Welcome to ProBF ProTips, our advice column from Facilisgroup’s Director of Professional Development and professional best friend (ProBF), Terri Harland! She’ll share her tips and tricks in the promotional products industry to help sales reps elevate their skills and drive incredible growth. This week, Terri emphasizes the importance of follow-up calls and provides some scripts to guide your next call.
Let’s talk about the humble phone call. I know, I know…we live in the land of emojis and email threads longer than a CVS receipt. But here’s the deal: prospects aren’t sitting at desks with landlines anymore (if they even have a desk). That doesn’t mean we should give up on calling; it just means we need to get smarter and more purposeful about how we do it. A phone call is no longer just a ring; it’s a reminder that there’s a real human (you!) behind that clever email or slick presentation. Your voice? That’s your secret weapon.
That’s why I’ve pulled together a few short and sweet call scripts to make sure your follow-up isn’t just another ghosted email. Each one follows my Prospecting Blueprint—Practice, Get to the Point, and of course, Make a Promise (the pinky-swear kind that sets you apart).
📞 If they answer: “Hi [Name], this is [Your Name] with [Your Company]—glad I caught you! I just sent over a quick email with a product idea that I think fits your brand’s style. Did you have a chance to see it yet? I’d love to hear your thoughts…----- no rush—happy to check back in early next week if that works for you. Do you prefer email or phone?”
📬 Voicemail: "Hi [Name], this is [Your Name] with [Your Company]. I just dropped an email in your inbox with a product idea I think highlights your brand’s vibe and message. Take a look when you have a moment—I’ll plan to touch base again early next week if I don’t hear from you before then. Talk soon!"
📞 If they answer: “Hi [Name], it’s [Your Name] with [Your Company]. I just sent you a quick note by email and wanted to personally introduce myself. I’m excited about the opportunity to work with you and your brand—do you have a preferred way to connect going forward? If now’s not a great time, I’ll follow up again this Friday.”
📬 Voicemail: "Hi [Name], this is [Your Name] with [Your Company]. I just sent you a quick note by email and wanted to personally introduce myself. I’m excited about the opportunity to work with you and your brand—happy to connect however you prefer. If I don’t hear back, I’ll follow up again this Friday to keep the conversation going."
📞 If they answer: “Hi [Name], this is [Your Name] with [Your Company]. I just sent over a quick idea I thought might be a great fit for your team. I’d love to hear what you think! Would you be open to a quick chat now, or should I follow up later? I was planning to check back in next Wednesday if I haven’t heard from you.”
📬 Voicemail: "Hey [Name], it’s [Your Name] from [Your Company]. I sent over a quick idea I think could spark something for your team. Would love to chat when it’s convenient—call, email, or text, whatever works best. If I don’t catch you before then, I’ll reach out again next Wednesday to check in."
📞 If they answer: “Hi [Name], this is [Your Name] with [Your Company]. I just sent over a resource I thought might be useful based on what I’ve seen from your brand. If you have a few minutes now, I’d love to walk you through it, or I can follow up next week if now’s not ideal.”
📬 Voicemail: "Hi [Name], [Your Name] here from [Your Company]. Just sent an email with a resource I thought might be helpful based on what I’ve learned about your brand. Wanted to put a voice to the message. I’ll circle back mid-next week in case you haven’t had a chance to review it yet."
📞 If they answer: “Hi [Name], it’s [Your Name] from [Your Company]. Just wanted to follow up on a quick email I sent your way. I’d love to connect and hear your thoughts if now’s a good time, or I can circle back around this time next week if that’s easier.”
📬 Voicemail: "Hi [Name], it’s [Your Name] from [Your Company]. I sent a quick email your way and wanted to follow up here, too. No pressure, just excited to connect when the timing’s right. I’ll plan to check in again this time next week unless I hear from you sooner."
It’s time to bring the human element back into the mix, one call at a time.
XO,
Terri, your ProBF
Facilisgroup Partners have access to Terri and her Amplifi professional development courses at no additional cost. Want to learn more? Click HERE.