How to sell to Founders

Founders are a huge target market. If you get it right, you can win big. Here's how to sell to Founders.
Because thelime.one is all about real people, real connections and real sales, we're upfront about this article being mostly AI+Human and a placeholder while our team get round to writing the full piece!

As a small business owner, selling to founders can be a game-changer for your business. But to succeed, you need to understand what makes them tick and how to build a genuine connection with them. In this article, we'll explore the strategies and techniques you need to sell to founders effectively.

Understanding and Connecting with Founders

When it comes to selling to founders, it's essential to remember that they're the ones calling the shots. To build a genuine connection with them, you need to speak their language and show respect for their time. Here are some approaches to try:

  • Mirror their communication style to build rapport
  • Ditch the corporate jargon and buzzwords that can trigger skepticism
  • Focus on what matters most to them, such as serving their customers and making a real impact

By taking the time to understand and connect with founders on their terms, you'll be well on your way to building trust and laying the groundwork for a successful sale.

Effective Communication Strategies

Effective communication is key when selling to founders. You need to stand out from the noise and grab their attention. Here are some strategies to try:

  • Think outside the box when it comes to email timing, such as sending emails on weekends or after hours
  • Keep emails short and sweet, getting straight to the point and respecting their time
  • Speak their language by providing specific, data-driven value propositions that show exactly how your product or service can benefit their business

Founders are busy people, so it's essential to be concise and to the point in your communication.

Avoiding Common Mistakes and Focusing on ROI

When selling to founders, it's essential to focus on the benefits that matter most to them – clear ROI and value propositions that respect their time. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

  • Don't waste their time with small talk or unnecessary formalities
  • Remember that every founder is unique, with their own set of priorities and perspectives
  • Take the time to understand what drives them, and adapt your pitch accordingly

By focusing on the benefits that matter most to founders, you'll increase your chances of closing deals and building lasting relationships.

Building Trust and Closing Deals

To successfully sell to founders, you need to build trust by being transparent, reliable, and consistent in your communication. Here are some key takeaways to remember:

  • Focus on building a connection that resonates with their unique perspective and priorities
  • Show them how your solution can deliver a tangible return on investment (ROI) that justifies their spend

By following these strategies and techniques, you'll increase your chances of closing deals with founders and establishing a strong, lasting partnership. Remember, it's about understanding their world and speaking to their needs, not just about making a sale.{}

About the Author

Charli is a co-founder and marketing director of thelime.one and a regular contributor to LinkedIn.

The author worked with AI assistance on this article. (We're a startup and we need to get our stuff out there!) We're working our way through the most popular pieces and rewriting fully with our human team.