't recover the money you spent on marketing and production, you should seat down and plan for sales.

If you don't know how to do it, get a sales expert to guide you.

You are an entrepreneur.

You have a new product you would be rolling out in a few months.

You spend tons of time planning your branding.

You spend tons of money planning your marketing and advertising.

But spend zero time and money planning sales.

You are a founder.

You spend tons of time planning your product launch and shipping.

You spend tons of money planning influencing marketing.

But when it comes to planning sales, you suddenly do not have time or money anymore.

I want to ask you.

What magic do you intend to do to make sure you recover all the money spent on branding and advertising?

How do you want to engage those who do not buy immediately or do you have a trick to make them buy immediately?

Except you want to end up crashing online on how you didn't recover the money you spent on marketing and production, you should seat down and plan for sales.

If you don't know how to do it, get a sales expert to guide you.