Any advice on cold calling

Question

I am so scared to cold call.. I just don't know what to say I get stuck and if they say no I say ok and hang up. Any advice I am advertising vending machines to put in businesses

Answer 1

Cold-calling is never and will never be easy.

The best thing to do is always know your product inside and out. Next is to understand your actual clients.

These are not the ones who buy from you and but the ones who buy from your buyers. You need to understand why they buy and what prompts them to buy.

Next you need to convey this message to YOUR buyers. You need to explain the FABs which are features, advantages, benefits. I hope you understand what FABs are but in case you don't, here's an article: http://www.presentation-pointers.com/sho...

When cold-calling, establish a rapport quite quickly. Small talk a little but get down to the point. The point would be to either make an appointment or see if the time you have called is convenient to discuss what you are offering.

Be prepared to answer any questions or to email/fax/mail any material requested. The point is to ask ask ask. Let them talk and make notes. Connect the dots and be comfortable in your skin to recommend the product that you truly BELIEVE will be of advantage to them.

Upon rejections, find out what exactly the objections are. Try to answer any questions and learn what they think would work for them. Some are lost causes from the beginning and some will turn into sales eventually and some are quick sales. Never pretend to be a pushy car salesperson. Know your facts and deliver them.

If they say no, then you have to have enough confidence in your product to show that they did in fact make a bad decision. Either way, follow up with them through email or phone call a bit later and just touch base with any promotions.

Either way, perseverance is key.

All the best!

Answer 2

Try to warm them up first.  And I'm not being facetious.  It's hard to get sales out of cold calls unless you are really good at cold calling.  

You can warm them up by trying to qualify the leads first:  is there a need for the vending machine; do they already have a vending machine; etc.  Talk to the receptionist first - if possible. S/he can become your best buddy.  

Develop a script - write down the information you want to get across; practise it; leave it in front of you while you make the call but DO NOT read it - it sounds too formal ... not natural  ... when you read a script.  But with a script you can be prepared.  

Send out a letter to your prospects, explaining what your company does, the costs and benefits to the business, the service your company provides (in terms of re-stocking the machines, servicing, etc.)  What's different/better about your machines and/or service than anyone else - unique value proposition?   Then within 1 to 2 weeks (not later) of having mailed the letter, follow up with a call.  

I'd also try to target commercial property management firms - they are in the business of managing firms and if you invest some time to sell, you might be able to place in a number of their buildings (contract by quantity).  

Good luck.

Answer 3

cold calling is really anoying!! get a different job if you can ! xx  

Answer 4

Just really try to relate to the person on the other line.  Ask them if they currently like their provider and offer them additional information how your machines can be beneifical for both you and them.

-EJP-

http://www.rmicsi.com

Answer 5

Your not a salesperson. Find a new job before your fired and have that on your resume.

Answer 6

We all hate cold calling.  And the Do Not Call list cuts out millions of customers.   You will sooner or later have to go in person to all the nearby office buildings to see what machines they have and what they need. Get to work. /

Answer 7

Well, it's different to call businesses than it is to call someone's home. Are your listings for businesses or residences? If they are residences, then I would question the service that provides your company with the leads. Since you are providing a service to a business, it's different. Don't worry; they can't see you and they don't know you. When I did telemarketing, I used to use a fake name. (I'm not sure your company allows that or not??)