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The One-Question Close
A Simple System for Turning Cold Leads Into Immediate Sales with a Single Email
Ryan Deiss
April 06, 2025 • Read Time: 4 minutes
Want a low-effort, low-risk way to convert old, “dead” leads into closed, cash-in-hand sales today?
Use the One-Question Close.
It’s simple…just send this email:
Subject: Quick question, [First Name]
Hey [Name],
I know we talked about [offer], but it wasn’t the right time. What would need to happen for this to make sense for you now?
-Your Name
That’s it.
No pitch…no pressure.
Just an open-ended question that starts a conversation.
Here’s why it works:
In transforms their previous “No” into a “Not yet,” which gives them the freedom to change their mind without admitting they were “wrong.”
It feels personal, not automated (because it is).
It lets you tailor the offer instead of guessing, because when they reply you (or your sales reps) can have a real conversation.
What will happen?
It depends:
Most won’t reply. That’s ok, you can try again later.
Some will say, "Nothing. Not interested." Great, disqualify them. At least now you know.
Some will reply with their real objection that you can solve and then transform into a reason to buy now.
Either way, you win.
⚡ Action Step: Send the One-Question Close email to 10 old, “cold” leads right now. I bet at least one of them turns into a closed sale and quick cash.
Stop letting broken systems hold you back. Let’s create a plan that “de-bottlenecks” you from your business so you can scale your company…without sacrificing your soul. Schedule a free “Scale Session” today.
Quick Hits
Here’s some other content from the Scalable network you might have missed:
🧰 Tool of the Week: This goal-setting template calculates the exact revenue and profit you need to hit your stated growth targets each quarter.
🧭 Navigating Trump’s Tariffs (and the subtle art of negotiating in public)
🔮 These are the 4 "Founder Types" you need to go from $1M to $10M+ (according to Ryan Deiss)
Want more from us?
Whenever you’re ready, here are 3 ways we can help you scale your business (without sacrificing your soul in the process):
Download the “$200M Operating System Case Study.” This 46-page “manifesto” (and accompanying video) reveals how we’re scaling six (6) different businesses simultaneously inside our $200M holding company using the Scalable Operating System™.
Get a free copy of my book. If your goal is to own a business that can run and scale without you, then Get Scalable is your playbook.
Work 1-on-1 with me and my team. If you’d like direct, 1-on-1 support systemizing and scaling your business, you can get more information and schedule a complimentary Scale Session here.
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