Cold calling without persuasion

There are like minded businesses everywhere looking to start mutually beneficial relationships but don't know how to start. Here's how

​

​

The first call is to introduce yourself ONLY. How they react is irrelevant because it's out of your control

It's like introducing yourself to strangers, at a mate’s party.

Don’t raise your voice, sound formal, pushy, tricky or enthusiastic.

​

Preparing your words. Have catchphrases ready so you don't stumble.​​​

Don’t talk for more than 10 seconds. The call lasts less than 3 minutes (then follow up) because trust is built over time. No selling, pitching or qualifying.

​

Call businesses close to you. This decreases 'stranger danger'​

Research the business for 1 minute before you call. So you can chat with them.

​​​​

When to call - After 10am. Tues / Wed / Thurs

​

The First Call. What to say.​​​

"This is James calling from (your suburb), can you hear me ok?" … "I'm reading your website and I'm calling to introduce my business to your business." How they react is irrelevant because it's out of your control

If you get voicemail, drop the "can you hear me?" and end it with "I'll email now."

Do not leave your number or make a request (that’s pressure).

​

Email after you call

Make it a 10 second read.

ALWAYS email after a call. Don’t let your interpretation of their ‘attitude’ stop you from emailing

Emails are effective because they can get-to-know-you, in-their-own-time.

Emails can be saved for future use or to forward to someone.

​

Why to cold call by phone? 3 reasons.

1) Because if they haven't not heard of you, they cannot buy from you. Now they can. Simple

2) Now your email (after your call) is not spam.

3) It proves your keen. Motivation gets respect

​

Cold calling - the customer perspective

Imagine someone in a business near you has a problem. A problem that YOU can solve

And they've let the problem linger because they don't want to ...

1. research a list of freelancers/suppliers.

2. trawl through all their websites.

3. leave messages and get no call-back.

4. talk to someone lazy or tricky.

Now imagine YOU cold call them, when they have this problem, just to introduce yourself

1. you're not pushy.

2. you ask to email some info.

3. you're knowledgeable and easy to talk to

4. you follow-up and chat.

Say no more.

​

Next article - Writing without persuasion