Unlocking the Secrets of Bot Master Natasha Takahashi
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- The Story of Natasha Takahashi
- The Rise of Messenger Bots
- The Challenges of Selling Bots
- Changing the Pitch: Positioning Bots Correctly
- Favorite Use Cases for Bots
- Prospecting and Reaching Out to Clients
- Diversifying Beyond Facebook Messenger
- School of BOTS: An Educational Brand
- Conclusion
Article
Introduction
In this article, we will Delve into the world of messenger bots and explore the rise of this innovative technology. Specifically, we will focus on the experiences of Natasha Takahashi, an expert in the field of bots who has built her own successful agency and training program. Through her expertise, we will learn about the challenges of selling bots and discover effective strategies for positioning this technology correctly to potential clients. We will also explore the various use cases for bots and discuss prospecting techniques for reaching out to clients. Finally, we will explore the possibilities of diversifying beyond Facebook Messenger and examine the School of BOTS, an educational brand that provides valuable insights and resources for aspiring bot builders.
The Story of Natasha Takahashi
Natasha Takahashi, also known as the "bot goddess," has made a significant impact in the world of messenger bots. In 2016, when messenger bots were first introduced, Natasha was trying to figure out what Type of business she wanted to start. Inspired by the idea of time and location freedom, she sought a way to automate her business and build an agency. After exploring various options, Natasha realized that bots were the perfect solution. Despite facing challenges in pitching the idea to clients, she persevered and eventually built a successful agency with 30 recurring clients each month.
The Rise of Messenger Bots
Messenger bots have become increasingly popular in recent years, offering businesses the opportunity to automate customer support, increase engagement, and improve retention rates. However, effectively selling and pitching bots can be challenging due to the novelty and complexity of the technology. Natasha experienced this firsthand and learned valuable lessons along the way. Two key shifts in her approach were repositioning bots as more than just a customer service tool and refraining from explicitly labeling them as bots. By focusing on the specific use cases and benefits for each client, Natasha was able to overcome initial skepticism and highlight the value of bots in increasing revenue and improving various aspects of business operations.
The Challenges of Selling Bots
Selling bots can be a daunting task, especially in the initial stages when potential clients may not fully understand the benefits and possibilities. Natasha and her team faced this challenge and acknowledged that their initial approach of positioning bots solely as a customer service tool was ineffective. Clients often already had existing customer support systems in place, leading them to dismiss the idea of incorporating bots into their business. To overcome this hurdle, Natasha reframed the pitch to focus on the industry-specific benefits of bots, such as higher engagement for marketing managers, automated support inquiries for customer support personnel, and increased revenue for financial departments. Adapting the pitch to Align with the unique needs and goals of each client was crucial in gaining their interest and trust.
Changing the Pitch: Positioning Bots Correctly
The key to successfully pitching bots lies in positioning them correctly. Natasha identified two key shifts that greatly improved her pitch and resonated with potential clients. First, she emphasized the value of Facebook Messenger as the number one messaging platform in the world. By highlighting the enormous reach and engagement potential of this platform, Natasha captured the Attention of clients who may have previously underestimated its effectiveness. Second, she focused on showing clients how bots could enhance their business operations and contribute to their specific goals. By demonstrating the different functionalities and use cases of bots, Natasha gave clients a clearer understanding of the tangible benefits they could expect.
Favorite Use Cases for Bots
Natasha and her team have discovered numerous compelling use cases for bots. One standout example involved partnering with a beauty brand that collaborated with influencers. By automating customer support and streamlining workflows, the brand was able to enhance engagement, improve their customer Journey, and ultimately boost revenue. This case demonstrated the power of bots to improve various aspects of a business, particularly in industries where customer interaction and engagement are critical. Overall, finding the right use cases for bots in industry-specific contexts is key to showcasing their value to potential clients.
Prospecting and Reaching Out to Clients
In order to build a successful bot agency, prospecting and reaching out to clients is a crucial component. Natasha recommends starting by building up a portfolio of bots to showcase to potential clients. This can be done by either creating templates and examples for different industries or offering to build bots for businesses as case studies. Once the portfolio is established, prospecting can be done through various methods, such as cold messaging on Facebook or LinkedIn. LinkedIn, in particular, offers a platform tailored for b2b sales, making it an ideal space for reaching out to potential clients. Structuring messages effectively and following up with multiple touchpoints are also key elements of a successful prospecting strategy.
Diversifying Beyond Facebook Messenger
While Facebook Messenger remains a dominant platform for bots, diversifying beyond this Channel can offer additional opportunities for bot builders. Platforms such as WhatsApp, Telegram, and Line, which have large user bases globally, present promising avenues for reaching new audiences. Exploring voice bots and creating skills for platforms like Alexa and Google Assistant also offer exciting possibilities. However, it's important to note that voice bots serve different use cases compared to chat bots, thus requiring a different approach. Evaluating the potential benefits and limitations of each platform is important when considering diversification.
School of BOTS: An Educational Brand
Natasha's School of BOTS serves as an educational brand and community for aspiring bot builders. It offers valuable resources, training programs, and support for individuals at various stages of bot development. The training program equips students with the knowledge and skills to start and Scale their own bot agencies. This comprehensive offering covers areas such as prospecting, pitching, bot building, and partnerships. Through the School of BOTS, aspiring bot builders can gain access to a vibrant community, numerous educational materials, and the guidance they need to succeed in this rapidly evolving field.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the world of messenger bots offers exciting opportunities for automation, engagement, and improved business operations. Natasha Takahashi's journey in building her own successful bot agency provides valuable insights for aspiring bot builders. By understanding the challenges of selling bots, changing the pitch to highlight value, exploring diverse use cases, and implementing effective prospecting strategies, individuals can lay the foundation for a successful bot agency. Furthermore, by considering opportunities beyond Facebook Messenger and leveraging educational resources such as the School of BOTS, aspiring bot builders can stay ahead of trends and developments in the industry. With innovation and collaboration, the future of messenger bots looks promising.