The traditional breakup email doesn’t work as well as it used to. Asking if you can close your prospect's file, or if they haven’t responded because they’ve been eaten by a bear, used to be funny and attention-grabbing -- now it's just tired.
I haven’t responded to a single breakup email following the standard format for a couple months. However, I recently got one I replied to immediately. Read on to see what it said and why it worked, as well as a sales email template you can use with your own prospects.
The Breakup Email That Prompted Me to Respond Right Away
Some background: I’d had two calls with this salesperson about her tool. Although it seemed like a good fit, I decided the problem it solved wasn’t high-priority enough right now.
Here’s the breakup email this rep sent me after I told her I wasn’t interested:
Hi Mike,
Thanks for letting me know. I’m sure you’ve got a lot going on, but if you have a minute, would you mind telling me which two or three things would’ve changed your mind?
I’m always trying to improve and would really appreciate the feedback.
Best,
Jordan
I didn’t think twice before hitting “Reply.” And before you think, "Sure, a response is good, but only if it leads to a sale" -- I ended up buying.
Why This Breakup Email Works
Let’s break down why this email is so effective.
First, it plays upon my desire to help. Like most people, I like the boost of doing a good deed. It’s especially hard to reject a direct request when you know the person is trying to get better at their job.
Second, it’s simple. I knew I could help Jordan in under five minutes. The ease of fulfilling an ask is crucial.
Third, it felt genuine. I truly believe Jordan wanted my opinions and would incorporate them into her future conversations with prospects. And since she wasn’t trying to be clever or memorable, this message stood out from most of the other sales emails in my inbox. (I’m typically a fan of sending humorous emails to your prospects, but you need to know when to be serious.)
Fourth, and most importantly, it made me think about the product and why I’d walked away. I had trouble coming up with a valid reason for deciding against buying. The earlier reason -- the pain point wasn’t pressing enough -- no longer felt compelling once I’d typed it out.
Here’s the message I sent Jordan:
Hey Jordan,
To be honest, I don’t think you should have done anything differently -- I like [product]. I might have said no too soon. Want to hop on a call this afternoon to discuss?
Cheers,
Mike
Breakup Email Templates
If your prospect has ghosted within the last few weeks, use this template:
Hi [prospect name],
Thanks for taking the time to [talk to me about, consider, download a trial of] product X. I understand if it’s not a fit and [wish you the best with Y opportunity, hope you find a solution to Z problem].
I’m sure you’ve got a lot going on, but if you have a minute, would you mind telling me which two or three things would’ve changed your mind?
I’m always trying to improve and would really appreciate the feedback.
Best,
[Your name]
If your prospect ghosted sometime this year, use this template:
Hi [prospect name],
Thanks for considering [product] as a potential solution to [pain point]. I'm reaching out again because I'd like your help -- I'm trying to improve and would love to know which two or three things would've changed your mind.
Your insights and feedback would be tremendously helpful. Of course, if you're too busy, no worries. I hope you enjoy [the holidays, your weekend, an upcoming event.]
Best,
[Your name]
Does this mean sending this message will automatically convert revive all of your lost deals? Of course not. But even if your prospect responds with some suggestions for making your presentation better or tells you why they went with the competitor, you’ll gain valuable intel on how to win next time.
Plus, you’ll make a name for yourself as a dedicated, thoughtful rep. That specific prospect might not buy from you, but you never know if they’ll refer their friend or come back to you when they start working at a new company.
