I really shouldn’t be amazed, but I still am.

After over 32 years in business, just when I think I’ve seen just about every bad example of prospecting and sales there is—I’m proven wrong.

I have a couple of examples of dumb prospecting I personally received over the past two weeks.

The first one is from—are you sitting down?—a sales consulting firm.

They had sent me an email a few weeks ago, obviously not having done the tiniest bit of homework. Like perhaps going to my website or LinkedIn profile.

They offered to set up a time to discuss how they could help me get “outstanding sales results.” I don’t make this stuff up.

I shared it with a few people and we had a good laugh. Then last week I got this email from the same guy, the president of the company.

The subject line simply read: “Follow Up RE: (name of the firm).

Here is the body:

Hi Art,

I hope that you are doing well.

I am checking back with you regarding my previous messages. Are you interested in how (I’m withholding the name, although I should expose it) can help you establish a world-class sales leadership team and achieve outstanding sales results?

We offer a complimentary Sales Performance Diagnosis to help you identify opportunities for improvement and outstanding results. Email us, so we can set up a time and discuss the next step.

Best,
Xxx
President

Did I mention that this is a sales consulting firm?

Offering to help companies get “outstanding sales results.”

I wonder if they teach this unfocused, untargeted method of prospecting.

Because of the spam system I use, a live person had to physically go through a few steps to actually send this to me. But yet they weren’t savvy enough to actually look at what I do.

That’s just “outstanding.” (Still shaking my head is disbelief as I write this.)

Using LinkedIn for Dumb Prospecting/Recruiting

I am annoyed how LinkedIn is being abused more frequently for spammy messages and dumb prospecting. (“Dumb” as in the opposite of “smart,” where someone has intelligence about their prospect, and uses that to craft a value message relevant to the prospect.)

By the way, if you’d like to see the LinkedIn mistakes to avoid, and what to do and say to use it the right way, attend one of our free webinars this week http://LinkedInSales.Training.

Here is an actual LinkedIn InMail message I received:

Hi Art,

My name is (name withheld here.). I am a Sales Director at (I won’t give them the publicity).

I recently came across your resume on LinkedIn and after review I have determined your experience and skill lends itself to an Outside Sale position we have available in your area. I would like to extend a personal invitation to you to schedule 15 minute conversation with you to learn about your goals, what you are looking for in your ideal position and to quantify the value of a potential partnership with us.

To schedule the call simply reply to this emails with your availability or give me a call at 866-796-####.

Below is a brief overview of (company) and the benefits of the position we are looking to fill.
(Company) services the Small to Medium sized business sector to help them gain customer retention, increased sales and customer analytics through a digital loyalty and marketing program.

(Company) is growing and we are actively seeking Account Executives and future leaders to help us develop a strong presence in your market place. For a more in depth overview I would like you to visit our website at @@@@.

Really?

Where do I begin?

The sender is not a first or second degree connection of mine.

And, actually, things are going pretty well here, so I most definitely did not post a resume on LinkedIn. (Do you sense my sarcasm?)

So, not only are they blindly sending spam, they are lying about what they are doing.

I sent this message back:

You have got to be fricking kidding me.

I suggest you stop using LinkedIn for your spam messages.

Art  

I received this reply:

Art,

I’m a bit confused on what you mean?

 

Un. Believe. Able. I didn’t bother to reply again.

I know I’m preaching to the choir here for the most part.

I know that most everyone reading this can spot the horrendous mistakes in the approach and messaging used here.

And that hopefully most of you are using the principles of Smart Calling to get through to and sell to prospects and customers. If you’re not, please do dive into my blog here, the free back issues of my weekly newsletter, and get the book.

And again, if you haven’t been through it yet, attend our free training webinar (we have three different dates and times this week).

We’d like to hear from you abut your thoughts on these examples. And also please share how you make your calls Smart and relevant, and how you set yourself apart from salespeople using these “dumb” prospecting techniques. Post your comments below.