Selling remotely? Learn how to navigate asynchronous communication, build rapport, and close deals even when schedules don't align.
Sales used to happen in real-time. You called a prospect, set up a meeting, and made your pitch. It was a straightforward process. But now, things are different. The rise of remote work, global teams, and flexible schedules has made sales asynchronous.
In an asynchronous environment, everyone works at different times. You might send an email on Monday morning, but your prospect does not see it until Tuesday night. Your follow-up call might not happen until Thursday. Conversations stretch out, and momentum feels harder to maintain.
As a sales professional, this can be frustrating. You want quick answers, immediate feedback, and real-time conversations. But the reality of asynchronous work means adapting to a new way of selling.
The good news? You can still win deals. It just takes a different approach.
Why Asynchronous Sales Are Here to Stay
Remote work is not a temporary trend. Many companies have fully remote or hybrid teams. Your prospects may be in different time zones, or they may have flexible schedules that do not align with traditional business hours.
This means:
- Slower Response Times: You may not get replies right away.
- Stretched-Out Sales Cycles: Deals may take longer to close.
- More Written Communication: Emails, messages, and documents become key.
- Less Face-to-Face Interaction: Video calls and asynchronous messages replace in-person meetings.
These changes require a shift in mindset and strategy. Instead of fighting asynchronous sales, learn to work with them.
1. Set Clear Expectations Early
When selling asynchronously, clarity is crucial. Set expectations about communication from the beginning.
Example: "I understand we are on different schedules. I will send updates via email, and you can reply when it works for you. Let’s aim to check in once a week to keep things moving."
This lets your prospect know what to expect. It also reassures them that you respect their time.
2. Use Written Communication Effectively
In asynchronous sales, written communication does a lot of the heavy lifting. Emails, messages, and documents need to be clear and concise.
Tips for Effective Writing:
- Be Specific: Avoid vague language. State exactly what you need.
- Summarize Key Points: Use bullet points to highlight the most important information.
- Provide Context: Explain why you are sending the message and what the next steps are.
- Make It Actionable: End with a clear call to action. Example: "Please let me know by Thursday if you are available for a demo next week."
Good writing reduces confusion and keeps the deal moving forward.
3. Create Asynchronous Touchpoints
In traditional sales, you rely on live calls and meetings. In asynchronous sales, you need other touchpoints.
Examples of Asynchronous Touchpoints:
- Pre-Recorded Demos: Record a demo that your prospect can watch at their convenience.
- Video Updates: Send short videos summarizing progress or answering questions.
- Interactive Proposals: Use tools that allow prospects to review and comment on proposals in their own time.
These touchpoints keep the conversation alive, even when you are not communicating in real-time.
4. Use Automation to Stay Organized
When communication is spread out over days or weeks, it is easy to lose track. Automation can help you stay organized.
How Automation Helps:
- Automated Follow-Ups: Schedule reminders to follow up if you do not hear back.
- Email Sequences: Create sequences that nurture the prospect through the sales process.
- Task Management: Use tools to track tasks and deadlines for each deal.
Automation ensures nothing falls through the cracks, even when responses are delayed.
5. Be Patient and Persistent
Asynchronous sales require patience. You may wait days for a response. That does not mean the deal is dead.
Stay persistent without being pushy. Follow up regularly, but give your prospect time to respond.
Example: "Just checking in on my last email. Let me know if you need more information or if there is a better time to discuss."
Polite persistence keeps you on their radar without overwhelming them.
6. Use Multi-Channel Outreach
Relying on one channel, like email, can slow things down. Use multiple channels to stay connected.
Channels to Consider:
- Email: For detailed updates and follow-ups.
- LinkedIn Messages: For quick check-ins or sharing relevant content.
- SMS or Messaging Apps: For urgent updates or reminders.
- Voice Notes: A personal touch that is faster than typing.
Multi-channel outreach increases your chances of getting a response.
7. Keep the Momentum Going
Deals can lose momentum in asynchronous environments. Keep things moving by always suggesting a next step.
Example: "After you review the demo, let’s schedule a follow-up to answer any questions. Does Tuesday work for you?"
This keeps the process on track and reduces delays.
8. Understand Your Prospect’s Schedule
Learn your prospect’s work patterns. Do they prefer mornings or evenings? Are there certain days they are more responsive?
Once you know their schedule, you can time your messages for maximum impact.
Example: "I noticed you often respond in the mornings. I will aim to send updates the night before so they are in your inbox when you start your day."
This shows consideration and helps you connect more effectively.
9. Track Everything
In asynchronous sales, details matter. Track every interaction, note, and follow-up.
A well-documented process helps you:
- Stay organized.
- Understand where each deal stands.
- Personalize your communication.
How Distrobird Helps You Win in Asynchronous Sales
Selling in asynchronous environments can feel overwhelming. But with the right tools, you can stay organized, responsive, and successful. Distrobird is designed to help you thrive in these situations.
- Centralized Communication: Keep all your emails, calls, and messages in one place.
- Automated Follow-Ups: Never miss a follow-up, even when responses are delayed.
- Multi-Channel Outreach: Manage emails, calls, and messages seamlessly.
- Insights and Analytics: Track interactions and understand what works best.
Distrobird ensures that you stay on top of every deal, no matter how spread out the communication is.
Adapt to the new reality of asynchronous sales. With Distrobird, you can turn different schedules into new opportunities and close more deals.
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