TwoCents | FOLLOW UP - by Samuel Ibok

If you've ever tried to run a business, no matter how small it was, you will agree with me that it's not for the weak. In fact, it's equally not for the strong! Sometimes you do everything right, but things go wrong. In other cases, your product and value proposition are great, but people are facing serious shege, and your offering is the least of their problems. Well, this piece is not to discourage you but rather to teach you a lesson on sustainable traction and straight up being bullish till your customers either say yes, I will think about it, or maybe later.Sales and marketing will test your patience, and sometimes it takes months before you make that sale. That rush of fulfilment after payment gives credence to the need to be in front of your customers or prospects. In other words, get ready for the leg work. You can't afford to give up quickly. If at all you eventually stop chasing that client, ensure you've put in 100% effort.<img src="/media/inline_insight_image/images (54).jpeg"> It's actually a psychological game we're in. I'm sure sales people can relate. When that prospect schedules a meeting and cancels minutes before the time planned or when they bluntly tell you they're busy or can't speak with you right now. E de pain sha but then it will teach you a lesson on resilience and distil shame from your core. Rejection is direction, and what you do with it matters. Do you dwell in the pain, or do you move on and sing Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo?Showing up consistently gives the impression that you are serious-minded and a professional, and by implication, it speaks well of your brand. I'm guessing the prospect would be thinking this guy never gives up or abi dem no de tire. With time, it will give the prospect the idea that what you are selling might truly be valuable. In other instances, they may eventually buy or give you an audience because you didn't give up. Customers enjoy the chase, so chase them with value, but no go wound them oo!<img src="/media/inline_insight_image/images (51).jpeg" alt=""> Remember that you can try emails or chats if distance becomes a barrier. The goal is to ensure that they don't forget you. I will suggest that you touch base with them at least twice a week. They don't have to respond. Seeing your chat or your face from a distance is enough.Sometimes you may not close the sale, but you will hone your sales skills. It's still a win for you.

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