How to use graphs to book meetings

In this week’s newsletter, I’m going to show you how you can use a graph to catch the attention of your prospects, and get replies.

Great prospecting is about starting conversations, and to do that, you need to get replies. Using a graphical representation of a problem is a simple way to stand out, and start a conversation.

Unfortunately, most SDRs I meet do not know how to represent their prospects’ problem visually.

They don’t do it because they have no idea what problem they are solving for their customers.

When reaching out to prospects, SDRs typically:

  • Write long emails
  • Share case studies
  • Talk about their solution’s features
  • Ask for meetings without adding value in exchange


But don’t worry, I’m going to show you exactly how to stop doing that.

Here’s how, step by step:

Step 1: Identify a key problem of your prospect

Prospects typically reply to cold outreach when they think you can solve a problem for them. The best way to show your understanding of a problem is to write about symptoms.

For example, I talk to a lot of VPs of Sales and CROs. They are evaluated on their forecasting accuracy. If their team’s performance is way off for a few quarters in a row, their jobs are on the line.

An early indicator of a forecasting accuracy gap is a U-shaped pipeline. The team has a lot of early-stage opportunities, a lot of late-stage opportunities, but a lot less in between.

Step 2: Create a visual representation of this problem

Now that I have a clear idea of the symptoms I want to focus on, I’ll create a visual representation of the problem.

I like using pie charts or column charts as they are simple ways to represent data.

In my example above, I’ll open an Excel spreadsheet, create 5 sales process stages, and add some dummy data to reflect the problem. I then end up with a graph like the one below:

U-shaped pipeline
 

The graph above reflects the symptoms I identified in step 1. It is a common sight for VPs of Sales and CROs when they’re looking are their CRMs.

Step 3: Add a caption

I like to add a short caption to show my understanding of the VPs of Sales and CROs problem. In the example above, it’s: “Tons of deals in stage 1, ton of deals in stage 5, a few deals in between = unrealistic forecast”.

When the VPs or CROs read the caption, they can immediately relate and see that I understand what they are going through. If they don’t have that problem, they won’t relate, but if they do, they may reply.

Step 4: Insert in your sequence

Finally, I love to introduce the graph with a short LinkedIn voice note, a video, or a quick text.

Here’s an example:

John, many sales leaders I’m speaking with have sales forecasts looking like this thing below (insert graph of typical u-shaped forecast). Tons of opps in early stage, tons of opps in late stage, nothing in between.

If this looks familiar, then I have 3 ideas on how you can solve the problem.

Want to learn more?

I’ve been running this play for a month and here are my stats at the moment of writing the play:

  • Contacted: 41
  • Replied: 15 (37%)
  • Booked meeting: 11 (73%)

TL;DR:

  1. Identify a key problem of your prospect
  2. Create a visual representation of this problem
  3. Add a caption
  4. Insert in your sequence


And if you’re interested in receiving one play like this every month, go check The Monthly Prospecting Plays. It’s €9/month and you can cancel at any time.

Cheers,
Thibaut

P.S. When you’re ready, here are 3 ways I can help you.

 

→ Grab my 5-star course, The New Outreach System: How I use LinkedIn to get a 38% reply rate and an 11% meeting rate. Buy it here.

→Work 1:1 with me:
 If you need help booking more meetings, I can help you. We’ll go through your current situation and what’s not working. We’ll build an action plan to land you more meetings and more money in your pocketBook me here.

→ Need training or coaching for your SDR or AE team? Let’s talk: If you’re managing a team but they are struggling to reach their targets, then I can help. Book an audit call with me and we’ll come up with a plan. Book your call here.

Subscribe to the Newsletter

Get my free, 4 min weekly newsletter. Used by 5.800+ salespeople to book more meetings.

Subscribe to the Newsletter

Get my free, 4 min weekly newsletter. Used by 5.800+ salespeople to book more meetings.

I will never spam you, or sell your info.

Subscribe to the newsletter

Get each episode in your mailbox when they release. Grab special discounts and offers.

Schedule a Priority Consultation

I love helping founders and sales teams starting more conversations and closing deals faster.

However, I am pretty busy and it can take a bit of time before I can come back to you.
Please fill this quick form to get access to my calendar and schedule your free consultation.

You will receive an email with access to my calendar, where you will be able to schedule your consultation.

It costs 100 EUR + VAT if you are located in Germany.

Book a Call With Me

Please fill this quick form to give me more details.
 
I’ll reply quickly to book a consultation.