(The WhatsApp blunder every salesperson must avoid)
The WhatsApp Crime Scene
Salesperson: Hi Client: Hi Salesperson: Can I send you our company profile? Client: (double blue ticks… silence)
5 minutes later…
Salesperson: Hieeee Client: (still silence, client now forwarding memes in another group)
And just like that a $10,000 deal went to the competitor who simply greeted:
Competitor: Good morning, Mr. Dube. I trust you’re doing well today. I’d love to share how our service can help your business grow.
Guess who got the meeting? Not “Hi.”
Why “Hi” is Business Suicide
In African culture, greetings are currency. You don’t rock up to your auntie’s kitchen, sniff her pot of sadza, and just say: “Hi.” You say:
“Good afternoon, auntie.”That respect opens the door. The same applies in sales. A lazy “Hi” closes it before you even enter.
How to Greet Like a Pro
On WhatsApp: “Good morning, Mr. Banda. I hope this message finds you well………….”
On Email: “Greetings, Mrs. Ndlovu. I trust you’re doing well. I wanted to follow up on our discussion regarding payroll solutions.”
On Phone: “Good day, Mr Moyo. This is Peter from ABC Solutions. May I have a minute of your time.”
See the difference? One is serious, the other is vibes.
Moral of the Story
Your greeting is your first impression. If you start with “Hi,” don’t be shocked when your client ghosts you. If you start with respect, professionalism, and warmth, your chances of closing the deal shoot up like school fees in January.
Remember: in sales, the way you greet is the way you’ll be remembered.
By The Chartered Vendor
#AfricanBusiness #SalesTips #SalesFails #Entrepreneurship #BusinessWisdom #CharteredVendor
