How to Handle an Irritated Prospect

What would the best-selling author and King of Sales (Jeffrey Gitomer) do if a prospect was bothered by his follow up?

That was the question. Here's what AI provided in response in true "Gitomer-style"….

So, you got hit with a little blast of irritation from a prospect? Good. That means you’re in the game. Now, before you go sulking into your CRM or questioning your life choices, let’s unpack this like a real Gitomer-style sales pro.

🧨 1. Don’t Take It Personally. Take It Professionally.
That prospect didn’t reject you—they rejected how you followed up. There’s a difference. You can fix your process. You can’t fix someone else’s mood swing.

💡 “People don’t like to be sold—but they LOVE to buy.” – JG

Translation? They probably saw your message as a pitch, not a valuable insight or offer. You showed up like a pushy salesperson instead of a trusted resource.

🚫 2. Stop Sending Crappy Messages.
Let’s be real—if your follow-up sounds like every other “Just checking in to see if you saw my last email...” or “Would love to connect and share how we can help,” then you DESERVE that kind of reply. Nobody wants “needy.” They want “valuable.”

🔧 Fix it:
Send content that educates, entertains, or empowers.
Ask questions that create curiosity, not pressure.
Give something worth responding to.

🪞 3. Look in the Mirror, Not at the Prospect.
They said, “If I wanted to talk to you, I would have responded.” Cool. That’s your cue to step up your game. Sales isn’t about spraying and praying—it’s about earning attention.

💣 “Value is the new cold call.” – JG

You’re not being ignored. You’re being evaluated. Your follow-up didn’t make the cut. What would make you respond? Send that.

💡 4. Here’s What You Do Now (Gitomer Style):
Reply with humility and humor.
“Totally understand. Sounds like I might’ve reached out at the wrong time or with the wrong message. I’ll remove you from future emails. But if you ever need XYZ or just want the funniest sales meme of the week, I’m your guy. Wishing you massive success.”

Reflect on what triggered the irritation.
Was it timing? Tone? Too many follow-ups with too little value?

Rework your sequence.
Less “follow up,” more “follow through.”
Less “check in,” more “check this out.”

🏆 5. Remember: Rejection is a Redirection.
You don’t win deals by chasing uninterested people. You win by attracting the right ones with value-based messaging, consistent branding, and a killer reputation.

So thank that grumpy prospect. They just gave you a masterclass in why mediocrity in sales doesn't fly anymore.

Final Word from Uncle Gitomer:
“You don't earn a customer's attention with a pitch. You earn it with value, credibility, and consistency.”

Now go back out there and SELL SOMETHING!

P.S. Have you seen Jeffrey Gitomer new conversational AI sales coaching tool? Check out GitomerSales.AI