Cold calling: How to start?

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Cold calling is a complete nightmare for many people. So let's start by calling these phone calls "introductory" calls. They just serve to introduce yourself and your business. In order to succeed, prepare a plan in advance. Your preparation should include the following:

  • A well-targeted list of contacts. Consider all segmentation and demographic criteria.
  • Determining time frames when it is appropriate to call. Timing can be your trump card.
  • Preparation of sales scripts, ie what you say, how can the respondent react and what to reply. It is not the exact words, but rather a preparation for different situations.

If preparation is not a problem for you, but you really fear the actual phone calls, the following 7 steps will guide you to how to handle everything quickly and smoothly.

  1. Prepare mentally for each call. If you are out with your mind, the other party recognizes it and will not believe you.
  2. Brush up your calling style. You can try to record a fictitious interview to assess whether you sound relaxed and natural. It's all about training and practicing.
  3. Create familiar atmosphere in your work environment  to make you feel good.
  4. Use imagination. Imagine you are a potential customer looking for information. The phone call will then sound as if you are someone who wants to help the other.
  5. Watch your tone of voice.
  6. Make fast goals, such as 50 telephone calls in 150 minutes. Never make the impression that you have time to talk.
  7. Take a five-minute break after every 15th phone call. Stretch, have a drink, put on music. Only then continue with another 15.

 

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Article source Entrepreneur.com - website of a leading U.S. magazine for entrepreneurs
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