Email Phrases to Build Trust and Move Projects Forward

A few words nearly cost me a deal. I thought I was being polite. Friendly. Respectful of their time. But what I said came across as vague, uncertain—and maybe even a little desperate. I had emailed a prospect with: “Just checking in to see if you had any thoughts…” Nothing. No reply. Later, on a call, they told me: “We weren’t quite sure what you were asking for—it felt more like a gentle nudge than a clear next step. In the meantime, we connected with another partner.” That moment stuck with me and changed everything. Since then, I’ve become much more intentional about the language I use and how even small changes can have a big impact. Am I perfect? Definitely not. But I’ve learned that the right words can shift how we’re perceived and how effectively we connect. Here are a few common phrases that may be quietly working against us—and what to say instead: 🔴 “Just checking in / Circling back…” ✅ Try: “I wanted to follow up with something that might support what you're working on.” 💬 Example: “You mentioned [pain point]—I found [insight/case study] that might help as you navigate [challenge].” 💡 Why it works: You’re bringing something to the table—not just asking for attention. 🔴 “Would you be open to…?” ✅ Try: “Could I ask for your help with…?” 💬 Example: “Could I ask for your help in connecting with a few of your peers in other divisions?” 💡 Why it works: It’s confident, respectful, and moves the conversation forward. 🔴 “Feel free to…” ✅ Try: “Here’s my availability—let’s find a time that works for you.” 💬 Example: “Would next Tuesday or Thursday work for a quick touch base?” 💡 Why it works: You’re making it easier to say yes—and showing you're serious. These changes are subtle—but powerful. Words matter. In sales, they can build trust… or create distance. The good news? With a few thoughtful swaps, you can shift from chasing to leading. Ring my bell 🔔 to make sure you see my posts

It takes 7 seconds to lose a client's trust. (Sometimes with words that seemed perfectly reasonable.) I've watched smart professionals lose deals they deserved to win. Strong relationships. Perfect fit solutions. Gone in seconds. Because here's what nobody tells you about client conversations: Your words can either open doors or close them. After training 50,000+ client-facing professionals… I've heard every phrase that makes clients pull back. The pushy questions. The tone-deaf assumptions. The pressure that breaks trust instantly. 10 phrases that push clients away: ❌ "Do you have a price range in mind?" ❌ "When can we close this deal?" ❌ "Let me tell you why we're the best." ❌ "Are you ready to buy today?" ❌ "Who else are you talking to?" ❌ "I just wanted to check in.” ❌ "You really need what we offer." ❌ "Let me know if you have any questions." ❌ "This is a limited-time offer." ❌ "Can you introduce me to your boss?" Each one risks sounding like: "I care more about my quota than your success." Now 10 that build partnerships instead: ✅ "What outcomes are most important to you?" ✅ "What would success look like for you?" ✅ "Would it help if I shared how we've helped others?" ✅ "What's your timeline for making progress?" ✅ "What's most important when choosing a partner?" ✅ "I had an idea about your goals. Want to hear it?" ✅ "What challenges are you facing that we might help with?" ✅ "Would it help if we scheduled time to dive deeper?" ✅ "What priorities are driving your timeline?" ✅ "Who else should be part of this conversation?" Notice the pattern? Every better phrase puts the client's agenda first. Not yours. Because when you stop selling and start solving, everything shifts. Clients lean in instead of pulling back. Conversations flow instead of stalling. Trust builds instead of breaking. You don't need a personality transplant. You don't need to become "salesy." You just need to change your questions. Because the truth is: Your next client conversation is either strengthening a partnership or weakening one. Your words decide which. ♻️ Valuable? Repost to help someone in your network. 📌 Follow Mo Bunnell for client-growth strategies that don’t feel like selling. Want the full cheat sheet? Sign up here: https://lnkd.in/e3qRVJRf