By The Novak Group
Let’s face it — we’re all living in a world of constant distraction. Our phones buzz. Our inboxes explode. Our calendars overflow. And the people you’re trying to sell to? They’re just as overwhelmed.
That’s why traditional prospecting methods aren’t cutting it anymore. It’s not that people don’t want solutions — they just don’t have the time or headspace to notice yours… unless you stand out.
So how do you get attention in a noisy world? Here are smart, simple prospecting strategies that actually work in today’s distracted landscape.
🔑 1. Lead with Curiosity — Not a Pitch
Most cold emails and messages fail because they lead with a product or service. But prospects don’t care what you sell — they care about what it does for them. Curiosity is your best hook.
Instead of: “Hi John, I’d love to set up a demo to show you our software…”
Try: “Hi John, are you open to a quick tip on how your team could recover 4–6 hours a week?”
Curiosity opens doors. Generic pitches close them.
📱 2. Shorten Everything
The average adult attention span is now less than 8 seconds. If your message requires scrolling, it’s probably not getting read.
Keep your prospecting messages:
2–3 short sentences
Focused on one idea
Ending with a clear and easy ask (“Worth a chat?” or “Open to a quick brainstorm?”)
Make it easy to say yes. Make it impossible to ignore.
💬 3. Personalize, But Make It Relevant
Yes, people love seeing their name and company in a message. But real personalization goes deeper.
Mention:
A recent post they made or engaged with
Something about their role or industry challenge
Specific outcomes they might care about
Relevance beats flattery every time. If it feels like you truly “see” them, they’ll pay attention.
🎥 4. Use Video or Voice
One of the best ways to cut through the digital noise? Show up as a human.
Try using tools like Loom or Vidyard to send a 30–60 second video introducing yourself. Or use LinkedIn’s voice note feature to leave a quick message.
This makes you memorable — and it’s harder to ignore someone’s face or voice than another line of text
🎯 5. Use the Rule of 3
Follow-up is where most prospecting falls apart. But here’s a simple rule that works: Reach out 3 times over 7–10 days using 3 different methods (email, LinkedIn, phone/voicemail).
Why it works:
It shows persistence without being annoying
It meets them where they are (some people check LinkedIn, some live in email)
It keeps you top of mind when they are ready
Don’t just send one message and call it done. Consistency creates results.
🧠 6. Add Value, Not Pressure
Every touchpoint should offer something — even if it’s small.
Examples:
A relevant article or insight
A statistic or trend they may not know
A question that makes them think (“Have you seen how X is impacting Y?”)
When you provide value up front, you build trust — even before the first call.
💡 Final Thought: People Buy from People Who Make Life Easier
Your prospect is juggling 10 priorities. If you can show up with clarity, relevance, and empathy — you immediately stand out. You’re not just another salesperson. You’re a potential problem-solver.
At The Novak Group, we help sales professionals master the art of modern prospecting — blending proven strategy with tools and techniques that work in today’s fast-paced world.
Need help turning conversations into conversions? Let’s talk.
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