How do you start a sales introduction?

When thinking about your next job interview, how do you start the conversation? What are some of the best ways to make that first impression and get someone’s attention?

The same goes when it comes to pitching clients or prospects in order to land them on your list. Whether you're selling something big like software or services or smaller items such as event tickets, getting their interest early can help ensure they'll end up buying from you at all.

Here's one way to think about starting emails with potential customers. First, take note of this simple rule—the more personal your message sounds, the better chance you have of closing deals. And if you’re looking specifically for advice on introducing yourself via email, there are several key things you should know before diving into these examples. Here we show you how to craft the perfect intro using real-world scenarios.

First, let’s look at how to write an introductory email to a prospective client.

How do you write an introductory email to a prospective client?

There’s no need to be overly formal when writing an introductory email to a prospect or customer. You want to sound friendly but professional without coming across as too pushy. The goal here is to set expectations by being clear and upfront while also showing respect and not stepping over any boundaries. This will go further than simply having good grammar, which can come off as boring.

This means keeping sentences short (try two lines max) and sticking to the point rather than going off topic. It helps to use bullets instead of long paragraphs so people don't feel overwhelmed. Be sure to keep font size small so text isn't hard to read. If possible, avoid fancy fonts entirely unless absolutely necessary. For those who prefer images, try keeping file sizes low and still readable. Above all else, though, stay away from exclamation points! They tend to scream "I'm excited!" instead of "Please consider my offer."

If you’ve ever been sent a presentation deck filled with slides and you were asked to summarize each section, then you may already understand how important bullet points are. Bullet points allow readers to skim through information quickly and digest it easily. In addition, since most audiences usually scan a document left to right, making descriptions shorter tends to work well for catching their eye midline.

You’ll notice I mentioned one other thing above all others... tone. When sending out an introductory email, make sure your message has a positive vibe behind it. Don’t force enthusiasm. Instead, speak from experience and confidence so people aren't turned off by arrogance.

Below are three basic examples of opening emails that follow this guideline.

Example 1 - Intro Email #1

Hi [Prospect Name],

Thanks again for meeting with me last week. We had a great discussion covering our collaborative goals and strategies moving forward. As discussed, I'd now love to schedule another time to sit down together and talk even more about this project.

In advance, please find attached copies of the documents required per our agreement. Please review these materials carefully prior to scheduling our next appointment.

Once again, thank you for considering us. Looking forward to working with you!

Best Regards,

[Your name]

Example 2 - Intro Email #2

Dear [Client Name],

Thank you for reaching out regarding our recent collaboration. As we recently discussed during our phone call, I am happy to confirm we’d be able to provide assistance around improving website performance. To begin, however, I wanted to reach out personally to ask if you require anything additional from our team beyond the scope of this initial proposal.

While many companies struggle with finding qualified employees, ours continues to grow due to our exceptional approach to problem solving, efficiency, and service. Our team consists of skilled individuals with extensive training, education, and certification within IT support/services. While we strive to deliver excellent results, we never hesitate to accept new challenges where needed.

We hope you continue to enjoy our ongoing relationship. Again, I appreciate hearing back from you soon. Until then, please contact us directly with questions or concerns. Thank you once again for taking the time to learn more about our company.

Warmest regards,

[Your name]

Example 3 - Intro Email #3

Hello Mr. Jones,

Thanks for inquiring about our services. After reviewing your requirements, I believe we could assist with developing a strategy tailored just for you. Let me walk you through our process below and see what we recommend.

Our primary focus is ensuring that every client receives top quality service along with the highest degree of security available today. Below is a brief overview of our process and methodology, followed by recommendations based upon your specific needs.

What happens after you send your request to quote?

After receiving your inquiry, we’ll assign a dedicated account manager to coordinate everything involved in providing you with a response. From there, he or she will follow up periodically until completion to check progress and answer any questions. Once complete, we’ll submit your completed application package to the relevant department(s). Depending on whether you qualify, you might receive approval immediately, or a final decision typically takes anywhere from one business day to six weeks post submission date.

Is there anyone responsible for responding? Who handles inquiries?

Yes, we employ a full staff of experienced professionals whose sole responsibility is answering inquiries submitted online. Every member is trained to respond professionally and courteously to any requests made. Each person follows strict guidelines for handling inquiries. We treat inquiries seriously and take pride in serving our valued clients.

Will you give references?

Of course, we always provide references whenever requested. But remember, references only matter if you choose to hire someone. If you decide not to move forward, we won’t bother asking for them. However, we encourage you to leave feedback on our reviews page once you've worked with us.

Do you charge extra fees for rush orders?

No, unfortunately, we do not charge any additional fees for rush orders. All quotes provided include standard delivery times. That said, we do reserve the option to expedite projects depending upon availability. Just know that, in general, shipping times may vary slightly from normal timelines.

Are there any cancellation policies? How much lead time does it take to cancel?

Since we value our relationships with both our clients and vendors, we’ve developed a policy that allows clients to cancel at least 48 hours ahead of scheduled appointments. Cancellations must occur 10 days or less ahead of time to avoid charges. Additionally, we suggest canceling earlier than 48 hours ahead of time to avoid disappointment. Of course, cancellations received 24 hours or less ahead of time may result in a partial refund minus applicable taxes. Lastly, we strongly advise against booking travel reservations or purchasing plane tickets. These actions will incur penalties and potentially void warranties.

For reference purposes, we estimate processing timeframes at five business days. Most shipments arrive within seven days or fewer. So if you’re concerned about delays, rest assured we’re committed to delivering products exactly as promised.

Can you tell me more about payment options? Do you handle refunds?

Absolutely! We happily accommodate PayPal payments, credit card transactions, Google Checkout, Apple Pay, Mastercard, Visa, American Express, and Discover cards. Any product purchased via PayPal automatically qualifies for a 100% money-back guarantee. Refunds processed by third party processors often encounter longer turnaround times, so we highly suggest contacting your bank to discuss alternative methods.

As far as refunds go, we’re sorry but no exceptions apply. Unfortunately, we cannot issue store credits nor reimburse expenses incurred. On rare occasions, errors happen despite our best efforts. Should this case arise, we’ll gladly replace defective items free of charge. Otherwise, we kindly ask that you return merchandise unused or unworn through our returns center located at [address]. Returns processed outside of this location will incur a 15% restocking fee plus applicable tax.

Looking forward to helping you achieve success. Have a wonderful day!

Regards,

[Your name]

Having reviewed these sample introductions, how do you think they stack up? Would you say they’re easy to read? Are they concise yet informative enough to pique curiosity? Did they address the main concern, i.e., qualifications? Is your gut telling you the writer understands your industry? Or did they fall flat because they didn’t really explain themselves clearly enough?

Next, let’s examine how to start conversations with current subscribers.

How do you introduce yourself as a salesperson example?

Just like in the previous scenario, you’ll need to tailor your introduction to fit your audience’s preferences. Remember, a cold email to existing subscribers is different than one sent to new signups. Take a closer look at the following template to gain insight on how to properly introduce yourself to current subscribers.

Good morning [Subscriber’s Name],

It was nice chatting with you yesterday. Since we spoke, I thought I’d drop by to touch base.

My name is John Smith and I’m calling about your subscription renewal.

Introductions are tough, but it's crucial that they're done right so the recipient knows exactly who you are and why they should listen to your pitch or product offering.

You might have seen some of these emails floating around online (and maybe even sent one). These examples show how different ways people can approach an intro when selling something. You'll notice most use short sentences with bolding and italics—this makes them more attention-grabbing without being overly wordy. And since we've all received countless introductions over our lives, this helps cut through any possible clutter.

We also included a template at the end if you want help writing yours.

First up, let's talk about how you can actually set yourself apart from other reps on a prospect’s mind.

How do you introduce yourself in sales?

When you first meet someone, whether you work as part of a team or simply trying to sell by yourself, there's always going to be pressure to make a good impression. So many things could go wrong during an encounter like not remembering their name, forgetting important details, or losing track of time. It doesn't matter if you're meeting someone cold or already know them — the point here isn't just to get along with whoever you're talking to, but rather to give them confidence in themselves and trust that you will deliver value.

So before you begin introducing yourself, think back to moments where you felt confident. Think about times where others asked questions because they wanted to know more about you or how you operate. The best way to do this is by thinking back to specific instances that happened recently, such as meetings or conversations you had within the past few weeks. This gives you an idea of how you come across naturally and can then help you emulate those attributes into your own speech patterns. By doing this ahead of time, it allows you to feel relaxed and comfortable enough to take control and really engage with whatever conversation you may find yourself in.

If you don't remember recent events, try using key phrases instead. If you met someone two days ago, say "it was great running into you yesterday." Or if you haven't spoken to them in awhile, ask how they're feeling. All of these small bits of information allow you to connect better while still maintaining focus on your goal, which is getting them interested in what you offer.

The next step would be to explain who you are and what you represent. Tell them what you do. Then tell them why you're qualified to provide this service/product/opportunity. After explaining what you do, follow up with why they need what you supply. In addition to letting them know the benefits of working with you, emphasize who needs to see results from your services/products/services. For example, if you're pitching a business opportunity, tell them who has been left out of the game thus far and that they'd benefit greatly from joining forces with you.

Lastly, keep in mind that sometimes you won't be able to answer every question right away. Instead, build rapport by asking open ended questions instead. Open ended questions are ones that require little explanation. Examples include “how is everything?” or “what kind of projects are you currently working on?” Don’t hesitate to share personal stories and anecdotes whenever appropriate. People respond much better to relatable content than generic answers.

Keep in mind that you shouldn't ramble too long, either. Short and sweet works best in almost all situations.

How do you introduce a new sales rep?

As mentioned above, everyone experiences introductions differently depending on several factors. But no matter what type of role you play, having a strong handle on how to craft an effective intro goes a long way towards making sure prospects aren't turned off. Whether you're an entry level employee looking for your big break or a seasoned veteran hoping to expand your client base, knowing how to properly introduce yourself is essential to your success.

To put together a solid introduction, think of it like creating a mission statement for your brand. Your intro sets the tone for your whole interaction with potential clients and customers. Make sure it reflects who you truly are as well as provides value. Here are some helpful pointers to consider when crafting your message.

Tell a story. Stories create empathy between you and your audience. They illustrate your background and experience and humanize you further. When telling your own narrative, avoid focusing solely on hard facts and figures. Rather, paint vivid pictures of each event within your life that helped shape you into who you are today. While you want to share your expertise, don't forget to mention that you're passionate about what you do and that you genuinely care about helping others achieve similar goals.

Include personality. Introducing yourself can feel stiff if you stick to a script. Take a chance and inject some humor into your introduction. Show your personality! Be friendly and personable, but don't overdo it. Letting your guard down shows prospects that you believe in yourself and are willing to convey honesty and transparency throughout the entire process. Doing this builds credibility and increases comfortability.

Use language that resonates. Choose words that both resonate with your target market and fit into your overall flow. Vague terms like "new opportunities" or "better resources" can leave listeners unsure of what you mean. However, incorporating targeted buzzwords will draw interest quickly. Try to stay away from industry jargon unless you fully understand its meaning. A general rule of thumb is to only use terminology once per paragraph.

Be consistent. Stick to the same format wherever possible. Having a clear structure that includes the same elements lets viewers anticipate what's coming next. Consistency also keeps audiences engaged. Many introductions tend to lose momentum due to inconsistencies. If you vary sentence lengths or word choices, you risk confusing the reader.

Let visual cues speak for you. Pictures often speak louder than words. Use images to complement your descriptions and add flavor to your presentation. Images communicate emotion and evoke feelings. Emotional connections are extremely powerful and translate directly to increased engagement among viewers. Plus, visuals help minimize distractions and increase retention rates.

Remember to breathe. Keep your pace quick yet controlled. Pausing after each thought allows you to catch your breath and refocus. Otherwise, you run the risk of speaking faster than usual and ending up sounding robotic. Pace yourself according to your listener's speed and comprehension level. Most importantly, never force a smile or appear uncomfortable. Smile confidently and relax.

Don't forget about body language. Much like with public speeches, body gestures and posture can carry weight. Stand tall, lean forward slightly, place feet shoulder width apart, cross arms lightly, and maintain eye contact. Maintain proper breathing, and don't fidget unnecessarily. Avoid crossing your legs or sitting uncomfortably. Also, refrain from chewing gum, touching face excessively, or picking nose hairs.

How do you introduce yourself in a sales letter?

Sales letters are notoriously difficult to master. There's a lot riding on each line — whether you're selling physical products, digital goods, or services. Each piece of copy must effectively grab readers' attentions immediately. That means you need to establish authority quickly. To do this successfully, try including testimonials from satisfied customers. As soon as you lay eyes upon the page, you should visualize buyers reading it and seeing yourself in the text. Once you've established authority, move onto giving detailed explanations of your solution. Finally, close the deal with urgency and a call to action.

Here are some guidelines to keep in mind when crafting your sales letter intro:

Write in present tense. Present tense conveys immediacy and offers clarity.

Highlight unique features. Talk about what separates you from competitors. Focus on reasons why consumers should choose you over anyone else.

Give real numbers. Quantify evidence whenever possible. Do not rely solely on gut instinct. Facts support claims.

Make inferences. Connect dots between pieces of data. Prospects love learning how decisions affect them personally.

Avoid industry lingo. Industry jargon makes you sound unapproachable and inaccessible.

Address objections upfront. Customers fear change. Explain changes thoroughly beforehand. Provide alternatives for dissatisfied customers.

Provide proof points. Support statements with concrete evidence. Point out statistics, case studies, and surveys.

Create curiosity. Ask questions that prompt discussion. Answer rhetorical questions openly.

Add personality. Remember, people buy from people they like. Share personal opinions and thoughts in an authentic manner.

End strongly. Close powerfully. Summarizing your main point(s) at the very end is incredibly satisfying. Stronger endings imply confidence.

What happens when you receive an introduction?

Once you've crafted your introduction based on the steps listed above, send it via email to whomever you're sending it to. Before hitting Send, however, check to ensure you didn't miss anything. Did you accidentally delete parts of your intro? Was there a typo somewhere? Does your voice match your appearance? Are there spelling errors? Is your punctuation correct? Check and recheck until you gain complete satisfaction. With practice, you'll become a pro at crafting killer intros.

Have you ever written your own intro? What did you learn? Would you recommend doing so? Please share your feedback with us below.

Want more inspiration for marketing and growing your startup? Download our free guide here.

Have you ever been in an awkward situation where someone new asks you how they can get started with your project or business and you're not sure of their intentions, but also don't want them to think that you are rude by giving off negative vibes right away? If yes, then it's time to brush up on your sales skills. Sales introductions have many different ways of going about things, depending on who you talk to. It all depends on the industry and type of people involved. For example, if I'm selling my services to other designers, I should know exactly what they need from me before we even begin talking. But when it comes to approaching random strangers like those at events, conferences, etc., there may be no such clear-cut way of introducing myself. That said, here are some basic guidelines to help you out.

As a general rule, there are two types of salespeople - one whose job consists mostly of cold calling (and therefore has zero idea of what their prospect needs), and another who does most of his/her work via meetings and networking. While each approach works well enough, knowing the best method will depend on whom you're trying to sell to. In this article, I'll focus mainly on intro emails for sales since these tend to come across as friendlier than phone calls. We'll go over what makes a good sales introduction email, and hopefully give you some ideas on how to craft yours too!

So let's dive into it...

What is the very first thing you would do on a salescall?

If you were making a sale face-to-face, wouldn't you expect to see your potential customer sitting down, taking notes, or just getting ready to hear more of your pitch? Maybe you would take a seat next to them, maybe ask for water, coffee, or something else, or make eye contact throughout your presentation -- all of which are crucial components of any successful sales call. The same goes for intro emails for sales. You've got several options to choose from:

Acknowledge the person's name. This might seem obvious, but it's worth mentioning because so often people forget this step! When sending an email to somebody, say hello, thank them for reaching out, and use their name. After doing this once, you won't have to repeat yourself later on.

Use small paragraphs. Although long paragraphs look professional, short ones convey information faster and allow readers to skim through for important points. And remember, while shorter sentences work better online, longer words sound more powerful during presentations.

Keep it simple. Don’t try to impress anyone with overly complicated language or big words. Instead, keep it conversational without being condescending. Simple greetings and salutations are great. "Dear [name]" is always appropriate and usually conveys warmth. Also, avoid using exclamation marks unless absolutely necessary.  

Be yourself. Authenticity sells. People buy from people they trust, relate to, and feel comfortable spending money with. So whatever you do, stay true to yourself and your brand, and never lie about anything.

How do you start a conversation as a salesperson?

Now that we've gone over what you'd typically do during a sales call, let's move onto how to actually initiate a conversation. Since writing intros for sales isn't really much different from having conversations with friends, family members, colleagues, and others, there are only three main factors to consider: tone, clarity, and brevity. These are essential qualities to follow in order to create a lasting impression and show confidence. Here are some helpful tips to ensure that your message gets across effectively:

Use active voice. Active voice sounds less formal compared to passive, which means instead of saying "the salesman called" you'd rather say, "I phoned." Doing this gives off the vibe that you aren't afraid to speak up.

Write clearly and concisely. To catch attention quickly, your text must be easy to read. Try avoiding fancy fonts, unnecessary punctuation, run-on sentences, and excessive capitalization. Stick to plain English and avoid abbreviations and acronyms.

Edit ruthlessly. As mentioned above, you shouldn't waste space with extra flourishes or rambling thoughts. Cut out irrelevant details and leave out filler phrases ("like," "you know") until later in the piece.

Make it personal. Your customers deserve individual treatment based on their unique circumstances. Take advantage of relevant keywords in the subject line, add photos, videos, and testimonial quotes that pertain to your audience, and include links back to your website.  

What is a good call opening?

We covered what NOT to do during a sales call, but now let's explore what to do. Call openings are essentially statements meant to grab people's interest and draw them closer towards learning more about your product or service. They could range anywhere between simply asking for feedback on your products to pitching specific benefits of working with you. There's nothing wrong with including multiple call openings under one email, especially if you find that you need to offer various incentives in order to convince prospects. Below are some examples of call openings you can use:

Ask questions. Ask questions related to your product or service that demonstrate expertise. Prospects love experts, and this tactic helps prove your credibility early on.

Offer free trial periods. Prove that you're trustworthy and reliable by offering a refundable deposit along with your free trials. This shows that you stand behind your products' quality, plus it allows buyers to test drive your offerings without paying upfront.

Share case studies. Case studies provide evidence that you're capable of producing results. Showcase real clients who've worked with you previously and discuss their success stories.

Tell personal anecdotes. Stories warm hearts and humanize you personally. Plus, sharing personal experiences lets prospects connect with you on a deeper level.

Give referrals. Referrals are one of the strongest marketing techniques around. Acknowledging the value of recommendations builds trust among both parties.

Pitch specific features. State specifically why someone should hire you over competitors. Focus on benefits rather than price.   

How do you introduce yourself as a salesperson?

Since we already went over what not to do after receiving a request to chat, here are some tips on what to do next:

Show respect. Once you've acknowledged someone's concern or question, reply promptly and politely. Responding immediately demonstrates professionalism and politeness, which sets you apart from shady companies that ignore inquiries altogether.

Set expectations. Before starting your pitch, tell prospects what to expect and how long it will last. This prevents confusion, and ensures that everyone stays on track.  

Include your credentials. Always list your qualifications and experience alongside your achievements. Credentials and achievements show that you understand what problems your prospective client faces and solve them accordingly.

Spellcheck. Proofread carefully. Mistakes cost thousands of dollars in lost revenue.    

End the email professionally. Leave a signature block at the bottom, sign off respectfully, and end with a heartfelt closing statement. Never underestimate the power of closure!

With these few pointers, you should be able to master the art of crafting intro emails for sales. Now that you have everything you need to know, put them together and send them out to your leads today!