Choice47 started this topic @ 08:12 on 31/10/2006
Hi,
Probably had similar threads before, if so i apologise. I am at the stage where i need to be spending most of my days telemarketing or cold calling for new business instead of relying on existing. I have found the data that i have been looking for but cannot bring myself to lift the phone, not alone there i am sure!
Nerves, fear of rejection, lack of confidence the main issues i expect. I would love to learn to enjoy this art and basically have a laugh at the same time as making nice profits. Has anyone overcome similar fears and if so how? How do i build myself up mentally to proceed and relax (without drink or drugs). I have considered everything from seminars, online courses and even hynotherapy believe it or not, although haven't as yet tried any of these. I simply need to shift my mindset to rid myself of these fears and be confident in calls. Employing a telemarketing agency is a non starter due to the costs involved.
Any practical help or advice would be greatly appreciated as a good confident telemarketer who runs their own business will run a profitable business.
Thanks!
RE: Is it possible to enjoy telemarketing/cold calling?
AlivewithTechnology | 31/10/2006 08:19 AM
I am in exactly the same situation, I really need to start cold-calling but it's not something I enjoy.
I always seem to think that if someone wanted what I was selling they'd be out looking for it.
I hate cold calling myself, so I expect other to be the same.
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Professional website design (visit our new site)
RE: Is it possible to enjoy telemarketing/cold calling?
cycustance | 31/10/2006 08:25 AM
Hi Choice47,
I am a freelance telemarketer who has been in the industry for 15 years and appreciate the fear that people can have to venture into this type of business and believe me it's not for the faint hearted,
The best way for you to move forward is to design a script that not only introduces you to the prospective client and the services you provide but asks many questions about the company they run, If there's anything I've learned from telemarketing it's that people love to tell you about them and there company,
The key to using a good telephone script is to not sound like your reading from one, I'm sure you've heard the window companies calling and saying "Good afternoon Sir im calling from (Bodgit and Scarper) Don't worry I'm not calling to sell you anything today",
There are many different ways of approaching potential clients and offering your services if you would like to give me a call I can give you a few pointers from my experience in this sector,
Oh yes and one other thing is that however dawnting you think this is once you've cracked it you really do enjoy it.
Kindest regards
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Cy J Custance
CJC Sales And Marketing
Bespoke Telemarketing Solutions!
Mobile: 07932009171
Email: cycustance@cjcsalesandmarketing.co.uk
Web: www.cjcsalesandmarketing.co.uk
Web: www.salesandmarketingforums.co.uk
RE: RE: Is it possible to enjoy telemarketing/cold calling?
textstart | 31/10/2006 08:53 AM
Although not a telemarketer, I've been involved in B2B direct sales for the best part of ten years. My advice would be to simplify everything so that your script doesn't sound like a script - rather a conversation. We do a lot of script rewrites for 'non-telemarketers' and it's always about the same thing, getting their own voice across. The biggest advantage you have over a call centre is that your script can be specific to just you.
In terms of what you actually say, you can break all sales down into:
Be liked
Ask questions
Close
I'd also advise 'pre-empting' as many of the objections that you know you'll get. ie. if the person is unlikely to have heard of you - tell them. "Hi, I'm X from X, I'm guessing you've probably never heard of us ..." If you can do that successfully with a lot of the potential objections it's easier to 'win' people over to your side.
Last point, just do it. Lift the phone and get started, once you're going its not as bad as you might think. And, if all else fails, we offer script writing, training and coaching to a lot of clients who do their own calls.
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Mark Nagurski - mark@freeformmedia.co.uk
FreeForm Media
Marketing Help for Small Business Budgets
RE: RE: Is it possible to enjoy telemarketing/cold calling?
Choice47 | 31/10/2006 09:13 AM
Hi,
Thanks for your prompt responses. Mark, you kindly ran up a loose script for me a few weeks ago. One of my wife's friends has been working one day per week based upon that and on average has converted 1 in 10 people she has actually spoken to. You are obviously good at what you do!
The other 4 days per week i should be doing exactly the same thing but to be honest it is just nerves holding me back in some way. I know i have to overcome this and believe that successful sales calls bring confidence. Who knows i might even then start to enjoy it.