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# Sales Deck Frameworks
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Detailed slide-by-slide guidance for building sales decks that tell a story and close deals.
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## The Storytelling Arc
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Every great deck follows a narrative structure: **Situation → Complication → Resolution.**
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- **Situation** (Slides 1-3): The world your buyer lives in. Establish shared understanding.
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- **Complication** (Slides 2-3): Why the status quo is no longer sustainable. Create urgency.
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- **Resolution** (Slides 4-11): Your approach, proof, and path forward.
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The goal is not to present features. The goal is to make the buyer feel understood, then show them a better way.
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---
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## Slide-by-Slide Template
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### Slide 1: Current World Problem
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**What to include:**
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- The challenge your buyer faces daily
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- A stat or data point that quantifies the problem
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- Visual: simple graphic or striking number
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**What to avoid:**
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- Starting with your company or product
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- Generic industry trends that don't connect to pain
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- More than one core problem
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**Copy prompt:** "What is the one problem that, if you could describe it perfectly, would make your buyer say 'that's exactly my situation'?"
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---
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### Slide 2: Cost of the Problem
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**What to include:**
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- Financial impact (revenue lost, costs incurred)
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- Time impact (hours wasted, delays)
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- Risk impact (what happens if they do nothing)
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- Specific numbers wherever possible
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**What to avoid:**
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- Vague claims without data
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- Fear-mongering without substance
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- Too many metrics (pick 2-3 that hit hardest)
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**Copy prompt:** "If your buyer does nothing for the next 12 months, what does it cost them?"
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---
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### Slide 3: The Shift Happening
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**What to include:**
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- Market trend or technology change creating a new opportunity
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- Why "the old way" no longer works
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- Why now is the right time to act
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**What to avoid:**
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- Hype-driven trends without substance
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- Making it about your product yet
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- Overly technical explanations
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**Copy prompt:** "What has changed in the market that makes the old approach unsustainable?"
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---
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### Slide 4: Your Approach
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**What to include:**
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- Your philosophy or unique point of view
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- How your approach differs from conventional solutions
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- The "aha" insight that led to your product
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**What to avoid:**
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- Feature lists (too early)
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- Jargon or acronyms
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- Claiming to be "the only" or "the first" unless provably true
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**Copy prompt:** "What do you believe about solving this problem that most people get wrong?"
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---
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### Slide 5: Product Walkthrough
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**What to include:**
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- 3-4 key workflows that map to the pain from Slide 1
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- Screenshots or product visuals
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- Brief description of what each workflow accomplishes
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**What to avoid:**
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- Showing every feature
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- Dense UI screenshots without callouts
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- Talking about technology instead of outcomes
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**Copy prompt:** "Walk through 3 things the buyer would do in your product in their first week."
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---
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### Slide 6: Proof Points
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**What to include:**
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- Customer logos (aim for recognizable names in their industry)
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- Key metrics: "X% improvement," "Y hours saved," "Z% increase"
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- Analyst recognition, awards, or certifications if relevant
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**What to avoid:**
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- Unsubstantiated claims
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- Too many logos without context
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- Vanity metrics that don't relate to the buyer's pain
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**Copy prompt:** "What are 3 numbers that prove your product works?"
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---
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### Slide 7: Case Study
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**What to include:**
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- One customer story told well: challenge, solution, results
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- Specific metrics (before and after)
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- Customer quote if available
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- Choose a customer similar to the prospect
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**What to avoid:**
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- Multiple case studies crammed into one slide
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- Generic outcomes without specifics
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- Customers from irrelevant industries
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**Copy prompt:** "Tell the story of one customer who went from struggling to succeeding with your product."
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---
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### Slide 8: Implementation / Timeline
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**What to include:**
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- Clear phases with timeline (e.g., Week 1: Setup, Week 2-3: Integration, Week 4: Live)
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- What's required from their side vs. yours
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- Support resources available
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**What to avoid:**
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- Overcomplicating the process
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- Hiding time requirements
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- Skipping the "what do I need to do?" question
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**Copy prompt:** "How does a customer get from signing to live? What does each week look like?"
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---
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### Slide 9: ROI / Value
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**What to include:**
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- Expected return based on their inputs or industry benchmarks
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- Payback period
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- Total value over 1-3 years
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- Comparison to cost of inaction
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**What to avoid:**
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- Unrealistic projections
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- ROI without showing your math
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- Generic numbers not tied to their situation
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**Copy prompt:** "If they buy today, what does the next 12 months look like in dollars and hours?"
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---
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### Slide 10: Pricing Overview
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**What to include:**
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- Pricing tiers or structure
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- What's included at each level
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- Recommended plan for their situation
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**What to avoid:**
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- Burying the price or being cagey
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- Too many options (3 tiers max)
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- Surprising them with hidden costs
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**Copy prompt:** "What does it cost, what do they get, and which plan is right for them?"
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---
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### Slide 11: Next Steps / CTA
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**What to include:**
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- Specific next action with timeline ("Start a pilot next week")
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- What happens after they say yes
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- Your contact information
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**What to avoid:**
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- Vague CTAs ("Let's stay in touch")
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- Multiple competing next steps
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- Ending without energy
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**Copy prompt:** "What is the one thing you want them to do after this meeting?"
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---
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## Persona Customization Guide
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### Technical Buyer Deck
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**Add:**
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- Architecture diagram slide after Product Walkthrough
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- Security and compliance details
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- Integration ecosystem and API capabilities
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- Technical implementation requirements
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**Remove or minimize:**
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- ROI calculations (they care about capability, not cost)
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- High-level market trends (they want specifics)
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**Adjust tone:** Precise, no fluff, respect their expertise. Avoid marketing superlatives.
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### Economic Buyer Deck
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**Add:**
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- Detailed ROI slide with calculations shown
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- Total cost of ownership comparison
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- Risk mitigation and compliance
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- Executive summary slide up front
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**Remove or minimize:**
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- Technical details and architecture
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- Feature-level walkthroughs
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- Implementation specifics (they'll delegate)
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**Adjust tone:** Business-focused, outcome-driven. Speak in dollars and percentages.
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### Champion Deck
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**Add:**
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- "Internal selling" slide — key points for them to present to their team
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- Quick-win slide — what success looks like in 30 days
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- Peer proof — companies like theirs who succeeded
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- Objection pre-handling — common pushback they'll face internally
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**Remove or minimize:**
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- Deep technical or financial detail
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- Anything that requires context they can't relay
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**Adjust tone:** Empowering, equipping. Make them look smart to their boss.
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---
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## Anti-Patterns
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### The Feature Dump
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Every slide is a feature with a screenshot. No story, no "so what," no connection to the buyer's world. Reps click through it; prospects tune out.
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### The Wall of Text
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Slides with 200+ words. Nobody reads them during a presentation. If the slide requires reading, it belongs in a leave-behind.
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### The Missing Story Arc
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Slides exist in isolation — no narrative flow from problem to solution to proof. The deck feels like a brochure, not a conversation.
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### The Generic Screenshot
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Product screenshots without callouts, annotations, or context. The prospect can't tell what they're looking at or why it matters.
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### The Premature Demo
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Jumping to product features before establishing the problem. The buyer has no frame of reference for why your features matter.
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### The Kitchen Sink
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Trying to address every persona, every use case, every feature in one deck. The result is a 40-slide monster that nobody wants to sit through.
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# Demo Script Templates
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Scene-by-scene templates for different call types, with timing, talk tracks, and interaction guidance.
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## Discovery Call Script
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**Duration:** 30 minutes
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**Goal:** Qualify the opportunity, understand pain, map the buying process.
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### Scene 1: Opening (3 min)
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**Talk track:**
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> "Thanks for taking the time, [Name]. I've done some research on [Company] but I'd love to hear from you directly. My goal for today is to understand what you're working on and see if there's a fit — and if there's not, I'll tell you that too. Sound good?"
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**What to establish:**
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- Set the agenda and time expectation
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- Position yourself as a peer, not a pitch person
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- Get permission to ask questions
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---
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### Scene 2: Situation Questions (7 min)
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**Questions to ask:**
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- "Can you walk me through how your team handles [relevant process] today?"
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- "What tools are you currently using for this?"
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- "How many people are involved in this workflow?"
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- "How long has this been in place?"
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**What you're listening for:**
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- Current process and tools
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- Team size and structure
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- How established (and how entrenched) the current approach is
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---
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### Scene 3: Pain Identification (10 min)
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**Questions to ask:**
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- "What's the biggest challenge with that process today?"
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- "When that breaks down, what happens?"
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- "How much time does your team spend on [specific task] per week?"
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- "What have you tried to fix this?"
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- "If you could wave a magic wand, what would change?"
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**What you're listening for:**
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- Specific, quantifiable pain points
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- Emotional frustration (not just logical problems)
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- Failed attempts to solve this (shows urgency)
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- The "magic wand" answer reveals their ideal state
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**Interaction tip:** Take notes visibly. Repeat back what you hear: "So if I understand correctly, the biggest issue is [X], which costs you about [Y] per month. Is that right?"
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---
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### Scene 4: Impact & Priority (5 min)
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**Questions to ask:**
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- "Where does solving this sit on your priority list this quarter?"
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- "What happens if you don't solve this in the next 6 months?"
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- "Who else is affected by this problem?"
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- "Is there budget allocated for solving this?"
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**What you're listening for:**
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- Priority level (nice-to-have vs. must-solve)
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- Urgency and consequences of inaction
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- Organizational breadth of the problem
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- Budget signals
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---
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### Scene 5: Buying Process (3 min)
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**Questions to ask:**
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- "If you decided this was the right solution, what does the evaluation process look like?"
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- "Who else would be involved in the decision?"
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- "Have you evaluated solutions for this before?"
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- "What's your timeline for making a decision?"
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**What you're listening for:**
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- Decision-making process and stakeholders
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- Past evaluation experience (and why they didn't buy)
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- Timeline for decision
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---
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### Scene 6: Close (2 min)
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**Talk track:**
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> "Based on what you've shared, I think there's a strong fit — specifically around [pain point 1] and [pain point 2]. What I'd suggest as a next step is a 30-minute demo where I can show you exactly how we'd address those. I'll customize it to your workflow. Does [specific date/time] work?"
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**What to do:**
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- Summarize the 2-3 key pain points
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- Propose a specific next step with a date
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- Send a calendar invite before you hang up
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---
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## First Demo Script
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**Duration:** 30-45 minutes
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**Goal:** Show how your product solves their specific pain. Advance to evaluation/pilot.
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### Scene 1: Opening & Recap (5 min)
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**Talk track:**
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> "Last time we spoke, you mentioned [pain point 1], [pain point 2], and [goal]. I've put together a demo focused on those three areas. If I've missed anything, flag it and we'll adjust. Sound good?"
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**What to do:**
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- Recap discovery findings to show you listened
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- Confirm priorities haven't changed
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- Set expectation for what they'll see
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---
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### Scene 2: Workflow 1 — Primary Pain Point (10 min)
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**Structure:**
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1. Restate the pain: "You mentioned [specific problem]..."
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2. Show the solution: Walk through the workflow step by step
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3. Highlight the outcome: "This means [specific benefit]..."
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**Interaction point (at the 5-min mark):**
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> "How does this compare to how you're handling it today?"
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**What to avoid:**
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- Showing every feature of this section
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- Getting lost in settings or configuration
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- Talking for more than 3 minutes without asking a question
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---
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### Scene 3: Workflow 2 — Secondary Pain Point (8 min)
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**Structure:**
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Same as Workflow 1 — restate pain, show solution, highlight outcome.
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**Interaction point:**
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> "Is this the kind of visibility your team has been asking for?"
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---
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### Scene 4: Workflow 3 — Differentiator (7 min)
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**Structure:**
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Show something they can't do today and can't get from competitors.
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**Talk track:**
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> "This is where we're really different from [competitor/status quo]. [Explain the unique capability]. For example, [Customer] uses this to [specific outcome]."
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**Interaction point:**
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> "How would your team use this?"
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---
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### Scene 5: Proof Point (3 min)
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**Talk track:**
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> "Let me share a quick example. [Customer similar to them] was in a similar situation — [brief challenge]. After implementing, they saw [specific metrics]. Their [role] said [quote]."
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**What to do:**
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- Choose a case study that matches their industry, size, or use case
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- Keep it brief — this is reinforcement, not a presentation
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---
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### Scene 6: Close (5 min)
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**Talk track:**
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> "Based on what we've covered, here's what I'd recommend as next steps: [specific next step]. This typically takes [timeline]. Who else on your team should be involved? I can set up a [follow-up meeting type] for [date]."
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**What to do:**
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- Propose a specific next step (not "let me know")
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- Identify additional stakeholders to involve
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- Set a follow-up date before ending the call
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- Send recap email within 2 hours
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---
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## Technical Deep-Dive Script
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**Duration:** 45-60 minutes
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**Goal:** Satisfy technical evaluation criteria. Address architecture, security, and integration concerns.
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### Scene 1: Opening (3 min)
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**Talk track:**
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> "I know your goal today is to understand the technical details — architecture, security, integrations, and how this fits your stack. I'll walk through each area and leave plenty of time for questions. What's your top priority for this session?"
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**Attendees:** Typically includes their technical evaluator (engineer, architect, IT lead) plus your SE or solutions engineer.
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---
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### Scene 2: Architecture Overview (10 min)
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**Cover:**
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- High-level architecture diagram
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- Infrastructure and hosting (cloud provider, regions)
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- Data flow and storage
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- Scalability approach
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- Uptime SLA and reliability track record
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**Interaction point:**
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> "How does this compare to your current infrastructure requirements?"
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---
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### Scene 3: Security & Compliance (10 min)
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**Cover:**
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- Certifications (SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, etc.)
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- Data encryption (at rest, in transit)
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- Access controls and authentication (SSO, RBAC)
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- Audit logging
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- Data residency and privacy (GDPR, CCPA)
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- Penetration testing cadence
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**Interaction point:**
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> "What are your must-have security requirements? I want to make sure we address them specifically."
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---
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### Scene 4: Integrations & API (15 min)
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**Cover:**
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- Native integrations relevant to their stack
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- API capabilities (REST, GraphQL, webhooks)
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- Authentication methods
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- Rate limits and data sync frequency
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- Live demo of relevant integration
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**Interaction point:**
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> "Walk me through your current stack — I want to map out exactly how we'd fit in."
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---
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### Scene 5: Implementation & Migration (5 min)
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**Cover:**
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- Implementation timeline and phases
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- Data migration process
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- Configuration requirements
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- Training and onboarding
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- Ongoing support model
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||||
**Interaction point:**
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||||
> "What does your team's capacity look like for implementation? That helps me scope the right timeline."
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||||
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||||
---
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### Scene 6: Q&A and Close (10 min)
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**Talk track:**
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||||
> "What questions do I need to answer for you to feel confident about the technical fit?"
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**What to do:**
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- Answer directly — if you don't know, say so and follow up
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- Document all questions for follow-up
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- Propose next step (security review, proof of concept, pilot)
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- Send technical documentation summary within 24 hours
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||||
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||||
---
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## Executive Overview Script
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||||
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||||
**Duration:** 20-30 minutes
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**Goal:** Get executive buy-in on the business case. Advance to budget approval or decision.
|
||||
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||||
### Scene 1: Opening (2 min)
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||||
**Talk track:**
|
||||
> "Thanks for your time, [Name]. [Champion] has been evaluating [your product] and the results look strong. I'll keep this focused on the business impact and what a partnership looks like. I know your time is valuable so I'll aim to leave 10 minutes for questions."
|
||||
|
||||
**What to do:**
|
||||
- Be concise — executives punish rambling
|
||||
- Reference the champion and work done so far
|
||||
- Set a clear agenda
|
||||
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
### Scene 2: The Problem & Cost (5 min)
|
||||
|
||||
**Talk track:**
|
||||
> "Based on what [Champion] shared, your team is spending [X hours/$ amount] on [problem]. That's [annual cost]. It's also creating [secondary impact: risk, delays, churn]. This isn't unique to you — it's an industry-wide challenge, and the companies solving it are seeing [outcome]."
|
||||
|
||||
**What to do:**
|
||||
- Use their numbers, not generic benchmarks
|
||||
- Connect to metrics they care about (revenue, cost, risk)
|
||||
- Keep it to 2-3 key points
|
||||
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
### Scene 3: The Solution & Differentiation (5 min)
|
||||
|
||||
**Talk track:**
|
||||
> "Here's what we do differently. [One-sentence explanation]. For your team specifically, this means [specific benefit 1] and [specific benefit 2]. [Champion]'s team has already seen [early result or reaction from evaluation]."
|
||||
|
||||
**What to do:**
|
||||
- High-level, not feature-level
|
||||
- Tie to their strategic priorities
|
||||
- Reference the champion's evaluation
|
||||
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
### Scene 4: ROI & Business Case (5 min)
|
||||
|
||||
**Talk track:**
|
||||
> "Here's the business case. Based on your team's numbers: [walk through ROI calculation]. Expected payback period is [X months]. Over 3 years, the total value is [$ amount]. [Customer similar to them] saw [specific result] within [timeframe]."
|
||||
|
||||
**What to do:**
|
||||
- Show the math, not just the conclusion
|
||||
- Use conservative estimates (executives discount inflated numbers)
|
||||
- One strong case study, not three weak ones
|
||||
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
### Scene 5: Q&A and Decision (5-10 min)
|
||||
|
||||
**Talk track:**
|
||||
> "What questions do you have? And — assuming the business case holds up, what does the decision process look like from here?"
|
||||
|
||||
**What to do:**
|
||||
- Listen more than talk
|
||||
- Answer concisely
|
||||
- Get a clear next step and timeline
|
||||
- Thank the champion in front of the executive
|
||||
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
## Interaction Point Guidance
|
||||
|
||||
### When to Ask Questions During Demos
|
||||
|
||||
- **After showing each workflow** — "How does this compare to your current process?"
|
||||
- **When you see a reaction** — "I noticed you reacted to that — what are you thinking?"
|
||||
- **Before moving to the next section** — "Any questions on this before we move on?"
|
||||
- **When showing a differentiator** — "How would your team use this?"
|
||||
- **At the midpoint** — "Are we covering the right things, or should we adjust?"
|
||||
|
||||
### Questions NOT to Ask During Demos
|
||||
|
||||
- "Does that make sense?" (patronizing)
|
||||
- "Are you still with me?" (implies they're lost)
|
||||
- "Isn't that cool?" (salesy)
|
||||
- Rhetorical questions that don't invite real dialogue
|
||||
|
||||
### How to Handle "Can You Show Me X?"
|
||||
|
||||
When a prospect asks to see something during the demo:
|
||||
|
||||
1. **If it's quick** — show it now, then return to your flow
|
||||
2. **If it's a tangent** — "Great question. Let me note that and show you after the main flow so we stay on track."
|
||||
3. **If it's not possible** — "We don't do that today. Here's how customers handle it: [alternative]."
|
||||
|
||||
Never say "I'll get back to you" without writing it down and following up within 24 hours.
|
||||
@@ -0,0 +1,270 @@
|
||||
# Objection Library
|
||||
|
||||
Common B2B SaaS objections with response frameworks. Organized by category for quick reference.
|
||||
|
||||
## Quick-Reference Table
|
||||
|
||||
For live calls. Find the objection, scan the response, reference the proof.
|
||||
|
||||
| Objection | Response (1-line) | Proof Point |
|
||||
|-----------|--------------------|-------------|
|
||||
| "Too expensive" | "Compared to what? Let's look at what the problem costs you today." | ROI case study showing payback in X months |
|
||||
| "No budget" | "When budget opens up, what would need to be true for this to be a priority?" | Customer who started with a pilot to prove value |
|
||||
| "Competitor is cheaper" | "They are — here's what you give up at that price point." | Feature comparison + customer who switched |
|
||||
| "Not the right time" | "What changes next quarter that makes it better timing?" | Cost-of-delay calculation |
|
||||
| "Maybe next quarter" | "Happy to reconnect. What would a pilot look like before then?" | Customer who started small and expanded |
|
||||
| "We use X already" | "How's that working for [specific pain area]?" | Customer who switched from X |
|
||||
| "What makes you different?" | "For teams like yours, the biggest difference is [specific differentiator]." | Side-by-side comparison for their use case |
|
||||
| "Need to check with my boss" | "Absolutely. What would help you make the case? I can send materials." | Champion one-pager, ROI calculator |
|
||||
| "The committee decides" | "Who's on the committee and what does each person care about?" | Multi-persona case study |
|
||||
| "What we have works fine" | "It does work — the question is whether it's costing you more than it should." | Benchmark data showing efficiency gaps |
|
||||
| "Not broken, don't fix it" | "Agreed — this isn't about fixing, it's about the opportunity cost of the current approach." | Customer who didn't know what they were missing |
|
||||
| "Does it integrate with X?" | "Yes / Let me check and get you specifics by end of day." | Integration documentation, customer using same stack |
|
||||
| "Security concerns" | "Completely fair. Here's our security overview — happy to loop in our team." | SOC 2 report, security whitepaper |
|
||||
| "Can it scale?" | "We serve companies from [small] to [large]. Here's an example at your scale." | Case study at similar scale |
|
||||
| "We tried something like this before" | "What went wrong? Understanding that helps me show how we're different." | Customer with same failed experience who succeeded with you |
|
||||
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
## Detailed Objection Responses
|
||||
|
||||
### Price Objections
|
||||
|
||||
#### "It's too expensive"
|
||||
|
||||
**Why they say it:** May be genuine budget constraint, sticker shock, or negotiation tactic. Often means they don't yet see enough value to justify the cost.
|
||||
|
||||
**Response approach:**
|
||||
1. Don't defend the price immediately. Ask "Compared to what?"
|
||||
2. Reframe from cost to investment — what does the problem cost them today?
|
||||
3. Walk through the ROI calculation together
|
||||
4. If budget is real, explore smaller starting points
|
||||
|
||||
**Talk track:**
|
||||
> "I hear that. Let me ask — what's the cost of the problem we discussed? You mentioned your team spends [X hours] on [task] every week. At your team's loaded cost, that's roughly [$ amount] per year. Our solution runs [$ price] — so the question is whether eliminating that problem is worth the investment."
|
||||
|
||||
**Proof point:** ROI calculator or case study showing payback period.
|
||||
|
||||
**Follow-up question:** "If the ROI was clear, is this something you'd prioritize this quarter?"
|
||||
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
#### "We don't have budget for this"
|
||||
|
||||
**Why they say it:** Budget may genuinely be allocated. Or they haven't identified budget because priority isn't established.
|
||||
|
||||
**Response approach:**
|
||||
1. Validate — budget constraints are real
|
||||
2. Understand timing — when does budget cycle reset?
|
||||
3. Explore alternatives — pilot, smaller scope, different budget line
|
||||
4. Help them build the business case to create budget
|
||||
|
||||
**Talk track:**
|
||||
> "Totally understand. Two questions: When does your next budget cycle open? And — if we could show clear ROI with a limited pilot, is that something you could fund from a different line item? Sometimes teams fund this from the efficiency savings it creates."
|
||||
|
||||
**Proof point:** Customer who started with a small pilot and expanded after proving ROI.
|
||||
|
||||
**Follow-up question:** "Would it help if I put together an ROI brief you could share with your finance team?"
|
||||
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
#### "Competitor X is cheaper"
|
||||
|
||||
**Why they say it:** They're comparing prices, possibly without comparing capabilities. May be using competitor price as leverage.
|
||||
|
||||
**Response approach:**
|
||||
1. Acknowledge the price difference — don't pretend it doesn't exist
|
||||
2. Shift to total cost of ownership and value delivered
|
||||
3. Highlight what they lose at the lower price point
|
||||
4. Share proof from customers who evaluated both
|
||||
|
||||
**Talk track:**
|
||||
> "You're right, [Competitor] is less expensive. Here's what I've seen from teams who evaluated both: [Competitor] works well for [their strength]. Where it falls short is [specific gap]. Customers like [name] actually switched to us after starting with [Competitor] because [specific reason]. The question is whether [specific capability] is worth the difference for your team."
|
||||
|
||||
**Proof point:** Customer who switched from the competitor, with specific reasons.
|
||||
|
||||
**Follow-up question:** "What's most important to your team — the lowest price or the best fit for [their specific need]?"
|
||||
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
### Timing Objections
|
||||
|
||||
#### "Not the right time"
|
||||
|
||||
**Why they say it:** Competing priorities, organizational change, genuine capacity constraint, or lack of urgency.
|
||||
|
||||
**Response approach:**
|
||||
1. Understand what's competing for their attention
|
||||
2. Quantify the cost of waiting
|
||||
3. Explore low-commitment next steps that keep momentum
|
||||
4. Set a concrete follow-up date
|
||||
|
||||
**Talk track:**
|
||||
> "I get it — timing matters. Can I ask what's taking priority right now? The reason I bring up timing is that every month of [problem], based on our earlier conversation, costs your team roughly [$ amount]. A 3-month delay is [$ amount]. What if we mapped out a start date that works with your calendar so you're not losing that value?"
|
||||
|
||||
**Proof point:** Cost-of-delay calculation based on their specific numbers.
|
||||
|
||||
**Follow-up question:** "What would need to change for this to move up in priority?"
|
||||
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
#### "Maybe next quarter"
|
||||
|
||||
**Why they say it:** Genuine scheduling, or a polite way of saying "not interested enough right now."
|
||||
|
||||
**Response approach:**
|
||||
1. Accept the timeline gracefully
|
||||
2. Propose a small action now that maintains momentum
|
||||
3. Get a specific date for follow-up
|
||||
4. Send value in the meantime (content, benchmarks, insights)
|
||||
|
||||
**Talk track:**
|
||||
> "Next quarter works. To make sure we hit the ground running, would it make sense to do [small next step] now? That way when Q[X] starts, you're not starting from scratch. I'll also send over [relevant content] in the meantime. Can we lock in [specific date] to reconnect?"
|
||||
|
||||
**Proof point:** Customer who started the evaluation process early and was live by their target date.
|
||||
|
||||
**Follow-up question:** "Is there anything I can send between now and then that would be helpful?"
|
||||
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
### Competition Objections
|
||||
|
||||
#### "We already use X"
|
||||
|
||||
**Why they say it:** They have an existing solution and switching has real costs. May be satisfied, or may have frustrations they haven't voiced.
|
||||
|
||||
**Response approach:**
|
||||
1. Don't trash the competitor — ask how it's working
|
||||
2. Probe for specific pain points with their current solution
|
||||
3. Position as complementary if possible, replacement if not
|
||||
4. Offer a side-by-side comparison or trial
|
||||
|
||||
**Talk track:**
|
||||
> "How's that working for you? Specifically, when it comes to [area where you're stronger] — is that meeting your needs? The reason I ask is that most teams who come to us from [Competitor] tell us [specific pain point] was the tipping point. Not saying that's you, but worth exploring."
|
||||
|
||||
**Proof point:** Customer who switched from that specific competitor.
|
||||
|
||||
**Follow-up question:** "If you could change one thing about your current setup, what would it be?"
|
||||
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
#### "What makes you different?"
|
||||
|
||||
**Why they say it:** They're evaluating options and want a clear differentiator. Sometimes a genuine question, sometimes a test.
|
||||
|
||||
**Response approach:**
|
||||
1. Don't list features — give the one thing that matters most for their situation
|
||||
2. Tie the differentiator to their specific pain
|
||||
3. Back it up with proof
|
||||
4. Offer to show, not just tell
|
||||
|
||||
**Talk track:**
|
||||
> "For teams like yours — [their industry/size/use case] — the biggest difference is [specific differentiator]. That matters because [connection to their pain]. For example, [Customer] was evaluating us alongside [Competitor] and chose us because [specific reason]. Want me to walk you through how that works?"
|
||||
|
||||
**Proof point:** Case study of a customer who chose you over alternatives.
|
||||
|
||||
**Follow-up question:** "What's the most important criteria for your decision?"
|
||||
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
### Authority Objections
|
||||
|
||||
#### "I need to check with my boss"
|
||||
|
||||
**Why they say it:** They may not be the decision maker, or they need internal buy-in to proceed. Could also be a stall tactic.
|
||||
|
||||
**Response approach:**
|
||||
1. Support them, don't pressure them
|
||||
2. Arm them with materials to sell internally
|
||||
3. Offer to join a meeting with their boss
|
||||
4. Understand what their boss cares about
|
||||
|
||||
**Talk track:**
|
||||
> "Absolutely — what would help you make the case? I can put together a one-pager that covers the ROI and addresses the concerns your boss is likely to have. Also happy to jump on a quick call with them if that would be helpful. What does your boss typically prioritize — cost savings, risk reduction, or efficiency?"
|
||||
|
||||
**Proof point:** Champion enablement one-pager, ROI calculator.
|
||||
|
||||
**Follow-up question:** "What questions do you think your boss will ask?"
|
||||
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
#### "A committee decides this"
|
||||
|
||||
**Why they say it:** Enterprise buying involves multiple stakeholders. Genuine process, not a brush-off.
|
||||
|
||||
**Response approach:**
|
||||
1. Map the buying committee — who's involved and what each person cares about
|
||||
2. Provide persona-specific materials
|
||||
3. Offer to present to the committee
|
||||
4. Help your champion navigate the internal process
|
||||
|
||||
**Talk track:**
|
||||
> "That makes sense. Can you walk me through who's on the committee and what each person cares about? I can tailor materials for each stakeholder so you're not doing all the heavy lifting. I've also got a deck designed for executive presentations if that would be useful."
|
||||
|
||||
**Proof point:** Multi-stakeholder case study showing how different personas were addressed.
|
||||
|
||||
**Follow-up question:** "Who on the committee is most likely to push back, and what would their concern be?"
|
||||
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
### Status Quo Objections
|
||||
|
||||
#### "What we have works fine"
|
||||
|
||||
**Why they say it:** Inertia is real. The current solution may be adequate, and change has real costs.
|
||||
|
||||
**Response approach:**
|
||||
1. Agree — don't argue with their experience
|
||||
2. Shift from "broken vs. fixed" to "good vs. great"
|
||||
3. Introduce the concept of opportunity cost
|
||||
4. Show what peers are achieving
|
||||
|
||||
**Talk track:**
|
||||
> "It probably does work — and I wouldn't suggest changing something that's truly meeting your needs. The question I'd ask is: is 'works fine' the bar? Teams using [your product] are seeing [specific outcome]. If you're leaving [X% improvement] on the table, is that worth exploring?"
|
||||
|
||||
**Proof point:** Benchmark data showing what's possible vs. status quo.
|
||||
|
||||
**Follow-up question:** "If there were one area where your current approach could be better, what would it be?"
|
||||
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
### Technical Objections
|
||||
|
||||
#### "Does it integrate with X?"
|
||||
|
||||
**Why they say it:** Integration is a real requirement. They need to know your product fits their stack.
|
||||
|
||||
**Response approach:**
|
||||
1. Answer directly — yes, no, or "let me check"
|
||||
2. If yes, provide specifics (native, API, Zapier, etc.)
|
||||
3. If no, explain alternatives or workarounds
|
||||
4. Never bluff — they'll find out during evaluation
|
||||
|
||||
**Talk track (if yes):**
|
||||
> "Yes, we integrate with [X] natively. It takes about [time] to set up. [Customer] runs the same stack and here's how they have it configured."
|
||||
|
||||
**Talk track (if no):**
|
||||
> "We don't have a native integration with [X] today. Here's what customers typically do: [alternative]. We also have an open API that [description]. Would it help to get our technical team on a call to explore options?"
|
||||
|
||||
**Proof point:** Customer using the same tech stack, integration documentation.
|
||||
|
||||
**Follow-up question:** "What other tools are in your stack that we'd need to work with?"
|
||||
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
#### "We have security concerns"
|
||||
|
||||
**Why they say it:** Legitimate concern, especially in regulated industries or enterprise. Non-negotiable for many buyers.
|
||||
|
||||
**Response approach:**
|
||||
1. Take it seriously — never dismiss security concerns
|
||||
2. Provide documentation proactively (SOC 2, security whitepaper)
|
||||
3. Offer to loop in your security team
|
||||
4. Ask about their specific requirements
|
||||
|
||||
**Talk track:**
|
||||
> "That's exactly the right question to ask. Here's our security overview — we're [SOC 2 Type II / ISO 27001 / etc.] certified, and I can share our full security documentation. We also have a security team that's happy to do a review call with your infosec team. What are your specific requirements?"
|
||||
|
||||
**Proof point:** Security certifications, compliance documentation, customers in regulated industries.
|
||||
|
||||
**Follow-up question:** "Do you have a security questionnaire you'd like us to fill out?"
|
||||
@@ -0,0 +1,208 @@
|
||||
# One-Pager Templates
|
||||
|
||||
Templates for different one-pager use cases, with layout guidance and copy prompts.
|
||||
|
||||
## Product Overview One-Pager
|
||||
|
||||
The default one-pager. Introduces your product to someone who knows nothing about you.
|
||||
|
||||
### Structure
|
||||
|
||||
```
|
||||
[Logo] [Tagline]
|
||||
|
||||
HEADLINE: One sentence describing what you do and who it's for.
|
||||
|
||||
THE PROBLEM
|
||||
2-3 sentences describing the pain your buyer faces.
|
||||
|
||||
THE SOLUTION
|
||||
2-3 sentences describing how your product solves it.
|
||||
|
||||
WHY [YOUR PRODUCT]
|
||||
• Differentiator 1 — One sentence explaining the benefit
|
||||
• Differentiator 2 — One sentence explaining the benefit
|
||||
• Differentiator 3 — One sentence explaining the benefit
|
||||
|
||||
PROOF
|
||||
"Customer quote with specific result." — Name, Title, Company
|
||||
[Optional: 2-3 metric callouts: "X% improvement", "Y hours saved"]
|
||||
|
||||
[CTA Button/Link] [Contact: name@company.com]
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
### Copy Prompts
|
||||
|
||||
- Headline: "What do you do, in one sentence, that makes someone say 'tell me more'?"
|
||||
- Problem: "What is your buyer struggling with before they find you?"
|
||||
- Differentiators: "If you could only tell them 3 things, what would make them choose you?"
|
||||
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
## Use-Case Specific One-Pager
|
||||
|
||||
Tailored to a specific workflow, vertical, or problem. More targeted than the product overview.
|
||||
|
||||
### Structure
|
||||
|
||||
```
|
||||
[Logo] [Use Case: e.g., "For Sales Teams"]
|
||||
|
||||
HEADLINE: How [your product] helps [persona] [achieve outcome].
|
||||
|
||||
THE CHALLENGE
|
||||
When [persona] needs to [task], they face [specific pain].
|
||||
This leads to [consequence]: [time wasted / money lost / risk].
|
||||
|
||||
HOW IT WORKS
|
||||
1. [Step 1] — What happens and why it matters
|
||||
2. [Step 2] — What happens and why it matters
|
||||
3. [Step 3] — What happens and why it matters
|
||||
|
||||
RESULTS
|
||||
• [Metric 1]: Before → After
|
||||
• [Metric 2]: Before → After
|
||||
• [Metric 3]: Before → After
|
||||
|
||||
CUSTOMER SPOTLIGHT
|
||||
"Quote about this specific use case." — Name, Title, Company
|
||||
|
||||
[CTA: "See it in action" or "Start a pilot"] [Contact info]
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
### When to Use
|
||||
|
||||
- Different buyer personas need different one-pagers
|
||||
- Industry-specific versions (healthcare, fintech, e-commerce)
|
||||
- Use-case versions (reporting, onboarding, security)
|
||||
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
## Post-Meeting Leave-Behind
|
||||
|
||||
Designed to reinforce a conversation that already happened. Summarizes what you discussed and proposes next steps.
|
||||
|
||||
### Structure
|
||||
|
||||
```
|
||||
[Logo] [Date of Meeting]
|
||||
|
||||
MEETING RECAP: [Company Name]
|
||||
|
||||
WHAT WE DISCUSSED
|
||||
• [Pain point 1 they mentioned]
|
||||
• [Pain point 2 they mentioned]
|
||||
• [Goal they're trying to achieve]
|
||||
|
||||
HOW [YOUR PRODUCT] HELPS
|
||||
• [Solution to pain 1] — [Specific capability or workflow]
|
||||
• [Solution to pain 2] — [Specific capability or workflow]
|
||||
• [How you help them reach their goal]
|
||||
|
||||
RELEVANT PROOF
|
||||
"Quote from a similar customer." — Name, Title, Company
|
||||
[1-2 metrics from a similar customer]
|
||||
|
||||
PROPOSED NEXT STEPS
|
||||
1. [Next step with date]
|
||||
2. [Follow-up action]
|
||||
3. [Decision timeline]
|
||||
|
||||
[Your name] | [Your title] | [Email] | [Phone]
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
### Tips
|
||||
|
||||
- Send within 24 hours of the meeting
|
||||
- Reference specific things they said (shows you listened)
|
||||
- Keep proposed next steps concrete and time-bound
|
||||
- This is the asset your champion forwards to their boss
|
||||
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
## Champion Enablement One-Pager
|
||||
|
||||
Designed specifically for your internal champion to share with their team and leadership. Written to make them look smart.
|
||||
|
||||
### Structure
|
||||
|
||||
```
|
||||
[Logo]
|
||||
|
||||
WHY WE'RE EVALUATING [YOUR PRODUCT]
|
||||
|
||||
THE SITUATION
|
||||
[2-3 sentences about the internal challenge, written as if the champion
|
||||
is explaining it to their team. Use "we" and "our" language.]
|
||||
|
||||
WHAT [YOUR PRODUCT] DOES
|
||||
[1-2 sentences. Plain language, no jargon.]
|
||||
|
||||
WHY THIS SOLUTION
|
||||
• [Reason 1] — How it solves our specific problem
|
||||
• [Reason 2] — How it compares to what we do today
|
||||
• [Reason 3] — How it compares to alternatives we evaluated
|
||||
|
||||
EXPECTED IMPACT
|
||||
• [Metric]: Current state → Expected state
|
||||
• [Metric]: Current state → Expected state
|
||||
• [Time to value]: Live within [X weeks]
|
||||
|
||||
WHO ELSE USES IT
|
||||
[2-3 recognizable company names in their industry]
|
||||
"Relevant customer quote." — Name, Title, Company
|
||||
|
||||
NEXT STEPS
|
||||
• [What we're doing next]
|
||||
• [What we need from the team]
|
||||
• [Decision timeline]
|
||||
|
||||
Questions? Talk to [Champion name] or [Your name at email].
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
### Why This Works
|
||||
|
||||
- Written in the champion's voice, not yours
|
||||
- Answers the questions their boss will ask
|
||||
- Includes peer proof from companies they respect
|
||||
- Clear ask and timeline to drive internal momentum
|
||||
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
## Layout Guidance
|
||||
|
||||
### Visual Hierarchy
|
||||
|
||||
1. **Headline** — Largest text, top of page, immediately communicates value
|
||||
2. **Section headers** — Bold, clear, act as scannable anchors
|
||||
3. **Body text** — Short sentences, bullet points preferred over paragraphs
|
||||
4. **Proof elements** — Metrics and quotes should visually stand out (larger font, color, or callout box)
|
||||
5. **CTA** — Prominent placement, bottom of page or bottom-right
|
||||
|
||||
### Whitespace
|
||||
|
||||
- Margins: at least 0.75" on all sides
|
||||
- Space between sections: enough to visually separate (don't cram)
|
||||
- If it feels crowded, cut content. Never shrink font below 9pt.
|
||||
|
||||
### Font Sizing
|
||||
|
||||
| Element | Suggested Size |
|
||||
|---------|---------------|
|
||||
| Headline | 18-24pt |
|
||||
| Section headers | 12-14pt bold |
|
||||
| Body text | 10-11pt |
|
||||
| Fine print / footer | 8-9pt |
|
||||
|
||||
### Color
|
||||
|
||||
- Use brand colors for headers and accents
|
||||
- Keep body text dark (black or near-black) on white
|
||||
- Limit accent colors to 1-2 for visual consistency
|
||||
- Use color to draw attention to metrics and CTAs
|
||||
|
||||
### File Format
|
||||
|
||||
- **PDF** for email attachments and leave-behinds
|
||||
- **Google Slides / PowerPoint** for editable versions reps can customize
|
||||
- Always include both — reps will customize, prospects want clean PDFs
|
||||
Reference in New Issue
Block a user