An important part of becoming sustainable in the industrial sector is prospecting for new business. Prospecting for new business is the process of attracting and identifying new potential customers, ensuring a constant flow of new opportunities. So, how can you get started with prospecting for new business? Let’s explore various ways to help improve your prospecting strategies.
An Overview of Prospecting
Prospecting is a continuous process that requires constant attention and adjustments. It’s important to identify potential customers who might be interested in your product or service. This requires a deep understanding of what is being offered. Know your product or services inside and out. Preparation is extremely valuable for prospecting as well. Before contacting potential customers, do thorough research of their company, needs and pain points. It should be constantly analyzed to determine which prospecting techniques are most effective, and take record of it.
Shows and Events
One of the most effective techniques for prospecting for new business in the industrial sector is industry specific trade shows and conferences. These events offer opportunities for face-to-face engagement with key decision-makers and/or those that own the project or responsibility. It's a chance to demonstrate your products, discuss capabilities, how it can apply to their environment while initiating conversations with sales leads who are actively seeking what you are offering. The goal isn't immediate sales, but to establish initial contact and gather critical information for follow-up after the show.
Client Relationships
Using existing client relationships is another strategy. This can come in the form of referral business and/or a case study. Satisfied industrial clients are often the best advocates, and a trustworthy introduction.
Content Marketing
Content marketing is the creation and distribution of relatable content to attract prospects. In the industrial sector, this can include whitepapers, case studies, webinars, blog articles and detailed product comparisons that can attract sales leads.
Professional Social Media Profiles
Using professional networks like LinkedIn Sales Navigator is a great prospecting strategy. This platform allows sales professionals to pinpoint specific roles within target companies, and engage them directly with personalized messages based on their profiles and industry activity. Monitoring industry news, company expansions, or new project announcements can also provide timely triggers for outreach.
CRM Systems
Data-driven prospecting using CRM systems let industrial sales teams analyze their existing customer base and build Ideal Customer Profiles (ICPs). By understanding the common traits of their most profitable clients, you can then use this data to identify similar companies that are likely to benefit from their offerings, making prospecting for new business more efficient.
Conclusion
Prospecting for new business in the industrial sector is complex. Sometimes sales teams need some help. Take a look at our Prospecting Services that can help you to fill the sales funnel so you always have the right deals to work on. Contact us today to begin closing more deals.