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Write a competitive-displacement email using only public information
- For Sales and customer success
- You practice Keeping the AI to your sources
- Time about 5 minutes
- Level Intermediate
About this exercise
Write a cold email to a prospect who currently uses a competitor whose contract likely ends in March. Plain text under 110 words, subject line first. Use only the public facts in the notes (not anything from a sales call or a leaked document), say plainly that you don't know their contract terms, and ask whether they are planning to review options before March. Don't criticize the competitor or compare features.
Common mistakes when you ask AI for this
- Using the leaked figure. The AI mentions the $22 per user. Try: Add: "Use only public facts; not the internal doc or hearsay."
- Assuming contract terms. The AI says 'your contract renews in March'. Try: Add: "Say plainly that we don't know their contract terms."
- Criticizing the competitor. The AI says Clearbook is outdated. Try: Add: "Don't criticize or compare features."
- Long email. The AI writes a long formatted email. Try: Add: "Plain text under 90 words, subject first."
What a strong prompt includes
- Limits to public facts
- States uncertainty
- Asks about a review
- Bans criticism
- Sets form and length
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