Ditch the Pitch Slap!
Have you ever heard of ‘pitch slapping?’ Even if you’ve never heard of it, it’s more than likely happened to you – especially on LinkedIn! Unfortunately, this impersonal approach is all too common in today's digital world.
In this month’s Spaghetti Scoop, we’re looking at the pitfalls of pitch slapping and what you can do instead to drive sales and forge genuine connections.
What is ‘pitch slapping’ and does it work?
Picture this: you’re on LinkedIn and a message comes into your inbox from someone you do not know. “Let’s connect, we have mutual connections/interests/experiences!”
And what happens after you agree to connect with them? A sales pitch! Almost immediately, an automated message comes through where they dive into selling their products or services to you, without even knowing (or caring!) whether you are interested or not.
You have just been pitch slapped!
How does this make you feel? The fact is that no one wants to be pitch slapped. Most people are going to tune out immediately or worse un-connect with you. All the hard work you put into your sales pitch will go to waste.
So, what can you do instead?
It’s much better to take it slow and work on building genuine relationships with people instead of going straight in with a sales pitch, souring the relationship from the start. Afterall, people buy from people they know, like and trust.
Here are three key strategies to focus on instead of the pitch slap:
💡 Demonstrating value upfront
Ditch the sales pitch and establish yourself as an expert in your industry. Share insightful content related to your client's industry challenges, offer free consultations to explore their needs, or host webinars packed with valuable information. By providing upfront value, you build trust and establish your business as the go-to solution when a prospect is ready to become a client.
📞 Engage in meaningful conversations
Instead of generic connection requests, personalise your interactions. Briefly research potential clients and highlight shared interests or past achievements. Focus on asking questions that spark genuine conversation and showcase your understanding of their needs. This builds rapport and creates a more natural transition to discussing how your services can be of value to them.
🤝 Build genuine relationships
People buy from those they trust and respect. Show your clients you care beyond just making a sale. Celebrate their achievements, offer industry connections, and provide guidance. This increases loyalty and shows you can be a long-term partner, not just a one-time supplier.
Key Takeaways…
In today's competitive landscape, pitch slapping is a surefire way to alienate potential clients. By demonstrating value upfront, engaging in meaningful conversations, and building real relationships, you'll build trust and loyalty that leads to long-term business success. People buy from people, so when you show that you care, sales will naturally follow.
So, get out there and build some meaningful connections!