Imagine this: you've meticulously crafted a cold email. You've unearthed the hidden gems of your prospect's company, pinpointed their pain points, and even managed to weave in a timely reference to a recent industry event. You hit send, a surge of confidence coursing through you... only to be met with silence. We've all been there, right? Now, imagine that scenario, but the person you're trying to reach is the Head of Corporate Strategy (HCOS). Suddenly, the stakes are exponentially higher.

Selling to the HCOS is a different ball game. These individuals, the architects of their companies' futures, are bombarded with outreach. Their inboxes overflow with generic pitches. But here's the thing: cracking the code of selling to the HCOS is crucial for B2B brands. Why? Because these are the decision-makers who hold the keys to unlocking those game-changing, enterprise-level deals.

This isn't your run-of-the-mill sales blog post. We're about to embark on a deep dive into a data-driven approach, arming you with actionable templates and revealing the strategies that truly resonate with this discerning audience. Get ready to transform your outreach.

The Head of Corporate Strategy: A Different Breed of Buyer

Let's face it, the Head of Corporate Strategy isn't just another name on your lead list—they're the strategic linchpin, the visionary leader responsible for shaping the destiny of their entire organization.

Tasked with crafting long-term visions, sniffing out lucrative growth opportunities, and forging strategic partnerships, they often report directly to the C-suite. Their decisions carry weight. Their priorities? Let's just say they're a far cry from those of departmental buyers laser-focused on point solutions.

Think of it this way: while a sales manager might be preoccupied with boosting team productivity, the HCOS is playing chess on a grand scale, contemplating how to future-proof their entire business model. They're not interested in incremental improvements; they're seeking transformative solutions.

Imagine, for a moment, that you're pitching a cutting-edge marketing automation platform to an HCOS. A conventional sales pitch, laden with technical jargon and boasting about features, is likely to be met with a resounding thud. Why? Because it fails to address the HCOS's primary concern: strategic impact. However, if you were to reframe your pitch, positioning your solution as the key to unlocking accelerated market penetration, streamlining marketing operations, and delivering quantifiable ROI, you'd have their undivided attention. The secret lies in speaking their language—a language of strategic alignment, tangible business impact, and a vision for the future.

The Evolving B2B Buying Landscape: From Cold Calls to Informed Decisions

The days of relying on slick sales pitches and persuasive cold calls are fading. The B2B buying landscape has undergone a seismic shift, and the HCOS, despite their lofty position, is not immune to its effects. Gartner predicts that by 2025, a staggering 80% of B2B sales interactions will take place in the digital realm—think websites, emails, online platforms, and virtual meetings (The Future of Sales: Digital First Sales Transformation Strategies). That's right, even the most senior executives are embracing the digital-first approach to buying.

What does this mean for you, the intrepid B2B sales professional? It means your prospects, including the highly sought-after Head of Corporate Strategy, are no longer passively waiting for your call. They're out there in the digital wilderness, conducting their own research, devouring analyst reports, scouring competitor websites, and engaging with thought leadership content. And they're doing all of this long before you even know they exist.

This fundamental shift towards digital-first buying has profound implications for your outreach strategy. The HCOS's inbox is already a digital warzone, overflowing with pitches that offer little to no value. To capture their attention, you need to deliver something truly exceptional—hyper-personalized messaging that cuts through the noise, demonstrating a deep understanding of their role, their company's strategic goals, and the competitive landscape they navigate daily.

The Key to Success: Strategic Alignment and Value Demonstration

If you want to sell to the Head of Corporate Strategy, you need to think like a chess grandmaster, always two steps ahead. It's not enough to simply explain what your product or service does; you need to connect the dots between your solution and their overarching business objectives, demonstrating how your offering can help them achieve their strategic goals.

Instead of bombarding them with a laundry list of features, focus on the why behind those features. How can your offering empower them to conquer a new market, expand their market share, or achieve a level of operational efficiency that would make even the most meticulous COO weep with joy? For instance, instead of leading with, "Our software automates marketing tasks," reframe it as, "We help companies like yours achieve faster market penetration by streamlining marketing operations and increasing ROI, freeing up your team to focus on strategic initiatives." By positioning your solution as a strategic enabler, you're speaking directly to the HCOS's core responsibilities and demonstrating a level of understanding that sets you apart.

Crafting High-Converting Email Templates for the Head of Corporate Strategy

Now that we've delved into the strategic mindset required to approach the Head of Corporate Strategy, let's get down to the nitty-gritty: crafting email templates that are so compelling, so insightful, and so laser-focused on their needs that they can't help but hit that "reply" button.

Understanding Your Audience: Research is Key

Before you even think about crafting the perfect subject line or composing a single word of your email copy, remember this: thorough research is non-negotiable. This isn't about spending five minutes skimming their LinkedIn profile; it's about embarking on a digital expedition to uncover the golden nuggets of insight that reveal their strategic priorities, their deepest fears, and the challenges that keep them up at night.

Dig Deeper with These Data Points:

• Company news and announcements: Keep your finger on the pulse of their company's activities, paying close attention to strategic initiatives, high-profile partnerships, or acquisitions that provide a glimpse into their future direction. Are they expanding into new markets? Investing heavily in R&D? These moves speak volumes about their priorities.
• Industry trends and challenges: Every industry faces its own unique set of challenges and opportunities. What are the major forces shaping their industry, and how are those trends impacting their role and responsibilities? Are they grappling with new regulations, disruptive technologies, or shifting consumer behaviors? Understanding their industry landscape is crucial for positioning your solution as a beacon of hope in a sea of uncertainty.
• Competitor analysis: In the cutthroat world of business, knowledge is power. Are they lagging behind their competitors in key areas? Where do they excel? Understanding their competitive landscape provides invaluable context for positioning your solution as the key to maintaining their edge (or catching up if they've fallen behind).
• Recent investments or acquisitions: Companies don't make multi-million (or billion) dollar investments on a whim. These strategic moves often signal a shift in priorities, a desire to address specific challenges, or a bold bet on emerging trends. By understanding their investment decisions, you can tailor your messaging to align with their current focus areas.
• Thought leadership content: What have they published or engaged with online? Have they written any articles, given any interviews, or participated in any webinars? The content they consume and create reveals their interests, their perspectives, and the thought leaders they admire. Use this information to your advantage by tailoring your messaging to their intellectual curiosity.

Subject Lines That Demand Attention: The Gatekeeper to Their Inbox

In the digital coliseum of the HCOS's inbox, your subject line is your gladiator. It's the first impression, the digital handshake that can make or break your chances of getting your email opened and read.

Tips for High-Impact Subject Lines:

• Keep it concise and benefit-oriented: Time is their most valuable asset, so don't waste it with long-winded subject lines. Get straight to the point, clearly communicating the value you offer and the benefit they can expect to receive.
• Personalize with company name or a relevant insight: Let's be honest, nobody likes to receive a generic email. Personalize your subject line with their company name or a relevant insight that demonstrates you've done your homework.
• Use numbers or data to convey value: In a world of subjective opinions and unsubstantiated claims, numbers are your allies. Quantifiable results grab attention, convey credibility, and provide a tangible sense of the value you bring to the table.
• Avoid generic salesy language: Phrases like "Quick Question," "Incredible Opportunity," or "Limited-Time Offer" are as overused as the office coffee machine and just as likely to be ignored. Instead, opt for language that is professional, intriguing, and relevant to their interests.

Examples of Good Subject Lines:

• "[Company Name]: Accelerating Growth Through Strategic Partnerships"
• "3 Ways [Industry Trend] is Impacting Corporate Strategy"
• "[Competitor] is Doing This. Are You?"

Email Templates That Resonate: Striking a Chord with the HCOS

Remember, these are templates, not ironclad scripts. The real magic happens when you infuse them with your own personality, personalize them based on your research, and tailor them to the specific individual you're targeting. Think of them as a starting point, a foundation upon which to build your masterpiece of persuasive communication.

Template 1: The Strategic Partnership Pitch

• (Goal): To position your solution not as a mere vendor, but as a strategic partner—an extension of their team dedicated to helping them achieve their most ambitious goals.

Template Structure:

• Start with a personalized hook based on their company or industry: Grab their attention from the get-go with a personalized opening sentence that demonstrates you've done your research and understand their world. For example, you could mention a recent company announcement, a challenging industry trend, or a bold prediction made by a respected thought leader in their field.
• Briefly introduce your company and value proposition in the context of their strategic goals: This isn't the time for a lengthy company history lesson or a deep dive into your product's technical specifications. Keep it concise, focusing on how your company can help them achieve a specific strategic objective. For instance, instead of saying, "We're a leading provider of cloud-based software solutions," try something like, "We help companies like yours streamline their operations, reduce costs, and increase agility in the face of digital disruption."
• Highlight a specific challenge they face and how your solution can help them overcome it: Remember those pain points you uncovered during your research? Now's the time to address them head-on. Emphasize the challenges they're facing and position your solution as the antidote to their woes. Provide concrete examples, data points, or case studies to back up your claims and demonstrate the tangible impact your solution can have on their business.
• End with a clear call to action (e.g., a brief meeting to discuss further): Don't leave them hanging! Clearly state what you want them to do next, whether it's scheduling a brief introductory call, downloading a relevant white paper, or visiting your website to learn more. Make it easy for them to take the next step and continue the conversation.

Template 2: The Thought Leadership Approach

• (Goal): To engage the HCOS by positioning yourself as a trusted advisor, a source of valuable insights and thought-provoking perspectives that can help them navigate the complexities of their role.

Template Structure:

• Start by referencing a piece of their content or an industry trend they're likely interested in: Flattery might get you everywhere, but in the world of B2B sales, genuine appreciation for their work is a powerful tool. Start by referencing a piece of content they've published, an interview they've given, or an industry trend they've spoken about publicly. This demonstrates that you're not just another salesperson trying to make a quick buck; you're someone who values their insights and wants to engage in a meaningful dialogue.
• Offer a unique perspective or data-driven insight related to that topic: Nobody wants to waste their time on recycled ideas or generic platitudes. Offer a fresh perspective, a contrarian viewpoint, or a data-driven insight that challenges their assumptions and makes them think differently about the topic at hand. This is your chance to showcase your expertise, your unique understanding of their industry, and your ability to connect the dots in a way that others haven't.
• Briefly connect your solution as a way to address the challenges or opportunities discussed: This isn't about shoehorning in a sales pitch; it's about subtly weaving your solution into the narrative as a natural extension of the conversation. For example, if you're discussing the challenges of digital transformation, you could mention how your company helps organizations navigate the complexities of change management and implement new technologies seamlessly.
• Provide a link to a valuable resource (e.g., a blog post, report, or webinar) that delves deeper: Demonstrate your commitment to providing value by sharing a relevant resource that expands on the topic at hand. This could be a blog post, a white paper, an industry report, or even an invitation to an upcoming webinar. The key is to provide something of value that positions you as a trusted advisor, not just a salesperson with a quota to fill.
• End with an open-ended question to encourage dialogue: Don't let the conversation fizzle out! End your email with an open-ended question that invites them to share their thoughts, challenges, or perspectives. This keeps the lines of communication open and encourages them to see you as a valuable resource.

Template 3: The Competitor Differentiation Play

• (Goal): To create a sense of urgency and FOMO (fear of missing out) by highlighting what their competitors are doing and positioning your solution as the key to staying ahead of the curve.

Template Structure:

• (Note: This approach requires tact. Don't be overly negative or make unsubstantiated claims.) The goal is to create a healthy sense of competition, not to badmouth their rivals or spread unfounded rumors.
• Start by referencing a competitor's recent win or strategic move in their space: Begin by mentioning a competitor's recent success, a strategic partnership, a product launch, or an industry award they've received. This immediately captures their attention and piques their curiosity.
• Highlight the potential implications for their company if they fall behind in this area: Without being alarmist, subtly highlight the potential consequences of inaction. For example, you could say something like, "As more companies in your industry embrace [competitor's strategy or solution], it's becoming increasingly important to [desired outcome] in order to maintain a competitive edge."
• Position your solution as a way to bridge the gap and maintain a competitive edge: This is your chance to shine! Clearly articulate how your solution can help them close the gap, overcome their challenges, and even surpass their competitors. Provide specific examples, data points, or case studies to back up your claims and demonstrate the tangible benefits of choosing your solution.
• Share a relevant data point or case study to back up your claim: Numbers don't lie. Strengthen your argument by sharing a relevant data point, a compelling statistic, or a case study that illustrates the success of companies that have implemented similar solutions.
• End with a call to action to schedule a call and discuss how to stay ahead of the curve: Don't miss the opportunity to move the conversation forward. End your email with a clear call to action, inviting them to schedule a call, attend a webinar, or download a resource to learn more about how you can help them stay ahead of the competition.

Beyond the Inbox: Strategies for Effective Follow-Up and Engagement

Sending a well-crafted email is merely the opening act; effective follow-up and engagement are the encore performance that leaves a lasting impression and transforms prospects into loyal customers.

The Art of Persistence: Following Up Without Being Annoying

In the fast-paced world of B2B sales, speed is often the difference between winning and losing. Studies have shown that a staggering 35% to 50% of sales go to the vendor that responds first (Lead Response Management Benchmark Study). However, there's a fine line between persistence and becoming a nuisance. The key is to strike a balance, providing value with each touchpoint, respecting their time, and demonstrating that you're not just another salesperson blowing up their inbox.

Follow-Up Best Practices:

• Vary your follow-up messages: Don't be that person who sends the same generic email over and over again. Get creative! Offer a new insight, ask a thought-provoking question, share a relevant piece of content, or even send a personalized video message. The key is to keep things fresh and engaging.
• Provide additional value in each touchpoint: Every interaction is an opportunity to deepen the relationship and demonstrate your value. Share a relevant article, a case study that resonates with their challenges, or an invitation to an exclusive webinar. The more value you provide, the more likely they are to see you as a trusted advisor.
• Use different channels: Don't limit yourself to email! Connect with them on LinkedIn, engage with their company's social media posts, or mention them in a relevant tweet. The more touchpoints you have, the more likely you are to stay top of mind.
• Respect their time and be mindful of their schedule: If they mentioned being slammed with a product launch or traveling for a conference, acknowledge that and offer to reconnect once things settle down. Demonstrating that you respect their time and are willing to work around their schedule goes a long way in building trust.

Building Relationships That Last: It's Not Just About the Sale

Selling to the Head of Corporate Strategy is about more than just closing a deal; it's about cultivating a long-term partnership, a mutually beneficial relationship that extends far beyond a single transaction. These are the individuals who have the power to become your biggest advocates, your internal champions within their organizations, and the key to unlocking a steady stream of referrals and repeat business.

Relationship-Building Strategies:

• Engage with their content on LinkedIn and other platforms: Actions speak louder than words, especially in the digital age. Like, comment on, and share their posts on LinkedIn and other social media platforms to show that you're paying attention, you value their insights, and you're invested in their success.
• Invite them to relevant industry events or webinars: Networking isn't dead. Invite them to relevant industry events, conferences, or webinars where they can connect with peers, learn from experts, and expand their professional network. This provides a more casual setting to build rapport and deepen the relationship.
• Offer valuable insights and resources even if they don't immediately convert: Demonstrate your expertise and willingness to be helpful, even if it doesn't lead to an immediate sale. Share a thought-provoking article, a helpful template, or an invitation to an exclusive webinar. The more value you provide upfront, the more likely they are to remember you when they're ready to buy.
• Be genuinely interested in their work and challenges: People can spot a phony a mile away. Authenticity is key to building trust and rapport. Ask thoughtful questions about their work, their challenges, and their aspirations. Listen attentively to their responses, and demonstrate a genuine interest in their success.

Closing the Deal: Winning Over the Head of Corporate Strategy

Selling to the Head of Corporate Strategy requires a fundamental shift in mindset. It's about understanding their unique role, their strategic priorities, and the evolving B2B landscape. By conducting thorough research, aligning your solution with their goals, crafting personalized outreach that cuts through the noise, and following up persistently yet respectfully, you can break through the clutter, build meaningful relationships, and close those game-changing deals that can transform your business. Now, it's time to put these strategies into practice. What insights have you gained from selling to the Head of Corporate Strategy? Share your experiences and challenges in the comments below!

About Autobound

Autobound's leading AI-powered platform delivers 350+ unique insights for go-to-market teams from financial filings, social media activity, 35 news events, competitor trends, job changes and more. Trusted by 7,000+ companies including TechTarget and validated by 220+ 5-star G2 reviews, we're unlocking hyper-personalization at scale, with native integrations for Salesloft, Outreach, and more. Leverage our developer-friendly API, try our Chrome extension, try our platform free, or contact our team to eliminate guesswork and drive measurable growth →

Built with love in San Francisco, CA