Triggers

A sales trigger is an event in the world of a potential customer that creates an opportunity for you to contact them as a prospect. An external trigger may include a new round of funding, mergers, or a hiring push. These triggers may make it a better time for outbound sales reps to reach out to the company.

On the other hand, triggers can also be events where a lead shows specific interest in your product—such as clicking on an ad, downloading a resource from your blog, or engaging with a chatbot on your website.

Why are Triggers Important Today?

In today's business world, using triggers is essential to stay competitive. Why? Because we're surrounded by so much data and technology that finding the right prospects can be like looking for a needle in a haystack. Triggers help salespeople cut through the clutter.

Forget the outdated methods of bulk cold calls and one-size-fits-all emails. Nowadays, success in sales is all about knowing your prospects well and reaching out at the perfect time. Triggers help by pointing out when something important happens to a prospect, like a company merger or a new product launch. This is the salesperson’s cue to step in with a solution tailored to the prospect’s updated needs.

It's not just about being at the right place at the right time by chance. It's about knowing exactly when to reach out and what to say, thanks to the insights provided by triggers. These insights transform generic sales pitches into personalized messages, making prospects feel understood and valued.

History of Triggers 

Looking back, it's clear that the use of triggers in sales has come a long way. In the early days, selling was more of a hit-or-miss scenario. Sales reps would rely heavily on their instincts and a bit of good fortune to identify the right time to approach prospects. It was a time of random cold calling, physical address books, and even fax machines.

However, everything started to shift with the advent of technology. The rise of the internet, social media, and digital tools transformed sales from a game of chance to a more calculated and informed process. Sales reps now had access to tons of data. Every click, visit, and interaction online became a source of valuable insights.

This change paved the way for the use of triggers. Sales reps began to recognize patterns and signals from the data available, making it easier to identify when a prospect was ready to engage or make a purchase. The process of selling became more strategic and less reliant on luck.

How to Implement Triggers in Your Sales Process

Using triggers in sales is like being a detective, identifying key signs that a prospect is ready to engage. It begins with data. Use data from your CRM software, social media, and news alerts to stay informed about your prospects. Tools like Google Alerts can send real-time information directly to your inbox.

Identify your specific triggers. These are events or changes, like new funding rounds or visiting your pricing page, that signal a prospect might be ready to engage. Tailor these triggers to fit the unique characteristics of your industry and offerings.

Once you have the data and identified triggers, it’s about taking action. Be prepared with a well-crafted outreach strategy and personalized messages to reach out to prospects when these trigger events occur. 

Technology plays a crucial role. Use platforms that track trigger events and alert you in real-time to act quickly. In the world of automated technology, remember the importance of personal connection. It's not only about recognizing a trigger event but understanding its impact on the prospect and offering valuable solutions accordingly.

Your messaging should reflect an understanding of the prospect’s situation. Constantly assess and refine your approach to triggers to ensure it remains effective and responsive to the changing business environment.

In summary, triggers in sales are about more than just selling; they're about building meaningful relationships based on relevance and making each sales interaction more precise and impactful.

Frequently Asked Questions About Triggers (FAQs)

What are the Triggers in Sales?

Triggers in sales are specific events or changes indicating a prospect might be ready to engage or make a purchase. These events can include organizational changes, new funding rounds, or behavioral signals, such as increased engagement with a company's content. Sales teams monitor these triggers to tailor their outreach and offer timely, relevant solutions.

What are Triggers in Marketing?

Triggers in marketing refer to specific events, actions, or conditions that prompt a marketing campaign or a customer interaction. These triggers can be predefined criteria or signals, such as a customer's behavior (e.g., website visit, abandoned shopping cart), a time-sensitive event (e.g., a holiday sale), or even external factors (e.g., weather conditions for a marketing campaign related to seasonal products). By identifying and responding to triggers effectively, marketers can tailor their messages and campaigns to be more timely and relevant to their target audience. 

Is Curiosity a Sales Trigger?

Curiosity can act as a sales trigger when a potential customer's interest is piqued, leading them to seek more information or engage with a company. It is often prompted by compelling content, targeted messaging, or the presentation of a solution that aligns with a prospect's needs or challenges. Sales teams can leverage curiosity to initiate conversations and build relationships with prospects.