[Calibre Designs]

To get your name out there, I have always found cold calling to be pretty good. I have good days and bad days. What fundamentally works for me is to have a warm and friendly introduction.

I want to hear your approach to cold calling in order to gain business.

[Jeewhizz]

Never done it, and I would be surpised if it works for our fields!

[Fuzzy]

I've never done it either

[Tigglet]

I used to do cold calling a lot in my previous life and most of the time I have to say I didn't really enjoy it. It very much depends on the reaction you get from the customer and how receptive they are, as to whether it is an enjoyable experience.

Tips....

Initially, be consise and explain who you are and the reason for your call. I would be polite and ask if it is a convenient time to talk. In my experience, there is nothing a customer hates more than for the cold caller to assume it is ok to interrupt what they are doing. You need to gain respect and build a rapport with the customer and if you don't ask them if its a convenient time, it will more than likely irritate them from the outset. If you don't bother and push the conversation forward anyway, it is unlikely that you will have kept their attention and they won't be interested in what you have to say. Ask the question and if its inconvenient you can always offer to call back.

If they are happy to speak to you, try to be brief, keep to the point and don't ramble. Also, show an interest in their business and discuss how your product or service relates to their business goals. This way, you are more likely to obtain a meeting if this is your objective.

I think the most important point to note is to be organised, have a plan and a clear objective as to what you want to achieve and remember, you win some you lose some! Don't take it personally when you get a negative reaction. Some people just hate receiving cold calls and you'll never win them over no matter how smooth you are!

[saracen]

I done some way back in September when i took over a business.

My cold calling consisted of going into every shop or business within the town my business is based and handing over "excelllent quality literature" of what i have to offer the potential customer. In other words my menu and contact details.

It wasnt just a case of going into the premises, dumping my literature and scurrying out again. I spoke with a worker and discussed what we have and what i could do for them etc etc

Spending a little time with the person makes all the difference. Was i nervous about it - yes but after a short while i enjoyed it.

I've never had to do phone cold calling but i recommend face to face cold calling, it has masses of benifits that a phone call hasnt.


Soz, if i appear to be waffling on, me needs ma bed

[Maxine]

Agree with Tigglet especially the bit about showing an interest in their business and how your product/service relates to their business goals.

I would just say be clear on what the minimum is that you want to leave them with ie; remembering your name and what you do and your website for example.

Make sure you are in the right mood for it aswell as I think this also rubs off on people and dont be pushy, just be polite.

And have a good diary system so that if someone says call me 3pm on Thursday that you get back to them at that time.

[stephendoyle]

cold calling is absolutely fantastic can't get enough of it.

in my mobile business i train all my own staff on cold calling.

in my marketing business i also consult with businesses on their
cold calling, and train staff and run training events on it.

i think you either love it or really hate it!

its no use trying to cold call when in the back of your mind
you have doubts or just freeze.

i have seen staff burst into tears so i moved them into admin
as i am soft like that.

for me cold calling:

always, always prep.
know your audience and be prepared for any questions.

objections
i think what scares most people is objections as if we had
an order all of the time everyone would do it.

learn to handle objections and listen to your prospects.

rather than write more if anyone is serious on cold calling
you can view my website www.stephendoyle.co.uk

if you want help on writing scripts, preparing or a chat
feel free to contact me for FREE.

regards
stephen doyle

[Nicksyb]

HI

After spending some time phone cold-calling and in my present job getting loads of cold calls a day here is my tips, hope it helps

Make sure they are not TPS registered!!!!!

What ever you do if you are selling something don't say I'm not trying to sell you anything.

Be friendly, have a laugh.

When people phone up at work and ask for the managing director I instantly say "go away" (Sometimes a bit stronger depending on how many calls and if I'm in the middle of something )

So make sure you have the name of the person you need to speak to.

Be prepared for some abuse, but take it with a pinch of salt.

Generally doing cold calling by phone is extremely hard, but if you were to do it face to face you may get better responses.

Hope this helps and didn't go off topic much

[ebonybailey]

Don't try to "sell" people cansmell it a mile off. Be yourself and let your personality shine through.
You canbe taught a million and one ways to approach a prospect over the phone bu what it really comes down to is that you are polite, you speak clearly, you understand your product and can answer their questions, and you agree a next step, whether that is making a purchase, sending info or arranging to meet them.
You have heard it a million times but its true:

People buy from people. Don't be something your not.

Michael

[Calibre Designs]

All very helpful advice here. Thanks.

I have also had some success with this when I focus on local trading companies. Face it, all companies need design and marketing to enhance their current stance.

I find that this works pretty well :

1. Be yourself preferably on a good day feeling bubbly.
2. Be friendly. Calling from. Excuse yourself but the reason for the call.
3. Stress the "local" aspect which offers a more personal approach.
4. Your availability to fit around them, flexible and fun to work with.
5. Can I send you details? Look out for the smiley face on the envelope (add twist in the conversation).

Kay