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Simple Trick to Get Businesses to Call You Instantly

by linaO
38 replies
Hey WF! I think I'm a freak of nature; I actually love cold-calling. In my opinion, it's a way to get involved, stay active, and not wait around for a damn email to be read (or answered) lol.

Just the other day, I decided to try something a little different. If you hate to "make" the call, here's a sweet way to get businesses to call you instead:

Find their email address and send them an email. In the Subject area, write the following "Can you call me".

Then in the body of the email, write something along the lines of:

"I have a couple of questions to ask. If you can me give a quick call at (555) 555-5555, that'll be great.

Thanks,

Your First Name"

That's it. Use SpyPig.com to track the email, if you'd like, and then wait for the call. For me, it works every time. Only once did I receive an email asking what my questions were regarding.

I find that it works handsomely when contacting small biz owners on Craigslist.

Just thought I share something simple, but effective. I'm sure it's not a brand new technique but who cares? It works!

Lina
#businesses #call #cold calling #coldcall #instantly #simple #trick
  • Profile picture of the author Jason Kanigan
    Interesting and possibly very effective. This format is EXTREMELY similar to the voicemail I recommend my clients leave...and you get at least 1 out of 3 callbacks from that.
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    • Profile picture of the author linaO
      Originally Posted by kaniganj View Post

      Interesting and possibly very effective. This format is EXTREMELY similar to the voicemail I recommend my clients leave...and you get at least 1 out of 3 callbacks from that.
      Exactly. I've shared this technique with one of my friends struggling with making the calls and it's helped them to become less afraid, I guess. But it is effective in getting the biz owner's attention from the beginning.
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  • Profile picture of the author HypeText
    Originally Posted by linaO View Post

    Hey WF! I think I'm a freak of nature; I actually love cold-calling. In my opinion, it's a way to get involved, stay active, and not wait around for a damn email to be read (or answered) lol.

    Just the other day, I decided to try something a little different. If you hate to "make" the call, here's a sweet way to get businesses to call you instead:

    Find their email address and send them an email. In the Subject area, write the following "Can you call me".

    Then in the body of the email, write something along the lines of:

    "I have a couple of questions to ask. If you can me give a quick call at (555) 555-5555, that'll be great.

    Thanks,

    Your First Name"

    That's it. Use SpyPig.com to track the email, if you'd like, and then wait for the call. For me, it works every time. Only once did I receive an email asking what my questions were regarding.

    I find that it works handsomely when contacting small biz owners on Craigslist.

    Just thought I share something simple, but effective. I'm sure it's not a brand new technique but who cares? It works!

    Lina
    I have mentioned the following before....but since this thread is about cold calling/canvassing/making contact I will mention it again...

    Getting past gate keepers takes a certain amount of finesse. When calling a business getting past the gate keeper is easier if you take the approach of acting like you are a happy customer, and it can work well in email too...

    Something to the effect of "You guys have a great place there and I wanted to let the owner/mgr know, plus I have a couple suggestions to make it even better..." will often garner a response rather than a hangup or a quit hit of the delete button.
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    • Profile picture of the author MichaelParsons
      Originally Posted by HypeText View Post

      I have mentioned the following before....but since this thread is about cold calling/canvassing/making contact I will mention it again...

      Getting past gate keepers takes a certain amount of finesse. When calling a business getting past the gate keeper is easier if you take the approach of acting like you are a happy customer, and it can work well in email too...

      Something to the effect of "You guys have a great place there and I wanted to let the owner/mgr know, plus I have a couple suggestions to make it even better..." will often garner a response rather than a hangup or a quit hit of the delete button.
      Well played! Also I find that when contacting professionals with office personnel answering the phone, introducing yourself by name makes them think you're already a customer.

      YMMV wildly with this though, don't try it with a mom & pop pizza place. :p
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      • Profile picture of the author Deidra Renee
        Originally Posted by MichaelParsons View Post

        Well played! Also I find that when contacting professionals with office personnel answering the phone, introducing yourself by name makes them think you're already a customer.

        YMMV wildly with this though, don't try it with a mom & pop pizza place. :p
        This works like a charm.
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    • Profile picture of the author wrench
      Decent opening, the OPs suggestion of emailing business owners with "call me now xxx-xxx-xxxx" is
      1. pathetic
      2. not going to get NEARLY the amount of response as its giving ZERO value to the business owner.

      Originally Posted by HypeText View Post

      I"You guys have a great place there and I wanted to let the owner/mgr know, plus I have a couple suggestions to make it even better..."
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      • Profile picture of the author HypeText
        Originally Posted by wrench View Post

        Decent opening, the OPs suggestion of emailing business owners with "call me now xxx-xxx-xxxx" is
        1. pathetic
        2. not going to get NEARLY the amount of response as its giving ZERO value to the business owner.
        1) Building Value takes place once you have the decision maker on the phone,,,NOT when you are dealing with a Gate Keeper or a Voice Mail Box

        2) This post isnt about the sale, which is where the value building belongs, it's about techniques to get to speak with the decision maker.

        I have over 20 yrs experience in B2B Sales and I would not have continued to use the technique if it didn't actually work.
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        • Profile picture of the author Norbi
          Originally Posted by HypeText View Post

          1) Building Value takes place once you have the decision maker on the phone,,,NOT when you are dealing with a Gate Keeper or a Voice Mail Box

          2) This post isnt about the sale, which is where the value building belongs, it's about techniques to get to speak with the decision maker.

          I have over 20 yrs experience in B2B Sales and I would not have continued to use the technique if it didn't actually work.
          If you are not building value from the moment you walk through the door, then you are missing sales. I treat every person the same, whether they are the just an "employee" or decision maker. I can't even tell you how many times someone who I thought was the employee was the actual decision maker, or how many times that employee was a key assest for me to connect with the decision maker.

          However, even though you say Building Value is only for the decision maker, you build value from the get go based on this quote:
          You guys have a great place there and I wanted to let the owner/mgr know, plus I have a couple suggestions to make it even better..."
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          • Profile picture of the author wrench
            Originally Posted by Norbi View Post

            If you are not building value from the moment you walk through the door, then you are missing sales. I treat every person the same, whether they are the just an "employee" or decision maker. I can't even tell you how many times someone who I thought was the employee was the actual decision maker, or how many times that employee was a key assest for me to connect with the decision maker.

            However, even though you say Building Value is only for the decision maker, you build value from the get go based on this quote:
            You guys have a great place there and I wanted to let the owner/mgr know, plus I have a couple suggestions to make it even better..."
            Norbi good advice! What goes through your mind when someone says they've been in sales for 20 years but doesn't understand that: value given before a sale will increase the amount of sales made.
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          • Profile picture of the author HypeText
            Originally Posted by Norbi View Post

            If you are not building value from the moment you walk through the door, then you are missing sales. I treat every person the same, whether they are the just an "employee" or decision maker. I can't even tell you how many times someone who I thought was the employee was the actual decision maker, or how many times that employee was a key assest for me to connect with the decision maker.

            However, even though you say Building Value is only for the decision maker, you build value from the get go based on this quote:
            You guys have a great place there and I wanted to let the owner/mgr know, plus I have a couple suggestions to make it even better..."
            I think we got a little off topic here. this thread isn't about walking through the door in a Face to Face Scenario, it's about trying to get a Business Owner to call you back when leaving a message...

            My statement was on the assumption that the phone was being answered by an underling and not by the Decision Maker.

            To Clarify, I have utilized that technique to get thru to the decision maker when calling businesses and speaking with an underling in my attempt to reach the Decision Maker.

            If I call and the Decision Maker has answered the phone themselves then obviously my approach is going to be significantly different.

            Stating I have a couple suggestions to make it even better isnt building value, it's generating curiosity. There is a difference...

            If the business doesn't even know what I am offering or what the benefits might be then they cannot see value.

            By creating curiosity, and in turn an opportunity to present something that might be of value to that Business Owner, I then open the door to be able to build value once the decision maker has a better idea of what it is that I am offering.

            Just as in using an "Elevator Pitch", it is designed to create interest and peak curiosity.

            One thing experience has taught me is that you can build value and try to "pitch" underlings as much as you like in a Small Business and they still aren't going to be in a position to stroke me a check.

            As for Wrench...

            Everyone has their preferred techniques and some things work better for some than they do for others. The point of this forum is to share information buffet style so that we may pick and partake as we see fit.

            It doesn't make any one method right or wrong, or necessarily better. It's what we choose to do with the information and whether or not someone has benefited from what we have shared that matters.

            Anyone who sees it differently is just throwing a "wrench" in the works...
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            • Profile picture of the author Norbi
              Originally Posted by HypeText View Post

              I think we got a little off topic here. this thread isn't about walking through the door in a Face to Face Scenario, it's about trying to get a Business Owner to call you back when leaving a message...

              My statement was on the assumption that the phone was being answered by an underling and not by the Decision Maker.

              To Clarify, I have utilized that technique to get thru to the decision maker when calling businesses and speaking with an underling in my attempt to reach the Decision Maker.

              If I call and the Decision Maker has answered the phone themselves then obviously my approach is going to be significantly different.

              Stating I have a couple suggestions to make it even better isnt building value, it's generating curiosity. There is a difference...

              If the business doesn't even know what I am offering or what the benefits might be then they cannot see value.

              By creating curiosity, and in turn an opportunity to present something that might be of value to that Business Owner, I then open the door to be able to build value once the decision maker has a better idea of what it is that I am offering.

              Just as in using an "Elevator Pitch", it is designed to create interest and peak curiosity.

              One thing experience has taught me is that you can build value and try to "pitch" underlings as much as you like in a Small Business and they still aren't going to be in a position to stroke me a check.

              As for Wrench...

              Everyone has their preferred techniques and some things work better for some than they do for others. The point of this forum is to share information buffet style so that we may pick and partake as we see fit.

              It doesn't make any one method right or wrong, or necessarily better. It's what we choose to do with the information and whether or not someone has benefited from what we have shared that matters.

              Anyone who sees it differently is just throwing a "wrench" in the works...
              You are building your own value. You are trying to show the business you are there to help and being valuable.

              Back to the topic on hand;

              I personally don't like this approach. Personally, I would write a simple email that is sort of like a customized elevator pitch. For example;

              ______,

              I wanted to reach out to you because I have been working with ______ and ____ to improve their traffic by 20% and keeping their business busy through the upcoming slow months. ______ (employee/referral) informed methat your business might be already starting to slow down. I would like a 5 minute call to see if what we do here at _______ will be able to help increase your traffic as well. Please give me a call at 555-555-5555, if I don't hear from you I will reach out to you Thursday afternoon.


              Personally, I don't like using "gimmicks" or "trickery" in sales. This whole email smells just like leaving the voicemail, "Hi _____, this is Joe, my number is 555-555-5555, I wanted to let you know you *click*

              EDIT: If you believe you can close the sale from the minute they call you, then you should be able to show that same amount of value through email. Your closing ratio should go way up if you do that.
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              • Profile picture of the author HypeText
                Originally Posted by Norbi View Post

                You are building your own value. You are trying to show the business you are there to help and being valuable.

                Back to the topic on hand;

                I personally don't like this approach. Personally, I would write a simple email that is sort of like a customized elevator pitch. For example;

                ______,

                I wanted to reach out to you because I have been working with ______ and ____ to improve their traffic by 20% and keeping their business busy through the upcoming slow months. ______ (employee/referral) informed methat your business might be already starting to slow down. I would like a 5 minute call to see if what we do here at _______ will be able to help increase your traffic as well. Please give me a call at 555-555-5555, if I don't hear from you I will reach out to you Thursday afternoon.


                Personally, I don't like using "gimmicks" or "trickery" in sales. This whole email smells just like leaving the voicemail, "Hi _____, this is Joe, my number is 555-555-5555, I wanted to let you know you *click*

                EDIT: If you believe you can close the sale from the minute they call you, then you should be able to show that same amount of value through email. Your closing ratio should go way up if you do that.
                You have a valid point, assuming the owner/decision maker is the one reading that email. Unfortunately that isnt always the case.

                Each of us has had success using our own approaches, and like I said, it doesnt make any one of them right or wrong, it's just a matter of what works for us.

                Obviously in your example you were approaching that Decision Maker based on a Referral or employee recommendation. again that changes the approach.

                Personally, I have never been big on prospecting by email. That doesnt make doing so wrong, it just isn't my preference. I much prefer the ability to let my voice (articulation, tone, voice inflection, etc) do it's thing... Obviously that's not something everyone is comfortable with.

                Now, if you know you are emailing the decision maker directly, have that decision makers name, and know that he/she will be the ones reading the email, and it is as the result of a Referral....that's different.

                There are a multitude of factors that contribute to how one approaches a prospect. It really all does melt down to what we, as individuals, feel most comfortable with and what methods have garnered the most favorable results for our efforts.
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                • Profile picture of the author Norbi
                  Originally Posted by HypeText View Post

                  You have a valid point, assuming the owner/decision maker is the one reading that email. Unfortunately that isnt always the case.

                  Each of us has had success using our own approaches, and like I said, it doesnt make any one of them right or wrong, it's just a matter of what works for us.

                  Obviously in your example you were approaching that Decision Maker based on a Referral or employee recommendation. again that changes the approach.

                  Personally, I have never been big on prospecting by email. That doesnt make doing so wrong, it just isn't my preference. I much prefer the ability to let my voice (articulation, tone, voice inflection, etc) do it's thing... Obviously that's not something everyone is comfortable with.

                  Now, if you know you are emailing the decision maker directly, have that decision makers name, and know that he/she will be the ones reading the email, and it is as the result of a Referral....that's different.

                  There are a multitude of factors that contribute to how one approaches a prospect. It really all does melt down to what we, as individuals, feel most comfortable with and what methods have garnered the most favorable results for our efforts.
                  I was assuming this thread is an email to the DM. I think it really depends on your industry, but I try to accomodate the person I am trying to reach. I literally have one client who I have never talked to, never met, and have been doing business with him for 18 months strictly through email.

                  I agree that you are right, everyones approach is different. My personal approach is do as much intelligent work as possible. Find out everything I can prior to presenting. You can usually get this information from the gate-keepers or even "minglings" If I have the intelligence about their business, it makes the presentation, cold calling, prospecting that much easier. I have also found the response to sales person who has invested time into their prospect to be much more positive.

                  My personal favorite line is, "I was hoping you could help me..." to lead into whatever I want to find out.
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                  • Profile picture of the author HypeText
                    Originally Posted by Norbi View Post

                    I was assuming this thread is an email to the DM. I think it really depends on your industry, but I try to accomodate the person I am trying to reach. I literally have one client who I have never talked to, never met, and have been doing business with him for 18 months strictly through email.

                    I agree that you are right, everyones approach is different. My personal approach is do as much intelligent work as possible. Find out everything I can prior to presenting. You can usually get this information from the gate-keepers or even "minglings" If I have the intelligence about their business, it makes the presentation, cold calling, prospecting that much easier. I have also found the response to sales person who has invested time into their prospect to be much more positive.

                    My personal favorite line is, "I was hoping you could help me..." to lead into whatever I want to find out.
                    "I was hoping you could help me..." can be very powerful when used properly...

                    Again, Networking and "Warm Calling" make things much easier as well...

                    I've managed a number of Sales Teams over the years and my biggest Stress Point has always been "Get Referrals!"
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                    • Profile picture of the author TerryL
                      Most people who are reluctant to get into offline marketing are reluctant because they're afraid of cold calling or approaching a business owner out of the blue (door to door). Some are even afraid to send an email and make that first contact themselves. They prefer to place ads and have the business owners call them. But that's only going to work in a small number of cases. Most of the time you DO need to make the first move, even if it's with someone you're already doing business with as a customer.

                      The OP's suggestion is a wonderful one for people who don't want to do cold calling or door to door and who aren't afraid to send out an email. And I can just imagine that it works brilliantly. I'm going to give it a go myself the next time I'm looking for a new offline client.
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                      • Profile picture of the author wrench
                        Originally Posted by TerryL View Post

                        Most people who are reluctant to get into offline marketing are reluctant because they're afraid of cold calling or approaching a business owner out of the blue (door to door). Some are even afraid to send an email and make that first contact themselves. They prefer to place ads and have the business owners call them. But that's only going to work in a small number of cases. Most of the time you DO need to make the first move, even if it's with someone you're already doing business with as a customer.

                        The OP's suggestion is a wonderful one for people who don't want to do cold calling or door to door and who aren't afraid to send out an email. And I can just imagine that it works brilliantly. I'm going to give it a go myself the next time I'm looking for a new offline client.
                        Do note that if you sent me an email from what the OP suggested, I would fill out every mortgage/workfromhome/auto loan form I can find with your phone number on it for the next hour.
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                  • Profile picture of the author Aaron Doud
                    Originally Posted by Norbi View Post

                    I was assuming this thread is an email to the DM. I think it really depends on your industry, but I try to accomodate the person I am trying to reach. I literally have one client who I have never talked to, never met, and have been doing business with him for 18 months strictly through email.
                    I actually sold to a group in Denmark 100% via email and this was for a high end fifth wheel. Sometimes email works best.
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                    • Profile picture of the author Norbi
                      Originally Posted by Aaron Doud View Post

                      I actually sold to a group in Denmark 100% via email and this was for a high end fifth wheel. Sometimes email works best.
                      Its amazing. If you tailor so your client feels comfortable you will close more sales. I actually have closed two deals through SMS. Yes, thats right. One client called me, couldnt speak with him. Never got him on the phone. One day when following up, he texted me saying "Sorry couldn't answer your phone, was busy with something." One thing lead to another through text messages, and ultimately I ended up doing a full presentation through sms.
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  • Profile picture of the author linaO
    HypeText, I agree. That's an awesome opening!
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  • Profile picture of the author akazo
    To each their own, I guess. You may get callbacks but the business owners are going to think you are a scammer when you start your sales pitch. I know I would...
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    • Profile picture of the author Jason Kanigan
      Originally Posted by akazo View Post

      To each their own, I guess. You may get callbacks but the business owners are going to think you are a scammer when you start your sales pitch. I know I would...
      When they ask, "What's this about?", here's how you respond:

      "I appreciate the question. Let me take a quick minute, and I'll tell you why I emailed you. Then you can decide if we should keep talking. Sound fair?"

      When they say to go ahead, then you deliver your 30 second commercial.
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      • Profile picture of the author jphilips
        Originally Posted by kaniganj View Post

        When they ask, "What's this about?", here's how you respond:

        "I appreciate the question. Let me take a quick minute, and I'll tell you why I emailed you. Then you can decide if we should keep talking. Sound fair?"

        When they say to go ahead, then you deliver your 30 second commercial.
        I am sure this works for you, but to me this is just too slick. When someone comes on to me like that my guard goes up and I am starting to shut down because I know the sales pitch is coming. Any thoughts on how to mitigate the natural reaction of the other party to immediately shut the window before my fingers get smashed?
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        • Profile picture of the author xlfutur1
          Originally Posted by jphilips View Post

          I am sure this works for you, but to me this is just too slick. When someone comes on to me like that my guard goes up and I am starting to shut down because I know the sales pitch is coming. Any thoughts on how to mitigate the natural reaction of the other party to immediately shut the window before my fingers get smashed?
          Then don't give them a sales pitch. Give them some knowledge and advice for free that will help them in their business. Just make like you stumbled across their business and you have some ideas that will help them make more money. If they vibe you for that, its their loss. Next.
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    • Profile picture of the author HypeText
      Originally Posted by akazo View Post

      To each their own, I guess. You may get callbacks but the business owners are going to think you are a scammer when you start your sales pitch. I know I would...
      In over 20 years of using this I have never had even one business owner react negatively.

      When they call me back I tell them who I am and what I do right out of the gate...

      After all my message did say I had suggestions for them.

      There is no deception...
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  • Profile picture of the author billmat
    Just the great amount of details.
    Thank a lot for this article.
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  • Profile picture of the author linaO
    Kaniganj, great point, which is exactly what I do.

    The email may appear misleading but that's why I don't say something like "I have a question about your services" or "I have a couple questions about..." because I want to keep the curiosity factor up and "rope" them in.

    I find if they email me back wanting further information, than I put my "marketing" hat on and try to gain their attention in this way.

    Till this day, whether they've called or emailed, I haven't had a pissed off biz owner yet (knockin' on wood)!
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    • Profile picture of the author 512 Designs
      I listened to a webinar a while back and the basic point was....

      Mice do only two things in life. Avoid cats and find cheese.

      So if your customer is the mouse, you don't want to be the cat (an obvious salesperson).

      You want to be the cheese (tempt them with an email or phone call and get them to contact you).

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  • Profile picture of the author marketman007
    hi lina and everyone else,

    i swear this is my only ( almost only) weakness, calling and sales. i could practice this for a year, and over time i would get better, but a successfull business owner, should know there strengths and weakness. i am good at doing the IM, building process, systems, products and teams, strategy, but terrible at sales. this is why i have been working hard at finding someone, or some system for someone else to do this.

    hence i am working elance and serviceseeking.com.au.

    even then, where people are after web, or seo, the sales is not great...even with the great brand i have ( websitedesigner-sydney.com.au ) with all the credibility, proof and documentation, sales is slow.



    at the moment, the market in sydney australia, is hard indeed.. the GFC finally hit here.
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  • Profile picture of the author wrench
    People use different techniques to apply the SAME PRINCIPALS. In this case its either giving value or NOT giving value.

    You will NEVER out sell a person thats giving value before initial contact when you are only trying to give value at initial contact. The amount of data that proves this method has been around for HUNDREDS of years. Just because it "works" doesn't mean something couldn't work far better.
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  • Profile picture of the author BarbaraP
    Good suggestions and comments on this thread. Since you threw cold water on other Warriors' ideas, wrench, what's worked for you in getting a prospect's attention?

    I look at their site (check it on mobile), FB, Ggl Places, reviews, YP dinosaur ads. Then DM perceives me as genuine, interested, not just selling. A few minutes looking, jump starts my Know Like Trust whether starting on on phone, in person, direct response or email with prospect. Whether they bite or not, I have competitive advantage info for the next prospect in that segment.

    A little research puts you in "consultant/advisor" category and leaves others as the hard selling commission/sales quota goal-chasers that no biz owner likes.
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    • Profile picture of the author Norbi
      Originally Posted by BarbaraP View Post

      Good suggestions and comments on this thread. Since you threw cold water on other Warriors' ideas, wrench, what's worked for you in getting a prospect's attention?

      I look at their site (check it on mobile), FB, Ggl Places, reviews, YP dinosaur ads. Then DM perceives me as genuine, interested, not just selling. A few minutes looking, jump starts my Know Like Trust whether starting on on phone, in person, direct response or email with prospect. Whether they bite or not, I have competitive advantage info for the next prospect in that segment.

      A little research puts you in "consultant/advisor" category and leaves others as the hard selling commission/sales quota goal-chasers that no biz owner likes.
      I think you nailed it on head. While I can't speak for Wrench, that is essentially what I do. I will also read articles about my businesses. Most business have been in articles in local newspapers. I definitely consider myself more "consultant/advisor" than a sales person.

      Honestly, what I have heard from my own clients, is several common things - persistence, knowledge, and being genuine. I showed up to a clients establishment unannounced, while he was being pitched for another product. He looked at the sales people, and said "Look at this guy, while I hate what his industry does, this sales person took the time to invest learning about me, he is probably one of the most knowledge people in that industry, and actually cared about me. That is why I work with him." It put a smile on my face.

      Persistence is key though. You can not let the first "no" scare you. You have consistently follow up. That same client on my first visit said "I wish I could create an association to ban your product." Eventually you will find yourself in the right place at the right time. On that note, I am guilty sometimes of not enough follow up myself. I have seen prospects which I felt could break end up working with other companies because I didn't follow up enough.

      For me, I strongly believe in what most sales trainer/professionals say. They do not buy the product, they buy the sales person. With that being said, I do my best to ensure I can build a rapport. I will find ANYTHING to grasp to build that rapport.

      And to conclude with something more on topic, I have even end emails with "P.S. I was on your facebook, saw your support for XYZ. I honestly love that, they are truly a great organization because of what they do for ABC."
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      • Profile picture of the author kenmichaels
        Originally Posted by Norbi View Post


        For me, I strongly believe in what most sales trainer/professionals say. They do not buy the product, they buy the sales person. "

        That is always the case. Period. Regardless of niche or cost.

        When people finally learn that, they break a barrier the never even new existed, and sales go through the roof.
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        Selling Ain't for Sissies!
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      • Profile picture of the author wrench
        Originally Posted by Norbi View Post

        For me, I strongly believe in what most sales trainer/professionals say. They do not buy the product, they buy the sales person. With that being said, I do my best to ensure I can build a rapport. I will find ANYTHING to grasp to build that rapport.
        The first time someone buys from you its because they need what you have, the second time its because they like you.

        I always keep that in mind as well.
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  • Profile picture of the author Bayo
    You are a freak of nature if you love cold-calling, but if it works for you...

    Interesting perspective and I agree that buyers invest in the person and the promise being made.

    Personally not a fan or evangelist of cold-calling because it's akin to 'spray and pray' and is a numbers game, but, maybe some people have a secret to it that's effective for them.

    A cold call is still a cold call and not welcome by the average business person, including us local business marketers.

    BAYO
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  • Profile picture of the author wrench
    All the time and effort you spend on cold calling/email spam, if you spent HALF that on

    1. figure out who your IDEAL client is, NO its not every business! if it is your business model needs to be changed.
    2. connect with people who are ALREADY - Known, Liked, And Trusted by your ideal client and sell THEM on your product idea that will legitimately help businesses.

    Example: You sell ONE commercial insurance agent on the idea of how your product can greatly benefit all his clients in this "bad economy", you've just made enough money that you can quit your 9-5 and start doing this full time.

    I'm sure my comment just made 50 people start spamming all the commercial insurance agents with:

    "Hey, Its John! From high school, give me a call cause i'm back in town 555-555-5555"
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  • Profile picture of the author xlfutur1
    Wow, this is so simple I can't believe I never thought of it before.

    When they call back, you could simply let them know that you are an internet marketer and you have a number of tips and strategies available for them to help increase their sales and profits in 2012. So don't even pitch them on anything, just give away some great information on what you know that will help them in their business. Everyone here knows a bunch of stuff that will help business owners.

    Get their email address and then email them the information. Thanks for the tip! This is a great way to turn anyone into a warm prospect with one simple email. The fact that they contacted you by phone shows that they are interested in getting more business.
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  • Profile picture of the author cbuckley00
    For those that have tried this, please post your statistics.

    How many emails:How many responses:How many sales
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